XPOST from Parenting - thoughts, children and religion?

I know some of you don't have children, but that doesn't mean you weren't once one, or this question doesn't apply to your family dynamic.....so I am curious as to all opinions on this.

http://www.lifamilies.com/chat/topic-what-are-your-thoughts-on-this--children-and-religion-785594-1.html

Re: XPOST from Parenting - thoughts, children and religion?

I read some of the comments from Parenting. I think a lot of good input there.

Dh and i don't want children and we have the same thoughts on organized religions (that is we don't believe in them). We are of different religious backgrounds.

I have discussed this with a good friend who was raised Catholic but doesn't practice. She has 2 kids, one now going through prep for communion. I asked her how she feels putting the kids through all this when she and her dh don't practice. Her answer was basically its for tradition and they just 'should do it'.

I don't agree with her answer but they aint my kids.

Eta: when i was a kid (10 i think) i dropped out of religious weekend instruction. I hated it. Mom was disappointed but didn't fight. We weren't raised in a religious home so it didn't make sense to me to start some instruction in something we didn't practice!

Message edited 3/31/2013 11:57:21 PM.

Re: XPOST from Parenting - thoughts, children and religion?

I think that if a different religion is calling you, then you should go for it. I (and DH) believe that religion and faith are major parts of life, but that those feelings can be expressed in different ways.

DH and I were raised very, very differently. My mom is Roman Catholic, and my dad is Christian Science; I was raised Roman Catholic (all the sacraments..Catholic school my whole life), but I believe in several Christian Science concepts...mind over matter, there is no pain, etc. I love the way I was raised because I have a strong Catholic background, but I wasn't reprimanded if I explored.

DH's mom is Jewish, and his dad is Presbyterian. He was raised as nothing and did not celebrate religious aspects of the holidays. As an adult, he went through RICA (not for me...for him). I feel like having no foundations has left DH with a significantly weaker sense of religious history, culture, literary and film allusions, etc. than the vast majority of people who I know. I think it's fascinating how all of these fields are interwoven in many ways.

All of this being said, we think that religion is an important foundation, but that doesn't have to be Catholicism. We don't have DCs yet, but when we do, we will absolutely raise them Catholic. However, when they are older, we will take them to Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist churches etc., so they can see what other denominations are like and if they want to pursue a different path, that's fine. I think that if the practices of another faith are calling you, then there's probably a good reason why!

DH and I are currently struggling a bit with the church we attend. There's a new priest in the parish, and he reminds me of the "fire and brimstone" priests of old. We are likely going to start looking for a new parish; if the Catholic Church winds up not being the right fit for us any more, we would look into other Christian churches. However, we're far from that point right now.

I think it's great that you found a church to which you're connected because I feel many people don't. If you're able to have that connection, I say run with it lol. Also, you'll be making new traditions with your family. Maybe you can't incorporate a communion into the new faith, but you could incorporate some traditions that you like. If I, for example, were ever to switch to another denomination of Christianity, I would still give up something for Lent because it has meaning to me. You can keep what has meaning to you and blend it into the new faith.

Sorry for this huge ramble; I am just so intrigued by religion, religious history, and how faith plays a role in society, so I thought maybe some of my thoughts would be helpful!

Re: XPOST from Parenting - thoughts, children and religion?

Thanks for sharing, Ladies. You both make some really good points. I have received a ton of good feedback on this question, lots of good food for thought! Thanks again for sharing!

XPOST from Parenting - thoughts, children and religion?

I think you need to participate in whatever religion you are comfortable with and gives the greatest sense of meaning and connection. This is your life, your children and your choice.