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Choices

Album: Gold Audio 04: FUN-damentals

Episode: 68

Lesson/Theme: Dealing with authority; standing up for your faith.

Bible Verse: Romans 14:23; 2 Timothy 1:7

Characters: Lucy, Connie, Whit

Writer: Phil Lollar

Sound Designer: Dave Arnold

Original Air Date: April 1, 1989

Last Air Date: April 10, 2008

Description:
Lucy receives the best and worst news of her academic career on the same afternoon. First, her teacher, Mr. Winthrop, informs her that she's been chosen to write a report that will be published in the Educator, a newspaper that goes to all of the teachers in the district. Lucy is excited-until she learns that the subject of her report is evolution. Lucy's Christian beliefs are at odds with this prevailing scientific theory. She asks if she can write about something else, but the report is also part of a class assignment, and thus a part of her grade. If she doesn't do the report, she fails the assignment. Lucy is cornered. That night at home, she relates the dilemma to her father, who leaves the decision up to Lucy. Dad says she's responsible enough to figure this one out for herself. He and her mother will support Lucy, whatever she decides to do. Lucy mulls the situation over and over in her mind. She even has a nightmare about it. Finally, on Sunday, she receives some spiritual guidance from Whit. He says the Bible teaches that if you believe in your heart that something is wrong, you shouldn't do it, because "everything that does not come from faith is sin" (Romans 14:23). Lucy makes up her mind. Monday at school, she gives Mr. Winthrop her decision: She's not writing the report. Mr. Winthrop is naturally disappointed and asks why. Lucy explains that her Christian beliefs conflict with the theory of evolution. She can't in good conscience write the report, even if that means she'll get a failing grade. Mr. Winthrop is impressed with her convictions and the courage she shows in living by them, so much so that he comes up with a solution: Write about evolution from a Christian perspective. Lucy agrees, and life returns to normal.

Questions:
Why was Lucy so opposed to writing the report? Did Lucy's dad do the right thing in letting Lucy make the decision about writing the report? Has anybody ever asked you to do something you didn't believe was right? How did you handle the situation? Did you pray about it?