How do I handle this.???

Aren't we mammals -- I thought we met the definition, but it's been a while.

Regardless, your son can disagree without being disagreeable. He can say, "I understand what you are saying." He can present his case understanding that he's not going to change the teacher's mind in any case. And since it's impertinant for a 4th grader to disagree (as in arguing) with the teacher, he's got a fine line to walk to stand his ground and appearing he's arguing. At some point, he's got to let it go and move on.

I have given answers on tests that I did not believe to be true but I knew that was what the text taught and the teacher wanted. Was I being dishonest? I don't think so. I was answering accurately based on the text.

 

Oooh, a kid who knows what he believes and sticks to it! :applause:

But, he need to understand that how scientists classify the living organizisms on this earth isn't a bad thing, not does it mean the teacher is teaching evolution (unless she is).

Here, classification is taught as classification and is apart from any evolution stuff. We are mammals simply because we are warm blooded and bear live young (no scales or eggs involved).

I'd keep it simple and tell him to give the teacher the benefit of the doubt before confronting her in front of the class. As Christians we must walk a fine line between upholding our beliefs and being disrespectful and obnoxious.

I tell my kids that their teachers are going to teach them things that we know better about. But, they need to know it anyway so they will be able to defend themselves when they are older. "The teacher says______, but we know who really_______ and Who is that? I get a chorus now when I ask that question.

 

What is it in the definition of a mammal that says that a mammal cannot be created in the image of God? It's been a long time since I was in school so I had to use Google, but I don't see a problem. Here's one definition:

I don't think there's any harm, if this is the definition of a mammal, in agreeing that we do fit the definition.

 

I believe we humans are still mammals, as that refers partially to how we feed our young (mammary). So he can agree that we are mammals, but that God created us in such a beautiful way that we can care for our young so well without any outside help. And He even knows us so well that he gave us baby teeth, so that by the time we learn to brush them well, we get a new set to practice with!

 

Welllllll

I pray that your son has an easier go of 4th grade than I did . . .

:wavey:

Might I suggest: "From a biological science perspective we are of the genus 'Homo Sapiens', but from God's perspective we are 'children of the Most High God'."

:thumbs:

 

If he is strong in his convictions, then I would recommend that he approach it this way in homework, classwork, and tests:

According to (Insert Source here), we are mammals. This does not compromise his belief and maintains his integrity without being obnoxious.

Joseph Botwinick

 

OK, what is there in the definition of "animal" that doesn't fit? Here's one definition:

Here's another:

Really, I don't think this is a scientist's way of saying that we are not created in the image of God.

But you are really asking a bigger question. First, he must be respectful. His teacher is in authority and respect must be given. Second, how did his teacher respond? Did she respect his beliefs? After that, I'd say it's up to you whether you want to talk to the teacher about it. This might be a good opportunity to speak to the teacher about what you believe, too. Maybe that's why this happened in the first place.

 

I pray that 4th grade is easier on him than it was on me . . .

:wavey:

 

God made us with mammal-type bodies. That has nothing to do with being created in the image of God, since, as Jesus told the woman at the well, God is spirit. These bodies are what we live in here and now, but we will have different bodies later.

In the meantime, the fact that God created us with mammal-type bodies is really a blessing, for we have the opportunity to study mammals and then know a little more about out own bodies when we do.

As far as God making the mountains, your son needs to understand that God used natural forces to do that, and that is what the teacher is asking about: which natural forces (did God use to ) make/made the mountains?

God bless.

 

Now there's a mother...


I agree with Joseph, I was similar to your kid and my dad had to explain there were other belief's in the world. He spoke of other religions, evolution etc....

Then told me even if I didn't believe them I had to know them to pass the class. He also taught me to never preach against something I don't understand. This made me want to learn other views so I could pick them apart... :laugh: :laugh:

 

I have no problem considering myself an animal . I do behave much like a bear whenever I'm trying to wake up...and much like a lion when someone tries to wake me. I drink water like a camel.

But seriously, I can still call humans animals--just animals created in the image of God. We are distinct from all other animals, but biologically speaking, I believe we are animals.

 

When I was teaching at the university, I had students who disagreed with me. My simple answer to them was this: You are entitled to disagree with me, providing you at least show that you understand what I taught, then give your own opinion, and you will receive full marks. I think this is the principle that most teachers work on.

No proper teacher will take exception to this type of answer on a test.

Also, on the net one can find just about any definition you want. One of the problems with the net.

Cheers,

Jim

 

LOL, smart kid!

 

Mammals?

I would tell my grandson how proud I am of him and explain that the scientific explaination is just that scientific not Gods explaination. He is human and not a mammal. Science puts us in the catagory of mammals. And that as he grows in the spirit he will grow in knowledge and strength. A child who loves God that much has had his strength given to him by God and his parents have nurtured that. Good Going Dad.:thumbsup:

 

I think he could respectfully tell the teacher that we are mammals in the scientific classification, but we are definitely not animals.

I provided my son with information on creation (after he was 9 since he was 9 when I was saved) so he could be prepared for evolution teachings. He was, and he did raise his hand and disagree with the teacher (this was in 8th grade and up). I did not tell him to do this - he just did it.

In English class in the 8th grade, they had to choose a topic for debate and my son chose to be on the con side of evolution (he wanted to do abortion but that was not on the list as the teacher said it was too controversial). The class voted after each team debated on which side had presented their case better. In a very liberal school in a very liberal area with very few Christians, the class voted for my son's presentation! (Okay, I do like to tell that story when I can!)

I think it's fine for your son to clarify where he stands when topics come up that relate to his faith. He can be taught to do this with respect. It will help prepare him for later on.

 

I take it your son is in public schools?

Andy