religious issues vent

Sorry girls I just need to vent a moment...I'm having some issues with my MIL when it comes to religion. Both DH and I were raised and are practicing Catholics, not holy rollers, but we try to attend church at least more than once a month. DH's mom left the Catholic church and found another church where she feels more fulfilled when he was in his late teens. Since I met DH she's been trying to convert us. In the beginning I politely declined her constant invites to her church. After numerous invites, I did finally give in and attend a Christmas play, under the condition that if there were any attempts to convert me at any time I would walk out. Though my DH was convinced that I was just being paranoid, sure enough the play came to an end, and P.S. I had to walk out, my DH followed me, and I made it clear that from here on in I was done. I have my own religion that I am comfortable with and I find it insulting that she feels the need to push hers onto us. She continues to invite me, but I refuse, so my DH has gone with her because he feels bad. Well fast forward to now...she will be our baby's primary care giver when I return to work at the beginning of November. I already told DH that the religious differences cause me some concern. On her last visit she told me that this baby will be a good baby because it will be learning the bible..I suppose she plans on doing the teaching. Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that learning the bible is a bad thing, I just want her to back off and let us, the parents, be responsible for our children's religious up-bringing. I have a draw filled with "religious articles" she keeps giving me, I guess as an attempt to save my soul. The latest was a piece of red felt she says was blessed by her church that she wants me to keep with me at all times. My DH just wants me to yes her to death and we'll do what we want, but I don't think it's going to be that easy.

Re: religious issues vent

OMG! I totally understand the "pushy" MIL issue. My thought is that you and your DH need to sit with her and talk to her about her keeping her religious interests to herself and, as you said, allow you and your DH to bring your child up the way you would like regarding his/her religion. I, too, suffer from a DH that dosen't want to combat his mother. I find it to be very passive and allows my MIL to continue doing/saying what she wants (despite my feelings about it). Yesing her to death will only enable her to continue doing and saying what she wants. That is why you and your DH need to speak to her together. It can be done in a respectful manner that does not cause conflict. She needs to know that her religion is something that works for her and your baby is YOUR baby...not hers.

Re: religious issues vent

You see with things like this I would put my foot down. You need to make it very clear to her that she HAS no right to preach/teach something YOU and DH do NOT believe in. I would also tell her that IF she can not follow YOUR rules she can not watch the baby. Im sorry if this sounds harsh but its my opinion and what I would do.

My grandma tried to baptize my JEWISH cousin when he was born. She felt it was the "right thing to do" When the mom was jewish and dad was Catholic. It was the parents (both of their) choice to have the kids raised under the jewish faith.

Re: religious issues vent

I agree we do need to sit her down, BOTH of us and tell her how we feel. I can see her trying to sneak the kid off to her church because she thinks she needs to give a real religious experience and also save 's soul. I just know that my DH doesn't think it's that big of a deal and that I'm overreacting. However, he's admitted that it bothers him too when she tries to convert us, and we've told her that but she just ignores us.

Re: religious issues vent