Last night in English class we were discussing of the meaning of the word peer. Taking my cues from Keith Folse's Great Writing 4, I defined peer as someone who is equal to you and proceeded to give examples. Teachers' peers are other teachers. Parents' peers are other parents. Etc. Then, trying to stretch this definition a bit, I said in church all the attendees are peers.
One of my students quickly posed this question, "But teacher, why are we peers in the church and then when we leave church we aren't all peers?"
Not wanting to let the moment pass, I invited the whole class to respond. The discussion that followed reminded me again of what an incredible opportunity I have to teach English class here in Haiti.
We talked about equality and submission to authority and ended with a bit of theology. "Teacher, I think that church is not a building. Church is in your heart, and wherever you go, you should take church with you."
The mayor chimed in, "The bible says we are supposed to love all people. And even if someone is not our peer we're supposed to love them and give them respect."
I'm sure I had a huge grin on my face the whole time my students were discussing this. I cannot hide how proud I am to hear their hearts and how excited I was that the definition of the word peer could provoke so profound and rich a discussion.
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