Many reviewers call Shelby Knox an "unlikely advocate" for comprehensive sex education since she is a Southern Baptist, but I feel that the film and its heroine are the epitome of Christian values. Shelby a Southern Baptist by faith recognizes an issue of social justice in her community. She sees that people are suffering - suffering from unwanted pregnancy and misinformation about safe-sex and sexuality. Instead of sheepishly following the beliefs of her community, she stands strong against members of her community that threaten her and her sympathizers. Without stating it explicitly, Shelby recognizes that J.C. would not usher judgment upon the sexuality of young adults in her community in the way that her community leaders do. It's clear that her defiance is spiritually based and wise beyond her years. Although she is unsuccessfully in convincing her local school board to instate a comprehensive sex education program during her high school career, I know this film will influence change in hearts and minds across the U.S.
P.S. My favorite part of the movie is the fact that the ultra-conservative anti-sex ed school board member is brought down in controversy after a discovery that he had used the school computers on school time to proposition a coworker for sexual favors. I know that isn't super Christian of me to cast judgment back on him; I'm praying about it.
P.S. My favorite part of the movie is the fact that the ultra-conservative anti-sex ed school board member is brought down in controversy after a discovery that he had used the school computers on school time to proposition a coworker for sexual favors. I know that isn't super Christian of me to cast judgment back on him; I'm praying about it.