Crucifix Drawing May Send 8-Year Old to Psych Ward

Associated Press reports that a 2^nd grader in Taunton, Mass. Was suspended and ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation after expressing his thoughts.

On December 2, 2009, a 2^nd grade teacher asked the class to draw something that reminded them of the Christmas holidays. One child drew someone on a cross. The figure appeared to look like Jesus, but when school officials questioned the boy, he said he drew himself on the cross. The boy's father says that his son was afraid of getting into trouble for drawing Jesus, so he said he drew himself. School officials also stated that they were concerned when the boy drew "X" symbols for the eyes. When I see cartoons or drawings, the "X" in place of the eyes usually symbolizes that the image is unconscious or deceased. The child was immediately suspended and ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

The child's father, Chester Johnson, believes that race is a factor and wants an apology from the school. The child does not have a history of violence and explained that the family recently took a trip to the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Attleboro to see crucification statues. He says, "When he seen the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross, that's what he drew. He liked that. That drew his eye."

So, if the teacher asked the students to use their imagination and draw a picture of what reminds them of the holidays, I imagine images of the cross come to mind quite a bit. Why is it so shocking that someone would think of a cross when Christmas is mentioned?

I don't believe that race was the issue. I do however, have 2 theories. The first is that perhaps the teacher does not believe in Christianity and was insulted by the image of our savior, Jesus Christ.

The second theory I have is if the teacher thought the child was drawing himself on the cross, then the teacher might have felt it was a cry for help, a drawing suggesting a death wish, or suicidal thoughts.

Whatever the reason, the child has now learned that he cannot worship Jesus without being persecuted. The boy already believed that he was getting in trouble for drawing Jesus. How sad that a little boy is afraid of drawing what is important to him. The boy's father also reported that his son is traumatized by the incident even though his father has reassured him that he hasn't done anything wrong. They are considering transferring the boy to another school.

What is next? Are schools now going to ban the wearing of a cross necklace or send all students who attend church to psychiatric hospitals? Will Christians soon be forced to undergo shock treatments to rid them of this "delusion"?

Would a child who drew a Wicca figure be treated as harshly? What if the child drew a picture of a Buddha or some other religious figure not associated with Christianity? I have a feeling that they would be given gold stars for their pictures.

We are entitled to Freedom of Religion under the Constitution, but it seems lately that there is a hidden code stating, "You may have Freedom of Religion as long as it's not Christianity". Women's rights could be next, or the freedom of working, living, and eating what we wish. This is only the beginning.

What a sad nation this is becoming.

Sources:

The Edwardsville Intelligencer: Mass. 2^nd-grader sent home for crucifix drawing , http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_JESUS_DRAWING?SITE=ILEDW&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT