Comments on: So Predictable.

By: John McCollum

John McCollum — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 22:09:36 +0000

Well, if Karen and Joybucket aren’t bringing their snakes, I guess I shouldn’t either.

Our church is very Jesusy, but it’s also very open to people who don’t make any particular profession of faith. It’s very white, but decreasingly so. If nothing else, it could make for a good blog post…

I suppose I should come right out of the closet and say that I actually grew up in the church with the crucifixion thing. You’re lucky — back in the 80s, they really did have lots of fake blood. From what I hear, they kind of keep it a little less gory. Still, it’s pretty intense for a 4 year old, especially if they or their parents aren’t expecting it.

I know of quite a few people who have had the same reaction — they’re either horrified or they feel like they’ve been baited-and-switched. Or both. Sigh. Sorry about that.

I do hope that you are able to figure out what kind of faith community (if any) is good for your family. Even as someone who believes, it’s difficult for me to decide what kind of religious ‘education’ my kids should have.

Good luck…

By: cloudscome

cloudscome — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 19:11:58 +0000

I think you would do well to look into the Quakers. See what you can hook up with through http://www.quaker.org/. If you find the right community they are wonderful and open to all types.

By: mimi smartypants

mimi smartypants — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:30:36 +0000

I don’t want to introduce the snark, because I know there was a good heart behind this comment, but this kind of amuses me:

“Ours is also kind of white but not overwhelmingly… I’d say no more than 85-90%.”

We’re skipping the church thing altogether. We don’t believe, and while I want my kid to know about Jesus and Bible stories so she can understand the allusions in a lot of great English-language literature, there is plenty of time to learn that stuff in a “world religions” sort of way. I think it would be very confusing at a young age to try and be part of a community but then turn around and tell my child that I don’t believe what the community does. (When she’s of age she can believe whatever she wants, of course.) I think the UU thing is pretty cool if all you’re looking for is fellowship or a gathering place (we have an extensive friend network so I don’t feel a lack of that). But I wouldn’t want there to be any god talk, personally.

Have you read the book Parenting Without Belief? The subtitle is something about “raising caring, ethical kids without religion.” (Too lazy to Google.) I found it pretty inspiring! (And I don’t mean that ironically.)

By: Mary

Mary — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:03:59 +0000

We are DOC (Disciples of Christ)- and very liberal in the we have the “all are welcome” motto- which besides reminding me a bit of Poltergeist is pretty cool- there have always been gays around and women ministers. I was raised DOC, and a very liberal DOC at that and never felt an urge to look further. Although in our new town I am less than thrilled with the one here- but there are 2 others to try before we give up.

By: Spacemom

Spacemom — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 20:38:15 +0000

Oy Vey! I would consider not doing a religion to placate your parents. I think it is TOTALLY fair to say “Hey, we felt this was not appropriate for her to go to” and discuss that you will be giving her what religion you feel she needs.

Religion is such a hot topic and dangerous too because even if you raise M & L with a Christian church, it might not be the “right” kind of Christian.

You know, at 4 I am not sure M needs to know about the crucifixtion…Ick