This week it was finally announced by the government that it would make by legislation the education of sex compulsory and without the exception of religious beliefs or parental intervention. Sex education is always seen as directed towards older children or those more mature so as to protect their innocence in their current plight. The issue of equality has become a matter of almost unrestrained and uncurtailed obsession, seeking to propergate and instil equality amongst all pertaining to sex and sexuality, and in pursuit of equality, sexuality (as far as the government is concerned) should be nurtured at an early age to our children.
Consequently, various communities who have championed the cause, have now supported government guidance in support of relationships and sex education (RSE) which will become compulsory in all schools from September 2020. However, there has been much backlash and opposition to this from religious bodies, social bodies and parents alike.
Parkfield Community School, in Birmingham, came under attack by Christian and Muslim parents when the school decided to teach about same-sex relationships to primary school aged children. The issue of sexuality is no longer binary but has become a complex milieu of descriptions and definitions, which for many is simply too complicated and complex for adults, let alone young children.
The Church is faced with the challenge of a changing society with the backdrop of an unchanging Word. In Matthew 19:14 we read, Jesus, however, said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them; for it is to those who are childlike that the Kingdom of the Heavens belongs.” Instead of pointing our young children towards sexuality, it should be our endeavour to point them to the creator of our sexuality which is God. Whilst communities may champion the cause of equality and inclusion, the question remains as to what type of generation does an overtly
Therefore, let us pray, not for more knowledge but for wisdom and more wisdom, so that we can make good and wise decisions. Regardless of which side of the fence we may be located, we must accept that whatever we teach and instil in our children today, will impact our future world, whether for the best or worse.