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MrsWoods
LIF Adult
Member since 4/12 1461 total posts
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Re: Disillusioned with catholic church
Posted by MrsWoods
Posted by pnbplus1
Posted by lululu But my question is, if you have no faith and are non-religious, then why do you celebrate any of the religious holidays? Isn't that hypocritical in and of itself? I'm just generally curious as to why people celebrate holidays like Christmas, Easter, Hannukah, etc if they don't believe. These are holidays deeply rooted in the teachings of a religion so how do you justify celebrating?
My husband who is not religious will say that alot of these "holidays" we celebrate do not have Christian backgrounds. For example, Christmas was originally a Pagan celebration and not a Christian one. This holiday in particular has a mix of different customs and backgrounds. So the there is no set way in celebrating holidays because everyone has different beliefs of its origins.
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Posted 8/17/18 2:37 PM  |
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Mushesgirl
Too blessed to be stressed
Member since 4/09 6691 total posts
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Re: Disillusioned with catholic church
Posted by lululu
I was raised Catholic and I am completely non religious and basically have no faith. I married a Jew that is not really practicing. We celebrate all the holiday but we don't belong to a church or temple. A lot of people recommended the Unitarian church but frankly I have no faith so there's no point for me. At times I am sad about the fact that my kids aren't part of the traditions but I really could not fathom belonging to the catholic church anymore. They are so hypocritical. The fact that women can't be priests, that priests can't marry.... It's all too much. Being anti-gay. It goes on and on.
I have to say my kids are much kinder than many of the Catholic kids in my town so I think it has more to do with how you raise them than what religion you expose them to.
DH was raised Catholic and i'm Jewish; neither of us are practicing or have any sort of faith. We don't have children, but if we did, we would not be raising them in a church or temple.
DH's high school has been implicated in the sex abuse scandal. He said he remembers some of the priests/teaching brothers being "too touchy feely" with some of the boys but not him. DH was pretty much a brute who played hockey and would knock you out as soon as look at you, he was raised in the streets; he said the priests that were touchy feely did so with the meek quiet students and that they wouldn't dream of it with him because well what i already said. It's all about taking advantage of those that would be afraid to speak out or fight back. those fks.
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| Posted 8/17/18 3:55 PM |
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Mushesgirl
Too blessed to be stressed
Member since 4/09 6691 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disillusioned with catholic church
Posted by LuckyStar
I’m Catholic, DH is Jewish. DD is baptized. We haven’t decided what to do yet. I would like her to go to CCD long enough to make communion and then she can decide if she wants to continue. DH would strongly prefer no religion whatsoever.
Honestly, this latest scandal doesn’t color my opinion either way. Yes, it’s horrible but abuse happens in almost every religion, it’s just covered up more. To say it’s exclusively a catholic problem is untrue.
Absolutely. I have read many blogs and articles about this in the Jewish religion (I am a non practicing Jew), and it just gets covered up very well. You occasionally see it in the news...but the orthodox community is so tight knit and secretive (see the current scandal about NYC schools not teaching enough secular studies and kids basically graduating hs without knowing basics), that they are experts at cover up. Rabbis abscond to other countries to hide.
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| Posted 8/17/18 4:00 PM |
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Dolphinsbaby
My 3 little guys!
Member since 12/10 2943 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disillusioned with catholic church
Ugh. This is so hard. This latest scandal really rocked me to my core. I have been really upset about it. I keep picturing what if it was my kids? I would kill them, priest or not. DH and I are both Catholic. But not super religious even though he went to Catholic school his entire life and we were married in the church.
I feel it’s our job to give them the religious base and if they get older and choose not to follow or change religions, I would absolutely respect that. My twins will be making their communion in the spring and have gone to religious instruction since kindergarten. I like it-it teaches them manners, respecting people, love. One of my sons said to me that he missed grandma (my mom died when they were 8 months old) but he is happy she is safe in heaven (oh and he told me she talks to him sometimes but that’s a whole ‘mother story  ).
I am also not super into the church but I have to say I really love this pope. I feel like he is more a “people’s pope”. I just really respect him and think he is trying to move the church in the right away and has done more in the short amount of time he has been pope than has been done in decades.
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| Posted 8/17/18 4:50 PM |
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mathteach
Roll Tide!
Member since 8/08 3169 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: Disillusioned with catholic church
Posted by Dolphinsbaby
I am also not super into the church but I have to say I really love this pope. I feel like he is more a “people’s pope”. I just really respect him and think he is trying to move the church in the right away and has done more in the short amount of time he has been pope than has been done in decades.
I agree with you on Pope Francis, I think he is a lot more progressive than his predecessors.
When my oldest (24) was about to make his first communion the Boston Globe article came out and my ex questioned whether we should continue in the kids' religious ed. Fast forward 16 years later and that same child is about to get married in the Catholic church. My youngest is ready to become an alter server. I don't know that we would have done that in any Catholic church but I think that the particular church we attend has made all of the difference. One of our former priests was involved in a sex scandal and they take extreme measures to make sure that there isn't a child left alone with the priest, they won't even take a child in the confessional and will make the parents wait in the church to hear confession, out of earshot but not out of sight. There is a chaperone for the alter servers at each mass. And above all else there is a focus on creating a family atmosphere at church. I genuinely love my church and converted to Catholicism from Baptism not long ago. I love the structure and the sequence of the mass. I love listening to the priest's interpretation of the gospel. I attend church regularly and like others have said I don't think sex abuse is solely a Catholic problem. I don't know why I wrote a novel but I just feel strongly about my church and I know many families from other parishes leave and come to ours because of the focus on family. Maybe try out some different parishes to find one that can ease your concerns.
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| Posted 8/17/18 6:39 PM |
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Millie3
LIF Adult
Member since 7/13 1280 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disillusioned with catholic church
Yes very torn, my oldest is baptized and my youngest is not. I don’t know what to do , it’s so sad and confusing
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| Posted 8/18/18 2:19 PM |
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liadorbs
LIF Adult
Member since 11/10 1221 total posts
Name:
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Disillusioned with catholic church
I went to Catholic school my whole life and up until VERY recently went to mass regularly.
My schools (including high school) never, ever, ever preached a fire and brimstone or anti-tolerance for anyone agenda. In fact, it was quite the opposite. I had comprehensive sex-ed, they were welcoming of gay students, and while they did preach pro-life, it wasn't necessarily "anti-abortion". We learned about and respected all world religions and beliefs.
That said, this new round of sex scandal may be breaking point, especially given the fact that our new Bishop (Barres) is directly involved. I don't think I can get over that if they don't remove him.
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| Posted 8/18/18 4:43 PM |
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lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9511 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disillusioned with catholic church
Posted by pnbplus1
Posted by lululu
I was raised Catholic and I am completely non religious and basically have no faith. I married a Jew that is not really practicing. We celebrate all the holiday but we don't belong to a church or temple. A lot of people recommended the Unitarian church but frankly I have no faith so there's no point for me. At times I am sad about the fact that my kids aren't part of the traditions but I really could not fathom belonging to the catholic church anymore. They are so hypocritical. The fact that women can't be priests, that priests can't marry.... It's all too much. Being anti-gay. It goes on and on.
I have to say my kids are much kinder than many of the Catholic kids in my town so I think it has more to do with how you raise them than what religion you expose them to.
I definitely agree that in terms of children, a lot has to do with how you raise them. People of all religions can be not kind, I don't believe religion necessarily has anything to do with that.
But my question is, if you have no faith and are non-religious, then why do you celebrate any of the religious holidays? Isn't that hypocritical in and of itself? I'm just generally curious as to why people celebrate holidays like Christmas, Easter, Hannukah, etc if they don't believe. These are holidays deeply rooted in the teachings of a religion so how do you justify celebrating?
The Catholic church (I am Catholic) definitely has a history of being hypocritical. I do however find some solace in that Pope Francis is pushing boundaries in a sense and shaping the "culture" of our religion to be more inclusive - breastfeeding, visiting people in jail, speaking out about the current sex abuse in the Church. I don't believe any religion is without its issues though and religion and our beliefs and opinions about it should be continually explored and challenged so that we are firm in our beliefs not just following bc it's what our parents did.
Most of the holidays are completely commercialized now and we do them for fun. The same way people celebrate St. Patrick's Day even thou they aren't Irish. You can take the religious meaning out of it and celebrate it. That might not be what Catholics want to hear but frankly I don't really care! Also - how much of the Christmas traditions are deeply rooted religious traditions? Santa Claus? He has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. Most of the traditions related to the celebration have nothing to do with the meaning of Christmas. And actually given the hypocrisy of most of the teachings of the church, I actually have no problem with my own hypocrisy.
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| Posted 8/19/18 8:26 AM |
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Sparrow
LIF Adult
Member since 11/10 6826 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disillusioned with catholic church
Posted by lululu
Posted by pnbplus1
Posted by lululu
I was raised Catholic and I am completely non religious and basically have no faith. I married a Jew that is not really practicing. We celebrate all the holiday but we don't belong to a church or temple. A lot of people recommended the Unitarian church but frankly I have no faith so there's no point for me. At times I am sad about the fact that my kids aren't part of the traditions but I really could not fathom belonging to the catholic church anymore. They are so hypocritical. The fact that women can't be priests, that priests can't marry.... It's all too much. Being anti-gay. It goes on and on.
I have to say my kids are much kinder than many of the Catholic kids in my town so I think it has more to do with how you raise them than what religion you expose them to.
I definitely agree that in terms of children, a lot has to do with how you raise them. People of all religions can be not kind, I don't believe religion necessarily has anything to do with that.
But my question is, if you have no faith and are non-religious, then why do you celebrate any of the religious holidays? Isn't that hypocritical in and of itself? I'm just generally curious as to why people celebrate holidays like Christmas, Easter, Hannukah, etc if they don't believe. These are holidays deeply rooted in the teachings of a religion so how do you justify celebrating?
The Catholic church (I am Catholic) definitely has a history of being hypocritical. I do however find some solace in that Pope Francis is pushing boundaries in a sense and shaping the "culture" of our religion to be more inclusive - breastfeeding, visiting people in jail, speaking out about the current sex abuse in the Church. I don't believe any religion is without its issues though and religion and our beliefs and opinions about it should be continually explored and challenged so that we are firm in our beliefs not just following bc it's what our parents did.
Most of the holidays are completely commercialized now and we do them for fun. The same way people celebrate St. Patrick's Day even thou they aren't Irish. You can take the religious meaning out of it and celebrate it. That might not be what Catholics want to hear but frankly I don't really care! Also - how much of the Christmas traditions are deeply rooted religious traditions? Santa Claus? He has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. Most of the traditions related to the celebration have nothing to do with the meaning of Christmas. And actually given the hypocrisy of most of the teachings of the church, I actually have no problem with my own hypocrisy.
Just wanted to say, Santa Clause is based on St Nicholas. It's not some random commercial spin off.
I grew up in the Catholic Church and while I don't regularly attend mass, I do still consider myself a Catholic. I send my kids to CCD and will likely send them to Catholic high school.
I don't recall any anti gay teachings in my Catholic education. I do remember being taught Pro Life values, which I still hold so I have no issues with my children being told abortion is wrong.
If I thought the Church was total BS I wouldn't have my children make any of the sacraments though.
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| Posted 8/19/18 8:47 AM |
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lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9511 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disillusioned with catholic church
Posted by Sparrow
Posted by lululu
Most of the holidays are completely commercialized now and we do them for fun. The same way people celebrate St. Patrick's Day even thou they aren't Irish. You can take the religious meaning out of it and celebrate it. That might not be what Catholics want to hear but frankly I don't really care! Also - how much of the Christmas traditions are deeply rooted religious traditions? Santa Claus? He has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. Most of the traditions related to the celebration have nothing to do with the meaning of Christmas. And actually given the hypocrisy of most of the teachings of the church, I actually have no problem with my own hypocrisy.
Just wanted to say, Santa Clause is based on St Nicholas. It's not some random commercial spin off.
I grew up in the Catholic Church and while I don't regularly attend mass, I do still consider myself a Catholic. I send my kids to CCD and will likely send them to Catholic high school.
I don't recall any anti gay teachings in my Catholic education. I do remember being taught Pro Life values, which I still hold so I have no issues with my children being told abortion is wrong.
If I thought the Church was total BS I wouldn't have my children make any of the sacraments though.
Yes but St. Nicholas has nothing to do with the birth of Christ. And as another poster mentioned there are a lot of pagan elements of Christmas. Anyway I was just responding to the poster that asked how I can justify "celebrating" Christmas when I have no faith and am no longer a practicing member of the church.
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| Posted 8/19/18 10:43 AM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Disillusioned with catholic church
Both my husband and I are non practicing Catholics. While the priest scandal is devastating, we really stopped going to church because I felt they were way too judgmental. I was divorced and I find the whole process of getting annulled BS and a money grab. I also adopted both of my children after going through IVF and when were we going to baptize my oldest, I found them very judgmental and not welcoming at all because we attempted IVF and they mentioned it more than once during those classes you need to take. I also had a very bad experience trying to get my special needs daughter in religious instruction. They were very unwilling to do anything other than what their "rules" were. This was more than one church as we tried a few in the area. We did end up baptizing my first but we did not with my second. My family, who does not go to church either is pressuring me to (which I find totally hypocritical) but we will not. We celebrate holidays but I find them to go more along with my heritage than religious. When my children get older, and they want to peruse a religion I will stand behind whatever decision they come too but they will be their decision not one that pressured them into.
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| Posted 8/19/18 11:50 AM |
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klingklang77
kraftwerk!
Member since 7/06 11487 total posts
Name:
Völlig losgelöst
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Re: Disillusioned with catholic church
Posted by lululu
Posted by Sparrow
Posted by lululu
Most of the holidays are completely commercialized now and we do them for fun. The same way people celebrate St. Patrick's Day even thou they aren't Irish. You can take the religious meaning out of it and celebrate it. That might not be what Catholics want to hear but frankly I don't really care! Also - how much of the Christmas traditions are deeply rooted religious traditions? Santa Claus? He has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. Most of the traditions related to the celebration have nothing to do with the meaning of Christmas. And actually given the hypocrisy of most of the teachings of the church, I actually have no problem with my own hypocrisy.
Just wanted to say, Santa Clause is based on St Nicholas. It's not some random commercial spin off.
I grew up in the Catholic Church and while I don't regularly attend mass, I do still consider myself a Catholic. I send my kids to CCD and will likely send them to Catholic high school.
I don't recall any anti gay teachings in my Catholic education. I do remember being taught Pro Life values, which I still hold so I have no issues with my children being told abortion is wrong.
If I thought the Church was total BS I wouldn't have my children make any of the sacraments though.
Yes but St. Nicholas has nothing to do with the birth of Christ. And as another poster mentioned there are a lot of pagan elements of Christmas. Anyway I was just responding to the poster that asked how I can justify "celebrating" Christmas when I have no faith and am no longer a practicing member of the church.
I tend to agree. St. Nicolas Day is on December 6th.
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| Posted 8/19/18 12:19 PM |
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babydreams21
LIF Adult
Member since 12/12 3656 total posts
Name:
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Disillusioned with catholic church
I'm not really sure what I will do. My son is 3. He was baptized. I'm not sure if I will send him to religion classes. I fought my mom so much the years leading up to confirmation. I also do not agree with many of the beliefs. I feel the Catholic Church really needs to catch up with the times.I probably won't make a decision until it gets closer.
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| Posted 8/19/18 12:44 PM |
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MrsWoods
LIF Adult
Member since 4/12 1461 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disillusioned with catholic church
Posted by babydreams21
I'm not really sure what I will do. My son is 3. He was baptized. I'm not sure if I will send him to religion classes. I fought my mom so much the years leading up to confirmation. I also do not agree with many of the beliefs. I feel the Catholic Church really needs to catch up with the times.I probably won't make a decision until it gets closer.
Same. Probably when my dd is getting close to that age.
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| Posted 8/19/18 7:13 PM |
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LizD
LIF Adolescent
Member since 4/06 763 total posts
Name:
Liz
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Re: Disillusioned with catholic church
my DD made her Confirmation this year. We are not very religious but both myself and DH were raised Catholic so we wanted her to have the bases of the way we were raised , but in the end it will be her decision on what she wants to follow.
There are so many things in the Catholic church I don't agree with in regards to abortion, same-sex marriage, etc. I really could go on and on.
I agree with a previous poster - being taught to be kind and what values you have come from what you are taught at home more than at the 1hr religion class you attend once a week
edited to add - having gone through the entire thing through to confirmation I have to say they never pushed anti-gay. They really taught being kind to others, talking to all - no bullying and some of the history of the church. I did not find anyone pushing on the hot-ticket subjects. I think the more progressive priests - like who ran the religious education at our church realize that there needs to be change or they won't have any young catholic's left
Message edited 8/20/2018 8:34:38 AM.
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| Posted 8/20/18 8:31 AM |
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JME78
LIF Adult
Member since 11/09 3672 total posts
Name:
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Disillusioned with catholic church
double post
Message edited 8/20/2018 1:11:28 PM.
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| Posted 8/20/18 1:11 PM |
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JME78
LIF Adult
Member since 11/09 3672 total posts
Name:
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Disillusioned with catholic church
We were both raised Catholic but do not support anything about the church or what it stands for so we did not baptize our kids and do not plan to enroll them in any type of religious education.
I do not think that children need a religious base. I have never met a child who was actually engaged in their religious ed. For most of them its just an obligation - and being raised in one religion makes it very difficult for them to choose another later in life. You can raise kids to be moral and good without involving organized religion. I think a lot of problems stem from organized religion and I don't want any part of it for me or for my kids.
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| Posted 8/20/18 1:11 PM |
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Sash
Peace
Member since 6/08 10312 total posts
Name:
fka LIW Smara
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Re: Disillusioned with catholic church
Posted by JME78
We were both raised Catholic but do not support anything about the church or what it stands for so we did not baptize our kids and do not plan to enroll them in any type of religious education.
I do not think that children need a religious base. I have never met a child who was actually engaged in their religious ed. For most of them its just an obligation - and being raised in one religion makes it very difficult for them to choose another later in life. You can raise kids to be moral and good without involving organized religion. I think a lot of problems stem from organized religion and I don't want any part of it for me or for my kids.
I was weirdo kid who really wanted to go to church. my mom never went, when she passed away my grandmother took me and I really embraced it.
My son and my niece are like that as well. He does the best in religion classes and is always asking if we are going to church on Sunday when we don't go  He also really liked our visit to the Mosque in Bahrain and asks about the Jewish religion alot as well. So may be he will be really into studying religions when he gets older.
You're right it's not the norm for kids though but they are out there.
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| Posted 8/20/18 2:24 PM |
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jellybean78
:)
Member since 8/06 13103 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Disillusioned with catholic church
Posted by lululu
Posted by pnbplus1
Posted by lululu
I was raised Catholic and I am completely non religious and basically have no faith. I married a Jew that is not really practicing. We celebrate all the holiday but we don't belong to a church or temple. A lot of people recommended the Unitarian church but frankly I have no faith so there's no point for me. At times I am sad about the fact that my kids aren't part of the traditions but I really could not fathom belonging to the catholic church anymore. They are so hypocritical. The fact that women can't be priests, that priests can't marry.... It's all too much. Being anti-gay. It goes on and on.
I have to say my kids are much kinder than many of the Catholic kids in my town so I think it has more to do with how you raise them than what religion you expose them to.
I definitely agree that in terms of children, a lot has to do with how you raise them. People of all religions can be not kind, I don't believe religion necessarily has anything to do with that.
But my question is, if you have no faith and are non-religious, then why do you celebrate any of the religious holidays? Isn't that hypocritical in and of itself? I'm just generally curious as to why people celebrate holidays like Christmas, Easter, Hannukah, etc if they don't believe. These are holidays deeply rooted in the teachings of a religion so how do you justify celebrating?
The Catholic church (I am Catholic) definitely has a history of being hypocritical. I do however find some solace in that Pope Francis is pushing boundaries in a sense and shaping the "culture" of our religion to be more inclusive - breastfeeding, visiting people in jail, speaking out about the current sex abuse in the Church. I don't believe any religion is without its issues though and religion and our beliefs and opinions about it should be continually explored and challenged so that we are firm in our beliefs not just following bc it's what our parents did.
Most of the holidays are completely commercialized now and we do them for fun. The same way people celebrate St. Patrick's Day even thou they aren't Irish. You can take the religious meaning out of it and celebrate it. That might not be what Catholics want to hear but frankly I don't really care! Also - how much of the Christmas traditions are deeply rooted religious traditions? Santa Claus? He has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. Most of the traditions related to the celebration have nothing to do with the meaning of Christmas. And actually given the hypocrisy of most of the teachings of the church, I actually have no problem with my own hypocrisy.
Christmas and Easter while yes commercialized now are still Christians holidays. The birth of Jesus and the resurrection of Jesus are the two most important holidays for Christians.
Personally I don't celebrate holidays if I don't believe in something or don't practice that religion so I don't get why people who don't believe in Christ celebrate Christmas and Easter. JMO
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| Posted 8/20/18 3:22 PM |
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Dolphinsbaby
My 3 little guys!
Member since 12/10 2943 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disillusioned with catholic church
Posted by Sash
Posted by JME78
We were both raised Catholic but do not support anything about the church or what it stands for so we did not baptize our kids and do not plan to enroll them in any type of religious education.
I do not think that children need a religious base. I have never met a child who was actually engaged in their religious ed. For most of them its just an obligation - and being raised in one religion makes it very difficult for them to choose another later in life. You can raise kids to be moral and good without involving organized religion. I think a lot of problems stem from organized religion and I don't want any part of it for me or for my kids.
I was weirdo kid who really wanted to go to church. my mom never went, when she passed away my grandmother took me and I really embraced it.
My son and my niece are like that as well. He does the best in religion classes and is always asking if we are going to church on Sunday when we don't go He also really liked our visit to the Mosque in Bahrain and asks about the Jewish religion alot as well. So may be he will be really into studying religions when he gets older.
You're right it's not the norm for kids though but they are out there.
Yes! One of my twins loves his CCD class. He got strep and had to stay home and he whined all day it wasn’t fair he couldn’t go to religion and god would want him there .
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| Posted 8/20/18 11:08 PM |
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JSDB
<3
Member since 1/13 1329 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disillusioned with catholic church
Posted by lululu
I was raised Catholic and I am completely non religious and basically have no faith. I married a Jew that is not really practicing. We celebrate all the holiday but we don't belong to a church or temple. A lot of people recommended the Unitarian church but frankly I have no faith so there's no point for me. At times I am sad about the fact that my kids aren't part of the traditions but I really could not fathom belonging to the catholic church anymore. They are so hypocritical. The fact that women can't be priests, that priests can't marry.... It's all too much. Being anti-gay. It goes on and on.
I have to say my kids are much kinder than many of the Catholic kids in my town so I think it has more to do with how you raise them than what religion you expose them to.
Similar boat. I am Jewish and my husband is Methodist and we are basically non practicing although we keep holiday traditions with family. My husband is 1000% turned off by the church’s stance and the religious right as am I and we just focus on teaching our children to be kind etc. I could not raise my family in the church
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| Posted 8/21/18 9:46 AM |
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JSDB
<3
Member since 1/13 1329 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disillusioned with catholic church
Posted by jellybean78
Posted by lululu
Posted by pnbplus1
Posted by lululu
I was raised Catholic and I am completely non religious and basically have no faith. I married a Jew that is not really practicing. We celebrate all the holiday but we don't belong to a church or temple. A lot of people recommended the Unitarian church but frankly I have no faith so there's no point for me. At times I am sad about the fact that my kids aren't part of the traditions but I really could not fathom belonging to the catholic church anymore. They are so hypocritical. The fact that women can't be priests, that priests can't marry.... It's all too much. Being anti-gay. It goes on and on.
I have to say my kids are much kinder than many of the Catholic kids in my town so I think it has more to do with how you raise them than what religion you expose them to.
I definitely agree that in terms of children, a lot has to do with how you raise them. People of all religions can be not kind, I don't believe religion necessarily has anything to do with that.
But my question is, if you have no faith and are non-religious, then why do you celebrate any of the religious holidays? Isn't that hypocritical in and of itself? I'm just generally curious as to why people celebrate holidays like Christmas, Easter, Hannukah, etc if they don't believe. These are holidays deeply rooted in the teachings of a religion so how do you justify celebrating?
The Catholic church (I am Catholic) definitely has a history of being hypocritical. I do however find some solace in that Pope Francis is pushing boundaries in a sense and shaping the "culture" of our religion to be more inclusive - breastfeeding, visiting people in jail, speaking out about the current sex abuse in the Church. I don't believe any religion is without its issues though and religion and our beliefs and opinions about it should be continually explored and challenged so that we are firm in our beliefs not just following bc it's what our parents did.
Most of the holidays are completely commercialized now and we do them for fun. The same way people celebrate St. Patrick's Day even thou they aren't Irish. You can take the religious meaning out of it and celebrate it. That might not be what Catholics want to hear but frankly I don't really care! Also - how much of the Christmas traditions are deeply rooted religious traditions? Santa Claus? He has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. Most of the traditions related to the celebration have nothing to do with the meaning of Christmas. And actually given the hypocrisy of most of the teachings of the church, I actually have no problem with my own hypocrisy.
Christmas and Easter while yes commercialized now are still Christians holidays. The birth of Jesus and the resurrection of Jesus are the two most important holidays for Christians.
Personally I don't celebrate holidays if I don't believe in something or don't practice that religion so I don't get why people who don't believe in Christ celebrate Christmas and Easter. JMO
We try to keep certain family traditions. So my husbands aunts will send care packages with eggs and candy around Easter and we will hide them for the kids. My inlaws essentially have a family reunion every Xmas and exchange gifts and have a tree. We attend. We don’t actually celebrate Jesus or do anything that has to do with the religious aspects. I agree it’s hypocritical to some extent but I don’t mind gathering with family and participating in events other people celebrate, I just don’t teach the religious stuff to my kids.
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| Posted 8/21/18 9:48 AM |
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Tulip9
LIF Adolescent
Member since 2/14 597 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disillusioned with catholic church
reminds me of the saying- there are no atheists in fox holes
I wonder how many people that have strayed from religion don't look to something to help carry them through in difficult times
Just my opinion and not against anyone on here- but I think many people who have denounced God have said a prayer or two in a time of stress or need.
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| Posted 8/21/18 10:53 AM |
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JME78
LIF Adult
Member since 11/09 3672 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disillusioned with catholic church
Posted by Tulip9
reminds me of the saying- there are no atheists in fox holes
I wonder how many people that have strayed from religion don't look to something to help carry them through in difficult times
Just my opinion and not against anyone on here- but I think many people who have denounced God have said a prayer or two in a time of stress or need.
There is a huge difference between not practicing Catholicism and denouncing God.
I believe in God, I consider myself agnostic. I just don't believe in the Catholic Church.
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| Posted 8/21/18 11:56 AM |
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Leb
LIF Adult
Member since 12/09 4166 total posts
Name:
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Disillusioned with catholic church
Raised Catholic too, actually attended Catholics school until almost HS. I believe it is important to raise a child with religion. Any religion. Most all religions at early ages promote love, kindness, lessons on how to be a good person. Maybe the Catholic Church isn’t the right one for you? In my family we have some divorces and blended families and my cousin is a married lesbian with a little baby. I’ve taught my daughter families come in all shapes and sizes.
Also furthermore in all my catholic education never ever once was I taught anything about gays or divorces or what’s Not allowed and what is. It was all about love, tolerance and acceptance ironically. Good luck!
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| Posted 8/21/18 1:23 PM |
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