Lamenting the Decline in Literacy? The Church Can Help

The Banner, By Karen Swallow Prior, on December 20, 2024

https://www.thebanner.org/columns/2024/12/lamenting-the-decline-in-literacy-the-church-can-help

The discussion critically examines the church's role in promoting literacy, questioning whether it serves as genuine philanthropy or a veiled form of manipulation. Tracy highlights that churches often offer basic needs like shelter or food but with conditions tied to religious participation, which can marginalize vulnerable groups such as LGBTQ+ youth. Similarly, offering literacy programs may mask an agenda to foster biblical literacy rather than comprehensive reading skills. Helen acknowledges that while literacy is important, churches stepping in where the education system fails can lead to biased learning. She argues that without critical analysis skills, participants may only learn to interpret the Bible through the church's lens, limiting independent thought. Stephen counters that any reading, even scripture, can spark critical thinking, potentially leading to questioning religious teachings. However, Tracy warns that focusing solely on the Bible restricts broader literacy development and may trap individuals in manipulated interpretations. The conversation concludes that while promoting literacy is inherently good, restricting it to religious texts can exploit individuals rather than empower them.

The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.2.3 featuring Jimmy Jr., Tracy Wilbert, Helen Greene, and Stephen Harder

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