mhaze,

I think that you misunderstand the points that Paul
was trying to make. Private schools of course are
allowed to teach their values. But when those values
cross the line and become teachings of division,
prejudice, hatred, and exclusion, - than we should
all be concerned. Private schools should not be given
a blank cheque. They also need to be held accountable.

I know from my own family experiences with Catholic
schools. They do need to be held to account. I see
nothing wrong with that. And it does not equate
to asking for accountability as something sinister or
be classified as ulterior motivation. Questioning is
after all supposed to be a vital part of our
educations systems and curriculumss. Not just blind
acceptance.

Dear Foxy,

When these values include young ladies wearing a cilice and whipping themselves with knotted ropes then it is pretty warped and needs to be as far away from a school as possible.

http://www.gettyimages.co.nz/detail/news-photo/cilice-or-barbed-wire-like-spiked-chain-made-to-be-worn-by-news-photo/600004894

Dear Steele,

Of course It's warped and most of us would recoil at the use
of this type of mortification.

Yet how many people are obsessed
with our bodies for health reasons, and/or beauty. Many people
go in for painful procedures such as cosmetic surgery,
botox, tattoos, body piercings, weight control, running,
training, memberships in health spas, teeth whitening, body-
building, and the list goes on.

The controversy over the use of these means of mortification
arises from the fact that they are intended to fortify the soul
rather than the body.

I read that in Opus Dei these are traditional (granted extreme)
means used by many saints in the church's histories. However,
I believe that you need permission to be allowed
to do that and only certain people are allowed to do it.

I don't think children and schools are involved.

Dear Foxy,

This was a young initiate under 20 who was interacting with even younger girls at the school daily hoping to recruit them to the order.

I hope you find the opportunity to watch the program, it is rather revealing.

Dear Steele,

I'll certainly be watching Four corners this evening.
It does sound horrific from what your saying. And
I would not want my grand-kids going to those kind
of schools.

I wonder what on earth has happened to a religion that's
supposed to be about love, inclusion, and the more
idealistic higher moral values in life. What has happened
to that church? This version seems very warped.

mhaze,

"Private schools are allowed to teach their philosophy. Parents fork out significant sums to have their kids taught the way they want. And in a relatively free society they are allowed to do so ..."

Point being, that if these extreme religious schools are allowed to exist, they should not be funded by the Australian taxpayer.

They can subsidise themselves ... how about that?