kids and religion
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Topic: kids and religion
Posted By: lizzle
Subject: kids and religion
Date Posted: 24 February 2008 at 8:01am
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Working at a religious school has really made me think about a few things. Firstly, i am not a religious person and believe what you believe in is deeply personal. Besides people at owrk, I don't really know anyone who goes regulary to church.
Anyway, was talking to my class and ALL of the kids go to church, and what I found more surprising - they all love it and would ALL go, even if their parents didn't. I grew up in Taumarunui and went to the local high school - very much going to church and enjoying it is a foreign concept to me. the kids in my class can be naughty, but it's more cause of their age and development, rather than a vindictiveness or nastiness on their part and I've been thinking - thats what I want jake and Taine to turn out like. So am seriously considering going to church with them. BUT am also tossing up whether I am only thinking this because I'm at the school. Next year if I change, will Is till feel the same way? (oh yeah, to work at the school permanently I must "embrace the special character of the school" - i take this to mean "go to church") And if there is anything I do believe about God it is that he wouldn't appreciate me going to church to merely become employed. i don't know - am really pondering all of this. I was thinking about stuff over xmas as I don't like how commercialised it has become and how the religious aspect has been lost - but am trying to teach the boys it is more about being with family. Oh i don't knwo. What do you do with your kids? does religion play a big part in the way you bring them up? And for those of you with faith - how do you know?? Is it something you really believe in, or just a habit? Oh yeah, hope I'm not offending people, but am truely curious |
Replies:
Posted By: AliaDawn
Date Posted: 24 February 2008 at 8:14am
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I would never consider going to church, though I would be ok with sending my kids to a school like that (though maybe not primary - I don't want them brainwashed!) IMO everyone should be able to grow up and decide for themselves what religion if any they should be a part of - not being told that "this religion" is right from when they're too young to judge for themselves. -------------  
 
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Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 24 February 2008 at 8:26am
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I'm the same Lizzle, I have absolutely not religion in my life but I'm really interested and want to go to church just to see, but then I'm not sure if thats what its all about. I like the whole concept of everyone helping each other out and think I believe but I don't know enough about it IYKWIM.
I don't want to force something on the kids but wouldn't mind them having some sort of religion in their lives, if they chose not to continue with it when their older than thats totally up to them. |
Posted By: Jennz
Date Posted: 24 February 2008 at 8:36am
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I can't remember the exact figure but its something like 90-95% of all children will grow up to embrace the same faith of their parents eg the one that they were raised with. So I think its an incredibly important decision- good on you for giving it some serious thought.
I love the saying "There is no such thing as a Christian/Muslim/Athiest/Jewish (insert belief system here) child- just a child raised by Christian/Muslim/Athiest... Parents". DH and I are both Athiests and will raise the girls with our beliefs. We are already teaching them about evolution but also explain about other peoples beliefs in a way as to hopefully not influence them so they can come to their own choices when the time comes. I believe that religion and morality are mutually exclusive- I know right from wrong, as will my girls. ------------- Jen, Charlotte 7 & Kate 3 
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Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 24 February 2008 at 8:51am
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The only way to decide Lizzle is to go along and find out, if its not for you then you'll know.
In my experience christian churches are very welcoming and open and you might enjoy it. I went to catholic school for all my education and not all of my teachers were catholic. "by embracing the special character of the school" doesn't mean you have to be converted. There are always a large number of non-religious parents sending their children to religious schools so there must be some benefit from it. Church has changed a lot in the last few years and is more a sense of community than a forced doctorine. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">   [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: miss
Date Posted: 24 February 2008 at 9:45am
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Well we were sent to church and sunday school as children, even though our parents didn't have religious beliefs as they felt that they could talka botu evolution etc, sunday school could talk about god and we could make up our own minds. I have flitted between the 2 and would say that now I am agnostic.
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Posted By: linda
Date Posted: 24 February 2008 at 12:54pm
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I was raised as a catholic and went to a Catholic School from Primary School to College. I consider myself religious but don't think I have to go to church ever week to be 'religious'.
We have Harry going to a Catholic School and I did struggle with that a bit. We have a decil 10 school two minutes walk from our house so would have been really ideal but a part of me wanted him to have some kind of 'introduction' to religion and wanted that to be at Primary School. He hasn't started, and I wonder if I have made the right decision as the school is not in our community so he may miss out on some local friends but I'm sure it will sort itself out. Maybe when Harry goes to school we will start going to Church but not 100% sure about that, we will see |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 24 February 2008 at 1:01pm
| Both DH and I grow up in religious families niether of us now go to chuch, Im going to let the boys deiced if church is for them, we'll support them either way |
Posted By: 11111
Date Posted: 24 February 2008 at 5:13pm
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Ok so from someone that does go to church I guess all I can say is nothing ventured nothing gained if you really intreasted maybe check some out there are some pretty good ones in Palmy jsut be aware the first one you try might not be your cup of tea so try more then one. we really arn't scary people as some people might think most of us and I use this term looslely are pertty normal people who just happen to be christain's. ------------- Deborah Mum to:   
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Posted By: Kallie
Date Posted: 24 February 2008 at 6:10pm
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As a child i was taken to a cathloic church and i hated it , as it just seemed so routine and it never really meant anything.
Now however, i got to City Impact church morning and night on a sunday and i absolutly love it , And as for the all the kids they love it , they jump up and down during the music and have a great time then go out to Childrens Church (not sunday school!!) and do heaps of cool stuff , I can't wait for my bubs to be able to go!! Lizzle- not sure what part of nz ur in but if your in auckland i would definitly recommend city impact they also have churches in invercargill queenstown and balclutha, and in answer to the question is it just a habit? .. definitly not it is so much more. If you have any questions feel free to PM me ! Have a great night!! :) |
Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 24 February 2008 at 6:16pm
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I agree, go check it out...explore for yourself and see what you find. A good church will welcome both you and your questions with no problems.
If you are really curious then why not seek out an Alpha course? It is a non threatening way of learning about God and Jesus and it is all explained in simple terms. I highly recommend these courses! Chruches do differ so yes do check out several if you want to. But yes we have all changed a lot! (we have drums and electric guitars and stuff and even clap along to worship songs and all!!  )
I don't think it's any great secret that Maddie will be raised learning about our faith but it will be up to her to chose to follow Jesus. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Kels
Date Posted: 24 February 2008 at 7:36pm
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My children go to a catholic primary school and I am pretty sure they arent getting brainwashed! I am raising my kids in the catholic faith but they have also learnt about other religions as the Inlaws are a different faith and they have attended their church when staying out there. They know there are all different things out there and they dont necessarily have to stay catholic when they are older. I love the emphaises on family, community, and education within the catholic faith. Granted my kids are more naive than most but they are also have a great understanding of love, honesty and sincerity (sp?). I heart my kids primary!! BTW just to clarify I was no way meaning other schools dont offer all these great things either, I went to a public school myself. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
Busy mum to Miss 15yrs, Miss 10yrs and Master 4yrs |
Posted By: Andie
Date Posted: 24 February 2008 at 8:11pm
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DH and I are christian and belong to a local church, and we'll raise our kids with the faith that we believe in, and at the end of the day, Ella will choose what she wants out of life herself - so yes, we hope to influence her with christian beliefs, but she's of course free to make up her own mind, and she'll be influenced by the beliefs of other people in her life too, which is all fine and dandy (because I'm all for making religious choices rather than simply following the herd). I guess you could go to a church if you're interested, and if it's really not for you, just don't go back!! There's so many different kinds of christian churches and some people are really uncomfortable with some types of church but love others - maybe ask around to try and get an idea of which kind might be what you're after? (I can give you an idea of what ones in town have what style of service, if that helps). And if you visit one and don't like it, you don't have to go again the next week. But if you're after some info about the basics of christianity, the Alpha course that Paws mentioned is meant to be good for that (and apparently fun, I'm told). Some churches run them, some don't. ------------- Andie |
Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 24 February 2008 at 8:20pm
Don't forget the free meals or at least free dessert!! You do tend to have a pretty good time at them, depending on the group of course...I've attended a number of them as I've helped run them.  (and was in no way influenced to help out with the free meal!) ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Andie wrote:Posted By: fattartsrock
Date Posted: 24 February 2008 at 8:41pm
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I totally agree with the idea that you should let your children decide for themselves at some stage. I'm not overly religous, but I do have some beliefs and faith, and my children will be bought up in a "God Friendly" house, I have just last week started taking Jake to a Catholic Pre School, and I want them both to go to the school the pre school belongs to. I like the idea that the school backs up what we might teach them at home, and instills values etc that we would teach at home, but might be lacking at school.
I think faith in *something* is a nice thing to hold onto in bleak moments, and not everyone has faith in God, but most people have *something* that gets them throught he hard times. I want my Children to choose if they want to follow on with the grouding that we have given them, they might not choose to follow any of it, but I will ba happy knowing I gave them a choice. Am having trouble getting DH to commit to the whole baptism thing, but I will get my way, I always do. I find it kind of offensive that you might think religion at primary school is "brainwashing".... ------------- The Honest Un PC Parent of 2, usually stuck in the naughty corner! :P |
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 24 February 2008 at 8:41pm
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I'm a Christian too so we go to Church most Sundays but Christianity is a real part of our everyday lives and it is 'real' to us, not just 'habitual/religious' IYGWIM. We bring our girls along with us, I guess we would like to influence them but when they are older we'll be letting them make their own choice about it. If nothing else it's good practice for learning to participate in a service whether it be a wedding/funeral/etc. We usually stay in for the singing and take them out to children's program/creche for the sermon. They can be long for adults let alone kids who have already been on good behaviour (stayed in rows etc) for the singing half.
As for embracing the school's ... whatever the phrase was - I wouldn't take that as a dictation that you have to go to Church or be converted etc, I think it's more about how you are at work and that you're not standing in the way of whatever you have to teach that is 'religious school ish' but not your personal belief. I wouldn't have read it more than that. -------------  |
Posted By: fattartsrock
Date Posted: 24 February 2008 at 8:43pm
I should have read the posts properly, this is EXACTLY what I was gettingat, r.e the parochial schools vs secular schools thing. ------------- The Honest Un PC Parent of 2, usually stuck in the naughty corner! :P |
Posted By: FionaS
Date Posted: 24 February 2008 at 8:52pm
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Alpha is a good way to learn. I used to lead an Alpha course. Some of the larger churches have their own versions of intro to Christianity courses. Some people love Alpha and some find it a bit dry so just hunt around.
In most churches nowadays there is a big emphasis on giving kids/people the space to make their own decisions. It's great to teach them things and obviously they follow their parents lead when they are very little but they need to make their own decisions and choose their own personal faith. Christianity is all about a personal faith, kids just get basic info, and sunday school etc is mainly about fun. They decide if and when they are ready to make a personal decision. For me....it's not about religion, it is about faith...a personal and living relationship with Jesus Christ. It's not about a set of rules such as you must go to church or you must not do this or that. It is a combination of things. To start with, it is about using your head and learning but as with anything there is a point where you have to move beyond pure reasoning and have faith. e.g. in Christianity you have faith in God, in evolution you have "faith" in science and concepts such as the big bang etc. There is always an unknown element that goes beyond our human ability to understand. Faith is a reality in all our lives whether we recognise it or not. I was brought up in a Christain home but dropped away from it as a teenager. I randomly went back to church at 21 and haven't turned back. I regret the years I spent away from the church. There are several reasons for my faith: 1. I beleive the idea of a creator to be more acceptable (to me) than a random selection of chances. Our universe is amazingly intricate and I just don't see that THAT many chances...all the millions of things that have to be in perfect balance in order for us to be here can just be random. 2. After getting past the "head knowledge" stage I have had personal experiences (nothing freaky!!!) that make me know, beyond doubt that there is a God. 3. The Christian way of life makes sense to me. If everyone followed the 10 commandments for example imagine how wonderful our world would be! It would be so different from the way it is now. I could rant and rave about this bit but I won't LOL! I hope that answers your questions! I'm really useless at talking about all this! ------------- Mummy to Gabrielle and Ashley |
Posted By: mull3g
Date Posted: 24 February 2008 at 10:16pm
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As you can see from the other posts there are lots of different opinions so heres my 2 cents. My husband was brought up with church etc and takes our boys along because it teaches good values, is part of our community and I think he enjoys it. I wasn't brought up with it and can take it or leave it - sometimes church is interesting and thought provoking and other times pretty boring. I think it good for the kids to get an idea about it for them selves and do the foodbank and other donations. When they are older I expect they will be less keen and wonder why I don't go often and I will happily discuss this with them. Give it a try because you have nothing to lose and can change you mind at any time.
Oh and as to the school thing - usually it means you will follow the "party line" as such. |
Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 25 February 2008 at 7:52am
I love that you said that!! It's not about religion and that is a word I don't like...it is all about faith! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: newmum
Date Posted: 25 February 2008 at 8:14am
LOL, ooooh big topic to get started Liz!! 
This is a really mixed bag for me too! I was raised by total anarchist parents, my mum HATES church etc. so much so I wasn't allowed to play with christian kids as mum thought they would brainwash me and I was taken out of religious education at school too. Maybe because of this church/religion/christianity has always held n appeal to me! I think I like the community side of it and belonging somewhere, not so sure about the actual RELIGIOUS side of it as it is hard to get past what my parents have instilled in me 
Peter however, being Polish/German, was raised in a strict Roman Catholic family and due to this I agreed to marrying in a a church and having our children christened (Lily's is on the 8th of March in fact!) and because I like to do things properly we have started taking the kids to church, not every week, because sometimes life gets in the way and I will probably send the kids to the catholic primary school.
I think that if they learn the basics and have communion (at 8?) then they can still make the decision to take it or leave it later on, and it's not going to hurt them in the meantime ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: The_Stuarts
Date Posted: 25 February 2008 at 10:05am
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I'm curious to know, for those mums that want their kids to decide for themselves, will you take them to church at all? If not, how can they decide when you don't show them the options? Maybe you've already decided for them.
Both my DH and I are catholics but we were both a bit wild and neither of us went to church when we met. We started going again 7 years ago and for me going back to church was like going home again. It is a comfortable, comforting, friendly community. It wasn't until a few years ago that I started believing because I have faith rather than because it was what my parents taught me. One day I was in church praying that God would let me be pregnant and suddenly I felt with unbelievable certainty that I was. I went home and did a test to confirm it. I love church. It is our time to have some quiet reflection. Also we've just moved into a new neighbourhood and all of a sudden we know dozens of families in our area because we all go to church together. Michaela will be raised Catholic but if she later in life chooses that she doesn't want to attend church or that she wants to switch denominations that's fine. We'll support her whatever she decides and I'll be happy knowing that we've given her the opportunity to make her own 'educated' decision. ------------- http://lilypie.com">   http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Jennz
Date Posted: 25 February 2008 at 10:23am
I guess we are all really deciding for our children- short of taking them to a mosque, a synagogue, a catholic church service, a seventh day adventist service, a Buddhist temple etc etc it would be almost impossible to truly educate them about all their options. Personally if either of the girls ever ask about any faith we will tell them what we know- if they are still curious we will look into it further with them and if they want to go to church then thats something I would be happy for them to do. ------------- Jen, Charlotte 7 & Kate 3
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Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 25 February 2008 at 10:45am
In our case Maddie will be taught about God and Jesus and the Christian faith. She is already part of the kids Sunday School programme. However as is part of our faith she will need to be the one to conciously one day ask Jesus to be part of her life and she must be the one to chose to be baptised. We don't believe in infant baptisms. Our church has infant dedications instead where you (and the church family) promise to raise the child in the ways of Jesus. If after all Maddie has learned and we have demonstrated, still choses to investigate other options then that is out of our hands. We can teach her but we cannot force her to choose our faith. I hope that makes sense. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: BabyOnBoard
Date Posted: 25 February 2008 at 11:23am
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I want to raise Arabella as I was raised becasue IMHO it was the best way to be raised.. I'm not going to force anything down her throat but I do want her to know what I believe and why. . If she chooses not to accept it then that will be her perogative. . I just hope she does because I didn't and it has caused me some big consequences and heartache ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: LJsmum
Date Posted: 26 February 2008 at 7:16pm
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oohhh interesting topic We are christian/ catholic and are raising Luke in our faith. Just like Someone said earlier on in this post. Being Catholic/ chriatian believing in Jesus christ is a way of life, it's who we are. It's in everything we do, say and be.
I love church It's home, a sense of family, community and time to reflect on what's important to us as a family. I went to cathoilc schools and at college in religious class we learnt all about other regilions and faiths, beliefs.In a non judgemental way. I have also looked into other faiths and have friends of varying fatih beliefs. I will encourage Luke to do so as well to make his mind up when the time comes. But for now being Catholic is who we are. -------------  
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Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 26 February 2008 at 7:40pm
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My parents let us choose what we wanted to do and from school and friends we wanted to know what it was about. DH's dad is a catholic (but not a practising one) and really wants Andrew and Josh to go to the very local (like around the corner) catholic school. I however don't want the boys to go there. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: lizzle
Date Posted: 26 February 2008 at 8:11pm
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why not Becks?
Church people - do you believe everything that your religion believes in? It's just that with most religions it seems they have very strong opinions - as do I, but mine are the opposite. So how can I call mself a certain faith if I'm so opposed to something they are for - and vice versa (am talking evolution, homosexuality and abortion - for those who are getting confused) |
Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 26 February 2008 at 8:13pm
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Truthfully the cost puts me off, and I don't want religion pushed into my children without them wanting it done. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: BabyOnBoard
Date Posted: 26 February 2008 at 8:33pm
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At our local catholic school you get teased and bullied for being catholic and going to church . .
I do think it's a matter of whether I believe everything but rather I don't believe some peoples interpretation. . Nor do I agree with the way some people in the church act etc. . . But thats more personal opinion then anything else ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: lizzle
Date Posted: 26 February 2008 at 10:32pm
| see, at my school the kids LOVE church and get excited talking about it to each other. it seems to me like these kids are religious in everything they do - not just on sunday cause they have to. it's what got me thinking more - I did a practice at a religious school and the kids were anything but religious - sure they prayed, but outside this, didn't display values of christianity - like acceptance, self worth, etc. to me that just seems like paying lip-service. |
Posted By: The_Stuarts
Date Posted: 27 February 2008 at 8:10am
Yes and no. I am catholic and basically this means: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. On the third day he arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. From thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. When it comes to the faith aspect I am 100% with the church but when it comes to the catechism which is the rules set out by the papacy there are things that I understand the churches stance but I simply do not follow (eg. contraception, if I went with the church on this one Michaela wouldn't be an only child). But I do agree with the church on most topics. I am a big one for educating myself on all stances before I make a decision so I don't blindly follow what I'm told is right but I find out why the church says one thing, why others say another, what it means for me then I make a decision as to where I stand on the matter. I will teach my kids to do the same thing too. p.s. Shocked that kids are getting bullied for going to church. Hope the teachers are doing something about that. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: The_Stuarts
Date Posted: 27 February 2008 at 8:20am
This is true and within every church you have people who express their faith differently. My DH and I hate shove it down your throat I'm holier than thou Catholics (God bless them). I think that these people probably put a lot of others off going to church. I live my values and will talk about my faith vehemently if the subject is raised but many people are surprised when they find out we go to church every sunday and are active in running children's liturgy programs etc because we don't constantly preach. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Kallie
Date Posted: 27 February 2008 at 8:38am
The thing is most churches have different values and beliefs, so even though they all read and preach out of the bible the way they chose to interpret it can be really different. I totally believe in everything my church believes in and stands for , on the other hand there are other kinds of churches that i definitly dont! While our chuch doesnt agree or believe in the things you listed , we still respect and love anyone who does and definitly wouldnt go all preachy and get into an arguement about it ! |
Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 27 February 2008 at 9:33am
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Im just going to put my post as short as possible.
I believe in God,and love God, wouldn't call myself a christian though. I'll tell Caitlyn about my beliefs, but at the end of the day i will let her choose what she wants , or doesnt want to believe in . As long as she knows right from wrong, cares about others and mostly believes in HERSELF, i dont care what religion she is or isnt |
Posted By: The_Stuarts
Date Posted: 27 February 2008 at 9:44am
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Well said caitlynsmygirl! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 27 February 2008 at 9:50am
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thankyou....haha i dont have work till 2, caitlyn is at school and I want to have a nap, so thought I would keep it as short as possible lol
In answer to your previous question about taking them to church , she goes with my mum , but she chooses whether she wants to go that day or not, no biggy if she doesn't |
Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 27 February 2008 at 10:36am
Short answer is what she said! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Jay_R
Date Posted: 27 February 2008 at 10:48am
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Edited to add: This part is from The_Stuarts:
When it comes to the faith aspect I am 100% with the church but when it comes to the catechism which is the rules set out by the papacy there are things that I understand the churches stance but I simply do not follow (eg. contraception, if I went with the church on this one Michaela wouldn't be an only child). This part is from me: I've had this discussion with friends in the past - to me, if you are a certain faith then you really need to be accepting 100% of all the rules. Or else you're not really a true practicing member of that faith. You can't pick and choose what works for you and what doesn't. I agree that there are some parts of the Catholic faith which are harsh and outdated (contraception etc etc), which is why I am no longer a practicing Catholic, but I still feel that if you are a true Catholic then you must accept the catechism. This is just my opinion, and not intended to upset or anger anyone....
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Posted By: The_Stuarts
Date Posted: 27 February 2008 at 10:55am
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No offence taken
I guess the way I look at it is I went to a school with rules. I didn't follow all of those rules (and occasionally got caught) but was still part of the school. If I didn't follow the big rules then I'd get kicked out. Probably a bad analogy but I consider myself a practising Catholic and am proud of it. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Jay_R
Date Posted: 27 February 2008 at 10:59am
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But isn't not using contraception one of the "big rules" of Catholicism? Or have things changed since I last brushed up on my Catechism?
But I think your analogy re the school with rules is a good way of putting things. |
Posted By: The_Stuarts
Date Posted: 27 February 2008 at 11:14am
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Yeah, it is. The church believes that sex and procreation should not be separated and that those having sex should be open to creating new life. For that reason they don't believe in artificial forms of contraception but birth control methods such as natural family planning are ok.
nb. I would be happy to use the NFP method but my DH doesn't trust it "no glove no love" is his mantra. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: The_Stuarts
Date Posted: 27 February 2008 at 11:16am
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p.s. I'd be even happier not to be using anything birth control method at all. I'd love to be barefoot and preggers with a clan of little Stuarts running round my ankles. Still trying to convince DH though. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Jay_R
Date Posted: 27 February 2008 at 11:26am
Ah, there's a good Catholic girl 
Every sperm is sacred..... |
Posted By: Andie
Date Posted: 27 February 2008 at 1:42pm
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Man, this is an interesting topic, Liz! And I'm loving hearing people's thoughts on it. Someone mentioned being basically 'in' or 'out', either living by all the doctrine of your religion or not claiming to belong to a religion at all (sorry - I can't remember how you worded it but it was more eloquent than my attempt!). My two cents on that is that I sometimes wonder how much of the guilt people feel for not 'following the rules' is bought about by other people's opinions, not by the guidelines of their faith. Find me one perfectly good christian... just one, who follows every 'rule' and guideline and doesn't put a foot outside of the guidelines of their faith, and I'll be convinced that it's the "second coming" and Jesus himself is walking about on this earth! ------------- Andie |
Posted By: Andie
Date Posted: 27 February 2008 at 1:49pm
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...so either every person who calls themselves a christian is being two-faced about it, or christianity is a faith with room in it for us still to be only human. That's the way I see my faith. But there's people who like the simplicity and security or having rules to follow, and that works for some people. My conviction in my faith is strong, and it's based around a God who I believe loves us ALL dearly no matter what, and around wanting to treat others with the respect, dignity, honesty and compassion that Jesus treated people with. ------------- Andie |
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 27 February 2008 at 1:50pm
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I don't follow a religion or faith or whichever word you choose to use. I have been to church once in my life for a service and once for a funeral.
But one of my friends grew up in an extreme catholic home and the stories I've heard her tell me over the years amazes me. She was booted out of home at 16 for dating a guy who wasn't "catholic" enough for her family because they didn't want her to bring the wrath of god down on their family or some such rubbish. That's just one example of the nutty behaviour they forced upon her and her brother. They have disowned her for not following her religion to the letter. I really "dislike" people who do that type of thing to their kids and I'm not saying anyone on here does. We will let Daniel choose if and when he wants to. We aren't going to take him to church unless he specifically asks us to. |
Posted By: The_Stuarts
Date Posted: 27 February 2008 at 2:08pm
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Kebakat that's awful for your friend. Those are the type of people that put others off religion! and quite simply I think it shows that their hypocrits. Jesus taught us to treat others as we wish to be treated, to love thy neighbour and that there is only one who can judge us. As someone said earlier though people each interpret things differently.
My parents tried "tough love" on me and threatened to disown me when they found out I was dating my flatmate (now my DH who I've been with for 11 years) but backed down pretty quickly when they realised it wouldn't work on me. We still had issues over it for several years and it really hurt at the time especially when my dad said he wouldn't walk me down the eisle because he didn't agree with the way we'd been living prior to marriage (and they refused to put in any $$$ for our wedding even though they'd given both of my sisters $10k each and one of my sisters already had a child by a different man when she got married to her now ex-husband). That was awful but I also believe in forgiveness and turning the other cheek and I know my parents were only trying to do what they thought was right. We're really close now and my DH is easily the favourite SIL. p.s. I think that Faith is my relationship with God and my belief while Religion is the group, organisation or denomination I associate with. Even when I didn't go to church I still had faith. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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