Responsible parenthood

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 261, 1 November 1988, Page 4

Responsible parenthood

Many people in the Waimarino district would have seen on television a while ago an interview on Frontline with guests Geoffery Palmer and Paul East. The issue under discussion was how to deal with the increasing crime and violence in our society.

It was pleasing to see both sides of Parliament prepared to put aside political "point scoring" and to work together to endeavour to find a solution. It highlights t h e deep concern of the great majority of people in our nation to establish a society in which everybody, 1 whatever their age, race or status can live in harmony with one another, free from antagoriism and violation of their rights, dignity and person. Interestingly, both speakers, influenced no doubt by the Roper Report, sought to reil solve this burning is-

sue by finding its cure in the essential nurturing of children at an early age through proper education etc. I believe that what they were meaning without spelling it out was parental responsibility. Now that is certainly getting closer to the root cause of the problem. It is not something any government can solve, it is; a social problem which must be tackled at the heart of society - the home. Thank God for so great a number of good Christian homes and hats off to so many great fathers and mothers, but I fear there are not enough of

them in our land. When one reads of the unfortunate street kids living under bridges and in other dire circumstances, one wonders what went wrong at home, or was it a home? How Christian was it? Did the parents have any church affiliation? Were they part of a Sunday worshipping community? Were the children bereft of any spiritual values? We cannot blame the young people who commit crime and violence before we face and answer this basic question. Have they been imbued with the necessary sense of awe and reverence for God? Have they been trained in the true spirit of religion? If it is not born in them in their homes it will not be part of their lives nor will they have any baTurn page 13

Responsible parents

From page 4 sis for reverence for the personal dignity of .other people. I believe you can call that courtesy. The great writer Chesterton summed it up when he said "in my walks it did seem to me, that the grace of God dwells in courtesy". Our young people are our priceless heritage. I love them, you love them and above all God loves them. They are the nation of tomorrow and our nation will be what they are. Centuries ago, people asked a question about a little child, John the Baptist. "What will this child turn out to be?" What our children of tomorrow will turn out to be will depend on the Christian quality of our homes. Love them, care for them, but above all, place a deep love and reverence for God in their souls. How? By a living example of practical Christianity. You can only put the ball a t

their feet. Then you have done your part. It's up to them to score the goal. May God bless you all in your noble vocation as responsible parents.

Fr.

J.R.

Aitken S.M.