In psychologist Dr. Henry Cloud’s best-seller, Boundaries, he says boundaries are essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle because boundaries define who we are and who we are not.

When it comes to sex education in our schools, it would seem that parents must set healthy boundaries concerning what is taught — because school boards, teachers, and legislators may not. This week, a sex-ed bill deceptively titled “An Act Relative to Healthy Youth” passed the Massachusetts Senate. Hopefully it won’t see the light of day when it gets to the House.

This bill (S 2399) would require that every public school in the state use curriculum put out by Planned Parenthood that actually encourages students to engage in sex — and the type of sex that would make most parents cringe (no exaggeration!). The curriculum is called “Get Real,” and you can check it out here (WARNING – GRAPHIC). We don’t want this in Rhode Island, but Planned Parenthood does!

Martin Luther King Jr.’s statement certainly applies here: “The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state. It must be the guide and the critic of the state, and never its tool. If the church does not recapture its prophetic zeal, it will become an irrelevant social club without moral or spiritual authority.”

There are many arenas where the church needs to exercise the role of conscience, and public schools is definitely one. If we want our children to experience an education that includes moral values, parents had better pay attention and be engaged.

Abby Johnson knows both sides of this issue. She was a rising star in Planned Parenthood, but all of that changed when she was asked to assist with an ultrasound-guided abortion. She watched in horror as a preborn baby (at 13 weeks in the womb) fought for, and ultimately lost, its life at the hand of the abortionist.

I heard Abby speak in Providence and never forgot what she said: “Planned Parenthood’s objective is to lower your child’s sense of modesty so they will engage in sex.” And the “Get Real” curriculum will do just that. As someone has said, it’s “the perfect business plan for lifelong customers.”

Thank God there are Rhode Island legislators who do want to set boundaries to protect public school students, and Family Policy Alliance is helping in that effort. The Apostle Paul encourages us to pray for those in authority that we might live in peace. The days we are living in demand it. It’s the only way that God will be glorified, religious freedom will flourish, families will thrive and life will be cherished in Rhode Island.

 

David Aucoin is the Chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Advisors for the Family Policy Alliance.