Once again I am shocked at how much better things went today. It was so radically different from the stressful disasters of yesterday afternoon. I had IIA for two back-to-back periods and established, for the most part, their general level. Iaa was an absolute dream—those kids really want to learn English. IB was great too—they put forth effort, which is all anyone can ask of them. Instead of being frustrated and tired, I am excited and tired. I lok forward to working with them tomorrow.
Danuta and I ate lunch with the priest who teaches at the school. He is a nice guy, eager to laugh. I like him. I wish my Polish was good enough to discuss matters of religion with him.
Yesterday, as VI was rushing from the classroom, they all folded their hands in prayer and, in unison, said a quick prayer to the crucifix hanging above me at the front of the room. it was surreal and a bit sad—more mindless religious automatons. I hope these kids question things at some point, though it seems doubtful, at best.
An interesting observation I had this morning: Religion is like dancing—without the music, it looks stupid. When I look at the average Christian believer, it is like watching people dance from a sound-proof both. It makes no sense, for I have great reservations about the existence of the god to which they are praying.
I wish I was back at King on a full-time basis: I would be much more outspoken about my new ideas. I am sure I would get a chilly reception from most people.
When I look back at my beliefs in the past I am struck by their incredible ambiguity. (“Give me ambiguity or give me something else.”) If I had been quizzed as a teenager, “Do you believe in Christ? Do you believe in the nature of his existence and sacrifice?” I would have not known how to answer beyond the shrug of my shoulders. This is especially true when you consider the Jewish nature of the old WCG. I did not even consider myself an Christian then, not in the broader sense of the word.