Dealing with religion when it comes to your Children

Published on February 13, 2006 By InBloom In Religion

My boyfriend asked me the other day how I would like to raise our kids (that is, when we have some) religion-wise.I told him that since I’m Catholic, it’s natural that I’d want to introduce them to Catholicism. I’m going to be honest here and say that I would love for them to form a love of God. But I’d also want them to be able to have their own opinions, and not be ashamed to question things (for I question things about my own religion myself). I really wouldn’t want to force them towards a religious path if it wasn’t in their hearts to do so. I think what would be more important to me is that they grow up being respectful of others beliefs, including their mommy’s if they didn’t agree with me.

As for my b/f, he does not believe in organized religion, although he does believe in a higher power and was raised by a Catholic family.

I wonder how others deal with, or plan to deal with this.

Comments (Page 2)

InBloom

on Feb 14, 2006

Ted~~Out of all the things that get between a loving couple of differing spiritual beliefs, how to raise the kids seems to get between them the most.~~

I really do hope that we are sensible enough to be able to come to an agreement, or at least a compromise, when it comes to this.

Chaos Manager

on Feb 14, 2006

My wife and I teach our kids what WE believe. Additionally, we discuss with them other religions, some more indepth than others (due, primarily to our own lack of information on them). They have attended Catholic services, various denomications of Protestant services (They couldn't tell much differance between the Episcopalion and the Catholic service, though

)

We believe that they should have a firm understanding of the different religions that are around. Then, and only then, can they make the decision for themselves. And so far, 2 of them have made decisions as to which religious tradition they prefer. And I support them in that 100%. Even if I don't necessarily agree with them.

JillUser

on Feb 14, 2006

When they are 10-18, I suggest encouraging them to go to different types of services with friends. I got a lot of freedom of exploration that way. I went to catholic services a lot with my best friend (I am not catholic) and other services with other friends. I went to Sunday school with cousins at Baptist and Methodist churches. I never got the opportunity to make any Jewish friends growing up since I lived in a very small farm community so I am lacking in exposure there. But my dad did a lot of reading and encouraged me to read about Buddhism, Taoism, etc. That way I felt like it was all available to me for my own chosing not just having been born or forced into a religion.

With some kids, the more it is forced, the more they will pull away. I know many people who have ministers for fathers and they later became atheist. Like ParaTed said and you said yourself, showing them your faith and teaching them to be respectful is the best you can do. Being a parent, after all, is the toughest job you'll ever love.

InBloom

on Feb 14, 2006

ChM~~Additionally, we discuss with them other religions, some more indepth than others (due, primarily to our own lack of information on them). They have attended Catholic services, various denomications of Protestant services~~

I think that is wonderful...I think the more they know about other beliefs, the more open minded they will be about the world.

Jill~~But my dad did a lot of reading and encouraged me to read about Buddhism, Taoism, etc. That way I felt like it was all available to me for my own chosing not just having been born or forced into a religion.~~

It was good of your father to have opened up your mind to new things. That is something I would like to do when I have children.

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