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October 2014 Moms
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Mom to 3 with one on the way. EDD 10/04/14
Religion
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Don't mean to get all deep but a couple of Jehovah witnesses just came to the door(same guy always rings the bell because we 're just too polite to ask him not to come back) Anyway, religion has been on my mind a lot. I'm Protestant and my husband is Catholic but we haven't gone to either church regularly. He was very involved in the church growing up and I've gone through phases where I've been good with attending church (was going to a Methodist church for a while-and felt good about it). We haven't gone in sooo long and now my MIL is kind of pressuring to convert to Catholicism so that my 7year old can convert and receive first holy communion, etc. Just don't know. I just don't know where to turn. I've tried different churches and once went to an Evangelical (think that's what you'd call it) where there was a big screen of the minister preaching, and people were speaking in tongues and jumping in the aisles, etc. Just didn't feel genuine to me (not to judge others who follow that religion-just wasn't for me). Anyway, rambling in here to see what is your religion/do you feel happy/fulfilled in that church, etc? Feel lost and sad the kids really don't know much about God.
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Mom to 3 with one on the way. EDD 10/04/14
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Re: Religion
I know this sounds funny. But maybe do some church shopping. If you find one that peaks your interest. Then stay for a while. Get to know people that go. Find out things about the church. Speak to the Lead Pastor (or whatever other religions call them). Have a meeting during the week and see if you core values line up with what they are saying.
That aside, she has a "my first bible" with 5 or 6 bible stories in it, and we read them with her. Our family celebrates Christian holidays and we tell her the actual religious reason for the holiday and talk to her about it. For me, all religions are essentially the same at their most base level - all about good morals and ethics and kindness and charity, and I can say for a fact that we're raising our daughter with all of those values, so I don't feel as though her not participating in an organized religion is leaving any kind of gap in her life. As she gets older and learns more about it, if she is interested in going to church or participating in any particular religion, I'll support her and even go with her to try it out - I'm not against organized religion, I just have yet to come across one that makes sense in my life.
To answer your question, I feel fulfilled in my choices, but it definitely sounds as though you do not, and that you do feel as though there is a gap in your life. I don't think anyone can really give you any advice as far as a particular religion that might suit you, I think you need to find that yourself. Maybe consider trying out a few different churches near your home and see what might be a good feel for your family. I think becoming part of a church is about more than just the religion or faith that the congregation has in common - it's about the community that forms around that faith. Just because you're a Catholic, for example, the congregation in your neighborhood might not be a good fit for your family, kwim? Good luck.
I would suggest doing some research and some soul searching. See what makes sense to you, what you believe. Maybe sit IN some churches, talk to a priest, pastor, etc., and pray for guidance. You'll find your way.
Conversion to Catholicism is not just something that you do on a sheet of paper so that you can participate in different church activities, etc., though. You really must believe all that the Catholic Church teaches...so your MIL pressuring you seems silly to me. Pray, research, see where you end up.
ETA: Feel free to send any questions you have regarding Catholicism my way. Even if it's something I can't answer, I have a copy of the Catechism sitting on my shelf, so I can look up the answer and get back to ya.
TFMC 08.02.13 at 19+ weeks. Everyday I grieve for my little Olive.
I grew up Baptist but I am not a fan of organized religion. Almost all of them have been tainted by some type of abuse in the system.
I believe in the core values of most of the worlds big religions. Be a good person, don't lie, cheat, steal or murder.
I do want to make sure lo has some of the same structure I had so I am sure in a few years that I too will be church shopping to look for a good fit.
Married July 2006
MC Feb 2009 8 weeks
MC Dec 2009 8 weeks
MC Oct 2013 8 weeks
Married 10/06
Baby Girl "C" arrived on 10/07/14 (39 weeks, 6 days)
( I have mainly been a lurker and made a few comments here and there but I felt compelled to reply to this as it's something I feel passionate about:) I hope you find what you're looking for!)
I love church and find it's the best anti-anxiety medicine. My relationship with God really grounds me. Prayer is pretty powerful.
I think you have to find something you both enjoy and a place where you are comfortable raising your kids. I hope you find it!
And went to catholic school out whole lives. I stopped as a freshman in college and for years worked at an Evangelical free church - not at all like what you described tho. Very down to earth and un-crazy.
Now, we go to a mega church that's technically baptist but seems very nondenominational. It's fine - I haven't found one here I like better, but I miss my old one.
Outside of the Catholic Church (if you look that direction) it's really more about the individual church and the people than the denomination IMO. Try some out, see what feels right. The attitude is the people says more than anything.
Quite obviously I see the importance in attending church but you shouldn't do it just because of pressure and especially in a denomination where you don't feel comfortable. So if you have any questions feel free to ask
ETA: the church with speaking in tongues you talked about sounds like an assembly of God or some other branch of Pentecostal
My DS will be raised Catholic, but he will also learn about the history of religions and about world religions. I want him to know the basic tenets of most world religions, Protestant Christian faiths, and a whole heck of a lot about the Catholic faith.
It's education, dude. It's good.
Then there was a bit when I missed church- going on Sundays, being with people who believed in something more than what we see, rituals- and we found the Unitarian Universalist church. It was what I needed at the time. And the nice part? My parents didn't give me crap about "changing" religions. They think it's better to believe in something good than nothing at all.
Bottom line- find what you need, especially during this crazy thing called pregnancy when it's out of our hands. Take your kids. But don't be too upset if they find their own path when they grow up.
I am pretty happy with my religion, and plan to raise my LO in the Church. I feel like the "tactileness" of the Catholic church (the Eucharist, lighting candles, etc.) really helps my faith. I feel connected to my parish, and the priest does great homilies that aren't just "recycling" the same old themes. I don't think all Catholic parishes are the same, just as all Lutheran churches are the same. The mass is the same, but they can be vastly different.
Anyway, that got a little long, but I encourage you to look for a faith that matches your heart the best you can. That's what matters in the long run.
Moral of the story, is I agree with all pps that you should church shop and find a place you feel comfortable, but it would also be good to really think about the features you are looking for your family.
I just wanted to address your husband's concerns about the abuse by priests. The church is made up of sinners (including priests) and we all stand in need of God's mercy and forgiveness. What happened was terrible and I think everyone feels great sorrow over it. No church on earth is or ever will be perfect because they are all made up of imperfect humans. We do trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit that He will never abandon us though and will continue to lead us. There have been many changes implemented over the last couple of decades that have greatly helped with these issues. As far as the preaching goes, some priests are really good at it and others are not so much! That is why I would encourage you to visit several parishes.