Oct
12
Written by:
Different Voice
10/12/2009 7:00 AM
One of the defining characteristics of progressive Christianity is its inclusiveness. Following Jesus’ example, we attempt to remember that God’s love is extended to everyone, regardless of gender, race, age, political affiliation, economic status, sexual orientation, intellectual ability or any other classification that we, as humans, use to describe ourselves. All means all. Finding resources that reinforce this message can sometimes be challenging. (See Questions to ask your curriculum to evaluate how your current curriculum measures up.) Today and tomorrow I will be sharing two excellent resources that are available for use by congregations and Sunday School teachers to encourage acceptance of persons with special needs.
Sometimes Smart is Good: A Veces Es Bueno Ser Listo by Dena Fox Luchsinger is a book that all children’s Sunday School teachers should read to their classes. As the title suggests, this is an English/Spanish bilingual book. The book begins by giving examples of times when “smart is good”, such as when we need the assistance of a veterinarian to care for our dog. Similar examples follow for times when “big and strong” and “talented” are good.
Then the book asks a question. “What is always good?” This question is answered using simple language and beautiful illustrations showing persons of varying abilities interacting with one another. “Kind is always good… Patient is always good…Doing your best is always good…”
My one disappointment with the book is that, although the illustrations include cultural diversity, this does not occur until later in the book. The first part of the book portrays Caucasians exclusively. I found this particularly interesting, since the book was written as a part of Proyecto Down, a series of programs designed to serve families in Monterrey, Mexico that are affected by developmental disabilities. (Although the subtitles are in Spanish, this video will give you a feel for Proyecto Down.)
In spite of this one oversight, I recommend that children’s Sunday School teachers read, Sometimes Smart is Good: A Veces Es Bueno Ser Listo to their classes to encourage acceptance of all. The closing message of the book is a reminder for God’s children of all ages, “Sometimes smart is good. Loving other people just because God made them is always good.”
~Sally Hoelscher