One True Way - GH Library Books
I would describe myself as a Jesus Follower. Therefore, I don't follow what our world says is true unless it lines up with God's words in the Bible. This is very important to hear and understand because of what I am about to share. God created us all with a free will, and everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I do believe that God has the final say since He created us. Please know that if you disagree with me, I will love you as you are.
The book I am reporting on is called One True Way by Shannon Hitchcock, found in the Grand Haven Area Public School libraries at Lakeshore Middle School, Grand Haven High School, and Central High School. In the book jacket it reads...
“Allie and Sam are classmates at Daniel Boone Middle School. Allie and Sam are friends. Allie and Sam are girls. Allie and Sam are falling for each other.”
Here are three things clearly imparted to any child reading this book.
1. Gay people are loving and wonderful.
2. Christians are unloving, awful people.
3. The way scripture is quoted, the author makes a strong argument that your parents are not open minded and misinterpret what the Bible says. This book has a clear agenda to undo what many parents have taught.
For example...
Sam hates her church, which is the title of the book, "One True Way." The kids agree that every person has to find their OWN true way.
Here is an example conversation between the girls and Allie’s minister Reverend Walker, a person with flexible interpretations of Jesus.
Reverend Walker said, "For me the most important biblical passages are pertaining to Jesus. He never mentioned homosexuality, not even once." "But is it a sin or not?" I persisted. "My church says it is," Reverend Walker answered, "but my church also tells me to read the Bible and pray for discernment." On the way out the door, Reverend Walker added the most important thing. "Girls, I searched my own heart, and I don't believe homosexuals are an abomination of any kind." That one sentence made the whole trip worth it!
In the above exchange, the author implies Sam’s church is close-minded and intolerant. This undermines the relationship between Sam and her church as well as between Sam and her mother.
Sam’s mother speaks of the lesbian coach at school.
"She's a pervert. Her lifestyle is disgusting. Like she's an abomination, that's what she is!"
The author portrays Sam’s mother as an ignorant bigot which again works to undermine the relationship between Sam and her church as well as the parent-child relationship.
Contrast that with the lesbian coach's words about Sam’s mother.
"Sam's mom believes in the teaching at One True Way. She thinks Sam's feelings are sinful. I was raised in a home like that. It took me years to get past it. I was grateful my church had a gentler way of interpreting the Bible than Sam's."
In this quote the author is showing that it is common for Christian children to grow up with bigoted parents, and it is better for them to find wisdom and guidance outside their families.
Whether you object to the content or not, it's easy to see how this author is painting Christianity and the family structure in a bad light. The author knows full well what a lot of parents believe and goes out of her way to instill a belief in children that their parents are wrong. Additionally, the author’s misrepresentation of Scripture is confusing.
Yes, I believe with the majority of parents that pornographic books should be banned from any school Library. I also understand that some parents would have NO issues with what I shared and may be even excited to have their child read this book. But I am not alone in NOT wanting my children to read this, and do not think it unreasonable that books of this nature should require parental consent to be checked out.