Science Doesn't Require Faith!

Every couple of years it seems I have a conversation with a religious person about some scientific principle or theory. Now, I'm not a scientist myself, but I do enjoy learning about the world and what scientists have discovered and what they continue to find. And even when I was religious, I never equated "believing in science" with "beliving in God". I believed what science said, because I could really review the evidence for myself. I believed in God, well because I wanted too and had reasons for doing so that had everything to do with magical thinking regarding interesting coincidences in my personal life and a great amount of confirmation bias that caused me to only "see" the things that confirmed my faith and to ignore the things that contradicted it. Of course, I didn't see it that way at the time.

So I can't for the life of me understand why, when the topic of evolution comes up, religious people often end conversations on the topic of evolution vs. creationism with "well, you have faith in evolution and I have faith in creationism - it all comes down to faith." It doesn't.

Let me put it this way. I actually do think the bible defines faith quite well in Hebrews 11:1

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Faith is all about hope and a substitute for understanding the things that can't be seen. Science, on the other hand, can be described as this:

Science is the process of asking questions, and testing hypotheses through observation, experimentation, and data collection, which produces evidence to discover and explain what can be seen.

I really think that if science classes in primary and seconday school focused more on scientific process rather and memorization of scientific facts, people would see that scientific "facts" are grounded in observable evidence and do not need to just be taken on faith. Enough ranting for now.

In related news, the children's book Evolution: How We and All Living Things Came to Be by Daniel Loxton has been recognized as the Best Canadian Science Book for Young Readers. I highly recommend it!

Nine Months

Dear Boo Boo,

This month you are becoming quite the little mover. You haven't quite figured out crawling yet, but you are so close. Although, if you have someone to crawl over or up, you are quite proficient! You have also mastered push with your arms while on your belly, sending you backwards - much to your dismay! You are pulling up on everything, and even letting go with one hand, and quickly learning that you will fall if the other hand is tempted away from whatever you are keeping your balance on. Luckily you're a tough kid and bounce back quickly.

This month, Grandma finally wore me down and I cut your bangs so your hair wasn't always in your face and now you really do look like you're up to no good.



You are an adventurous eater and have taken to wanting to feed yourself when mealtimes come, no longer wanted mommy to spoon feed you. You really gobbled up the curry squash, tomato, chicken, rice dish we make - that was a mess!

You are staying up longer between naps now, but when you are really worn out, you like to really take it down a notch and relax.

And finally, we met up with our friends, Jordan and Kim, and their kids and took you camping in Drumheller. You did amazing in the tent and really it seems like we can take you anywhere and you are happy to oblige. Although this time you wanted Mommy in the backseat with you to play with and keep you company.

Love you so much!
Mom

Eight Months

Dear Boo Boo,

Time is speeding up. Eight months ago, the days and weeks moved past like a dream in slow motion - enjoying every minute of cuddling you, and caring for you, and those quiet night-time feedings while we listened to lullabies by Jewels, but always looking forward to the days when I could play and laugh with you. Those days are here now, we play, we laugh, we go places together and I get to see you become a little person with likes and dislikes. Your face lights up when you see people you love, and you shy away with strangers now, waiting to see if they can coax a smile from your lips. You love other children and get so excited when I bring you to the mixed age music class - I know you just want to get up and chase those kids and have fun with them. They love you too - and come to hold your hands and dance and sing for you - and you LOVE IT!

You have also discovered that you have a "friend" in the mirror. Oh how you get soooooooooo excited when you see yourself in the mirror. You have never been a baby who spontaneously laughs, you usually need someone to tickle you first, but earlier this month, while we were coming home from the store, we heard you laughing your head off, we turned to see what was so funny, and could see you in the backseat mirror waving and laughing at the baby in the mirror. It will be a few months before you realize it is you that you see - but I am glad that you like what you see. Since then we have spent more time in front of the mirrors in the house, and you always have a smile and wave for the baby in the mirror.

This month, you have mastered waving, and getting onto your hands and knees from a sitting position. You keep throwing your toys away from you and then challenging yourself to go get them, reaching further and further each time. You are creeping a bit on both your stomach and back. You get further on your back, on your stomach, you just mostly go in circles, but I know that you'll be crawling soon. You are also pulling up on everything you can get your hands on, which is kind of terrifying, as there have been a few spills, but they haven't left any marks....yet.



 Your daddy and I love you so much and we are so happy to have created a family with you. We are very happy and will do all that we can to remain so.

Love Mommy

Public Schools Introduce Anti-Discrimination Policy for GLBT Youth - Christian program doesn't like it

I've been following the news regarding Edmonton Public School Board's (EPSB) decision to create policy that would protect Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered (GLBT) youth from harrassment, discrimination and bullying at school. Unfortunately, in order to spin a story, the Edmonton Journal chose to focus not on why this policy is needed or how it will help and protect GLBT students, but instead on how the Christian LOGOS program are concerned that the policy "could have a significant, negative impact" on their programming.

With a little searching, I found a discussion document on why the EPSB decided they needed to develop this policy. The rationale for creating such a policy, outside of regular school anti-bullying policy, includes the following points:

1. research that shows that GLBT youth experience significantly more physical and sexual abuse and harrassment in school, have run away from home, have trouble with harmful substances, report more sucidal thoughts, and suicide attempts than their peers.
2. The Alberta Government was the first in Canada to name homophobic bullying as an education concern (surprisingly progressive for Alberta!), in addition all public funded schools in Alberta are legally mandated to provide discrimination-free educational environments
3. Courts are encouraging school to do more than just discipline bullies, but must also "address a pervasive school-wide culture of homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism."
4. And finally, and to me, most importantly

"Contemporary research demonstrates that vulnerable minority groups have needs and concerns that are seldom effectively addressed by broad “catch all” policies. (...) A specific LGBTT policy and accompanying regulations are necessary to help provide teachers and administrators with the necessary knowledge, strategies, and resources to create safe, caring, equitable, and inclusive learning environments for sexual minority students and employees. In addition, these policies also provide important support for heterosexual students who may come from same-sex parented families. Importantly, the development of specific policy and regulations will also create recommended actions and outcomes from which progress can be measured and evaluated. ... However and perhaps most importantly, as an invisible minority, a standalone policy visibly signals to the LGBTT community that they are a valued and respected part of our school communities.

At the end of the day, GLBTT students and students of GLBTT parents, experience bullying for very different reasons than heterosexual kids. It's often not an issue of just dealing with the class bully who is lashing out - but from overt and subtle discrimination and harrassment from many students, teachers, counsellors, and administrators. This kind of bullying, harrassment, and discrimination comes from a place of bigotry, fear, and homophobia: it is not the same as your run-of-the-mill school-yard bullying (although it can be that too). Teachers and students need different resources and training to deal with these issues to make school a safe place for GLBTT.

I would also venture to guess that GLBTT youth need these policies even more in a relgious enviroment. GLBTT youth who come from religious backgrounds often don't choose their schools - their parents do. Potentialy, these youth cannot get support or help with their feelings from their own family members who may believe that homosexuality is a choice and a sin - wouldn't it be nice if they could find support, help, and community at school - since they might not be getting it at home or church?

I am sad that the publically funded LOGOS program is more concerned about their teachers' rights to "freely [express] their Christian beliefs in the classroom" and thereby contribute to a homophobic culture than to protect the vulnerable youth that are certainly in their midst. Perhaps they can just focus on the many positive Christian beliefs they hold regarding love and charity - and keep their views on homosexuality to themselves in the classroom - leave those beliefs to be taught at church, in the political arena if you feel you must, and in your home. Maybe keep them from vulnerable children who are just trying to discover who they are and get comfortable in their own skin. Although, perhaps you might just choose to focus on your own sins, rather than the percieved sins of others, who may not share your view anyway.

My heart aches of GLBT youth - let's see if we can't help them make it through high school without being tormented - and everyone else too.

For a great opinion piece on this issue please see this.

Seven Months

Dear Boo Boo,

Last night you surprised us all. While playing with a fun toy at Grandma's you learned that in order to activate the mechanism that spins the wheels, you need to put a ball into a hole. Daddy showed you how it worked a couple of times and in no time, you were doing it yourself - you were sooooooo excited to make the toy work. Your fine motor skills are really picking up now! Another fun moment from last night, your Daddy was blowing your hair out of your eyes, which was making you laugh and then during the last "blow" you fell back. While we were all worried that you would cry - you smiled and laughed instead - ha ha - Daddy blew me down!!

I'm starting to enjoy dressing you up in girly clothes, and you look so adorable. Grandma and I picked out 4 new dresses for you yesterday, and I can't wait to bring you to a family wedding next month to show you off. You like playing with the skirts! And you really are such a pretty baby.

Oooh! Pretty!

This month, you have had some firsts - your bottom two front teeth are coming in - and as per usual, except for a couple of night wakings and a cranky day, you are handling it so, so well. We are able to see them when you smile now, that is, when you get your tongue out of the way, but haven't been able to catch them on camera yet.

You are also starting to wave and clap your hands together and life is getting so fun with you. You are also making strides towards crawling and can rock back and forth on hands and knees and sometimes try to pull up using some toys for leverage. Pretty soon, you'll be on the go - I better get baby-proofing!

Love,
Mom

Watch out! I'll be on the move soon!

Sometimes mom just doesn't understand the difference between tired and hungry.

Lessons from a Tiger Mom

A Review of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chau

A few months ago the blogosphere was ablaze with criticism of Amy Chau's parenting style, which she calls being a Chinese mother. While I agree with many of the arguments that Amy is harsh, demanding, strict, and controlling; upon reading her book, I quite was taken aback by how fiercely she loves her daughters and how much she believes in their talents and abilities.

Now don't get me wrong, I totally disagree with her reasoning that shaming a child when they displease you will motivate children to improve. In fact, she justifies shouting stinging insults because

The Chinese parent believes that their child will be strong enough to take the shaming and to improve from it. (And when Chinese kids do excel, there is plenty of ego-inflating parental praise lavished in the privacy of the home).

Amy points out the difference between a "Western" parent and a "Chinese" parent in this example

If the child comes home with a B on the test, some Western parents will still praise the child. Other Western parents will sit their child down and express disapproval, but they will be careful not to make their child feel inadequate or insecure and they will not call their child "stupid," "worthless," or "a disgrace." ...If a Chinese child gets a B ... there would first be a screaming, hair-tearing explosion. The devastated mother would then get dozens, maybe hundreds of practice tests and work through them with her child for as long as it takes to get the grade up to an A.

Now, I disagree with shaming a child, but I do believe Amy has a point here. Children are strong enough to hear the truth, I just think it can be done respectfully. If I think my child is capable of doing better, there is nothing wrong with telling her and then working with her to show her what she can really do. The part about this I really admire is the belief and willingness of a parent to devote time and energy to helping the child improve. It is not all about the child and the child's effort - the parent jumps in and makes sure the child has the resources, and more importantly, the practice to improve.

Don't get me wrong, there are many cringe-worthy moments in this book. Some of the language and tactics Amy uses to get her girls to practice their instruments, do well in school, and make the best birthday cards are way too harsh for my personality style; and I do think that that kind of speech can harm a child (and it passes on bad habits to children who often grow up and imitate their parents). I'm sure however, that we can take some lessons from a Tiger mom, who really was the most stirring example of a hard working, involved parent that believes in her kids that I've ever seen in my life. Plus, Amy is an awesome storyteller and her book is a good read - even if you will cringe at her parenting style - and you probably will.

Six Months

Dear Boo Boo,

You've come a long way in six months, baby! In short six months, you have gone from this

to this

You've reached that magical age of babyhood where smiles, giggles, laughs, babbling and playing are the epitome of baby cuteness and you bring joy to everyone who encounters you. We often go to Tim Horton`s to meet Grandma, Grandpa D, Great Auntie June and Uncle Ray for coffee and all their friends and many strangers come up to tell us what a good baby you are. You never cry there, and enjoy playing with a paper cup and having Grandma make you laugh while Grandpa D gets to make funny faces at you. You always have a big smile for Grandpa D.

You're eating habits have changed now that we have introduced you to solid food. Your favourites so far are banana, apple, mango, and peas. Sometimes you would rather just chow down on your bowl though!

Your Grandpa E. likes to come over some mornings to help me feed you. You melt his heart every time.

Grandma often reminds me that each baby is unique and personality traits displayed now will continue to become more apparent as you grow and that I should try to remember as much as possible from your baby days - and oh - I so want to remember every bit.

You are a very sweet-tempered baby - really only cranky when you`re tired, which you probably get from me. You are cautiously willing to try anything so far, all the food you`ve been presented with, the toys from the exersaucer to the jolly jumper, long car rides, etc. You are happy and seem to be content with your life - a quality I hope remains with you. You already have the ability to exercise patience, a trait you have probably received from your father who is the king of patience. You are very bright and curious as well, which is a common baby trait, but one I hope to nurture anyway.

Recently, you have become quite interested in people, particularly other children. Whenever you see another small person there is always a smile, a hand reaching out to connect, and a watchful gaze as you grasp that there are lots of little people in the world.

You`ve become more independent in the past few weeks, which is making it easier for me to get more done around the house, although you often find me at your side to play and laugh with you. You love patty cakes, and kisses behind your ear that make you laugh. You are sitting independently now and we have built you little play nests in the living room and office where you and sit and examine your toys.

You have also been trying to get into the conversation with shrieks, coos, and babbling of which na,na,na and da,da,da have become frequent. It's so adorable and a welcome addition to the cozy noises in our home.

Continue to grow, learn, and love.

Love
Mommy