After watching the DATELINE program on TV last night, I got to thinking about my school days in Brooklyn, New York.
The program was on the plight of the Public Schools in Milwaukee. Frankly, it was depressing. Rowdiness and unacceptable behavior in halls and classrooms; disrespect for teachers; students punching and shoving each other; teachers patrolling halls and washrooms. It certainly didn't look like the environment in which the rhythm of teaching/learning can survive, much less thrive.
Anyway, I got reminiscing about my days at PS 113 in Brooklyn. Everybody was poor. It was the "DEPRESSION". Our shoes had holes in the soles more often than not, Classrooms were full to the max. But beyond these things, there was no resemblance to what appeared on TV last night.
Boys wore shirts and ties. Girls wore "middle" blouses with red neckerchiefs. No teachers patrolled halls and washrooms. Fighting was limited to once in a great while on the street. NEVER IN SCHOOL. The class day began with the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND PORTION OF A PSALM. Thursday morning we spent an hour in the auditorium listening to classical music, interspersed with information of the same. THIS WAS THE PUBLIC SCHOOL IN BROOKLYN.
What has created the difference between the 1930's and present? I'm certain there are many contributing factors. However, I think the issues addressed by the 4th Commandment are, somehow, part of the contribution, For the welfare of society, God has set His representatives in place. These include parents, teachers and many others. He desires these people to expect HONOR AND RESPECT. He desires CHILDREN/YOUTH TO GIVE IT. For Christians this is motivated by reverence and love for God.
Maybe that's a large part of the problem: God is not deemed to be in the mix anymore.