Shelby Knox is my new Hero!

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

I recorded The Education of Shelby Knox when it came on my local PBS station. Unfortunately (for me), it was a few weeks before I had time to sit down and watch this wonderful documentary.

I identified with Shelby immediately. We both were raised Southern Baptist, although I left that denomination once they took the vote on no women preachers (Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong must have been rolling in their graves over that one!). I also identified with Shelby answering the call to be an activist, something I am sure we both learned in years of Sunday School lessons on “the woman at the well” or “the Good Samaritan.” Shelby not only raised awareness about sex education issues in her community, but through this documentary to the nation as a whole.


I was so angry when Shelby’s youth pastor spoke to her about Christians and intolerance. When he stated that Christianity is the most intolerant religion I wanted to scream! Fortunately, Shelby saw through that. She seemed to realize that Christianity is about being “Christ Like” and if anyone was tolerant it was Jesus of Nazareth. I am saddened, and somewhat sickened, when fundamentalists wear their intolerance as a badge of pride.


I loved this movie for showing the hypocrisy of the “religious right”. I loved this movie for showing how someone like Shelby Knox can make a difference in their community and their schools. I loved this movie for the inspiration it can be to empower other young women in America. But, mostly I loved this movie for introducing me to my new hero—Shelby Knox!
posted by suzyjax on 7/13/2005 07:30:00 AM > 0 comments

[web-design by may] [customized by suzyjax]