GTKY: What religion do you affiliate with?

eliza+gleave · March 2016

DH and I are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

steminist · March 2016

DH and I are atheist. He was raised that way, I was sort-of Presbyterian and over time it just faded.

jhems776 · March 2016

I think this would be more interesting and comfortable in a poll.

hey_clever_girl · March 2016

I'm an Atheist. My husband has his own set of beliefs that include reincarnation, but he does not associate himself with any religion. And I don't mind answering questions like this. I live in the Bible belt, and have felt ashamed of speaking about my lack of beliefs for far too long. I try not to shy away from religious discussions anymore, even when it makes me uncomfortable.

Thurstobertay · March 2016

Atheist here, happy to discuss religion though. It's an interesting topic even if it's not for me on a personal level.

camichael84 · March 2016

Talking religion doesn't make me uncomfortable, per sey, but I don't like it. To me, religion is a really personal thing. I identify as a Protestant Christian, but I don't think the Bible is a be-all, like many Christians do. I do believe there is a God that I have a personal relationship with, but I also believe in evolution, don't believe homosexuality is wrong in any way, and had no problems living with my husband before marriage. I also have huge issues with the belief a wife should submit to her husband. I couldn't be in any marriage where it wasn't an equal partnership. All of this is my roundabout way of showing that, for me, it's completely personal, and more than just an affiliation with a certain church.

eliza+gleave · March 2016

jhems776 said:

I think this would be more interesting and comfortable in a poll.

I totally thought about it but there are too many variations.

vampirina · March 2016

I'm a Christian as well and I go to a Lutheran church.

Religion discussions don't bother me either - we all have the right to beliefs and I think that is just fine and dandy.

kcl219 · March 2016

camichael84 said:

Talking religion doesn't make me uncomfortable, per sey, but I don't like it. To me, religion is a really personal thing. I identify as a Protestant Christian, but I don't think the Bible is a be-all, like many Christians do. I do believe there is a God that I have a personal relationship with, but I also believe in evolution, don't believe homosexuality is wrong in any way, and had no problems living with my husband before marriage. I also have huge issues with the belief a wife should submit to her husband. I couldn't be in any marriage where it wasn't an equal partnership. All of this is my roundabout way of showing that, for me, it's completely personal, and more than just an affiliation with a certain church.

Sounds like we share the same beliefs. I grew up Protestant Christian, and while I still believe in God and prayer I don't follow or believe every rule that is out there. I could have wrote this myself!

yellowrose314 · March 2016

I was raised Catholic but lost my faith right around the time my father died suddenly. I started going back to church about 2 years ago, found an amazing congregation in my hometown, not Catholic, they're Apostolic Christian, but I love it. The thing I love most about my church is they're so deep in their love for Christ and each other, there is no judgement or hate. It's very open minded, there are several members who identify with being homosexual and we welcome them with open arms. Like PP, I believe in evolution, I don't believe that God hates homosexuals, I believe in those who feel they are transgendered.

mhilpisch10 · March 2016

My husband and I are both Catholic. I love that my first trimester and lent end at the same time. Easter has been an exciting thing to look forward to this year! End of the first tri, end of lent, beginning of spring! Yay!
I love my faith. It's makes me extremely happy and gives me so much peace.

PSUBecky23 · March 2016

I'm Jewish, never bat-mitzvahed, but still identify with the religion and celebrate the major holidays/holy days. My husband is "Christian" as in his family is crazy about Christmas but that's all we get together to celebrate and we have a Christmas tree next to a menorah in my house every year. Otherwise, religion is not important to him. So my daughter is being raised with the Jewish holidays/holy days and Christmas.

As others have said, I'm more than happy to discuss religion as long as people stay respectful and keep an open mind. I think this group can handle that.

JennM205 · March 2016

Religion is a topic that makes me super uncomfortable. I've been judged to no end for my (lack of) beliefs so I tend to just keep them to myself...but I'm inspired by the others on this board who responded as Atheist with no hesitation. That's how it should be - for everyone, no matter what his/her belief. DH and I are Atheist, though we were both raised Christian (he as non-denominational and I as Presbyterian). I'm not sure what others think when they hear "Atheist" but for me, it means 'believing' in science on a fundamental level but on a moral and "human" level just trying to be the very best person I can be by respecting myself and others. Aaannnd, there I go defending myself already... I guess all I'm trying to say is that I don't judge others for their religious affiliation and I hope for the same respect in return.

Not to turn a corner with this thread but since we're on the subject... @Jabreen has your DH ever said anything about growing up Atheist? I think a lot about how it will be to raise children in an Atheist family, versus the religious upbringing DH and I had. I'm not "worried" about it, necessarily - more curious. It'll be interesting teaching my kids the important values and morals that are often supported by or even rooted in religion without the religious platform itself. I also wonder a little bit about how they will be received among peers (or friends' parents) if/when the topic of religion ever comes up. I plan on teaching my children about all of the world's major religions so they're not clueless but, for them, being Atheist will be all they really "know" and I hope they aren't judged too harshly for that.

cassloumy · March 2016

I'm Episcopalian and I come from a very open, accepting, and welcoming congregation. We're all about the ceremony, skip the guilt. My husband was raised in a traditional Methodist congregation, but is agnostic himself.

We plan on raising the kids in the church, and handling it the same way as my parents did. We were baptized and confirmed, and after confirmation we were able to decide our faith for ourselves- though we still had to attend church for the rest of the year if we had commitments like choir or serving on the altar. I'm episcopalian still and my brother is atheist. I do hope my children will be people of faith, but I do not want to choose such a rigid spiritual path for them in teen and adulthood. We also like the idea of raising our children in a church community because it will provide them with a bigger network of friends/adult figures than DH and I can give them alone, helps supplement their school classes, and offers us a lot of affordable activities.

camichael84 · March 2016

@JennM205 You highlighted a good example of why I don't like discussing my beliefs. I believe in science on a fundamental level, yet I still believe there is a deity. I feel like it's a weird in between, and that I have to explain and defend myself to both sides.

Regarding your children, I wouldn't worry too much. You raise them with your values, but ultimately, as adults, they will form their own opinions, ideas, and beliefs. You and your husband becoming Atheists after your Christian upbringings shows this happens. Same goes with my DH and I. Neither of us believe what we were raised on. I was raised hardcore Christian, and he was raise pretty much Agnostic until he joined a church in high school.

ETA: Just reread you aren't really worried, but I guess what I was saying is I wouldn't overthink it.

Flowr4246 · March 2016

Roman Catholic
With a firm belief that the Church is wrong on many, many points and that I'd much rather teach my children by the Golden Rule than by worrying about flaking on dogma and doctrine.

Thurstobertay · March 2016

@JennM205 I know this wasn't directed to me but I'd like to chime in. My eldest is 6 now so I've had to field some of the "what's religion?" "why don't we go to church?" "who was Jesus?" kind of questions.

I've told my son that religion is a very personal, individual thing that has to do with a person's thoughts on right and wrong, life after death, and all those big question marks around being human that don't have easy answers. Some people think that we go to heaven when we die, some people don't and that's OK because nobody really knows the answer. If someone tells you that they know the answer for sure, you have every right to question them or agree/disagree.

I've told him that I don't personally belong to a religion or church because I don't believe in God or heaven, and I live by what feels right for me and my community. I'm perfectly content living this way, while grandma and grandpa do go to church and feel it's a very important part of their lives. Neither way is better than the other.

I said he is more than welcome to explore church with our support or with his friends, but to always have questions. Just because an adult says something about religion doesn't make it true. It's a heart issue, not a brain issue.

I worry that he's going to face some discrimination or proselytization down the road, but so far we haven't had any problems. I'm just hoping he'll be prepared for the inevitable questions.

JennM205 · March 2016

@camichael84 I hate that you've felt the need to defend yourself over your beliefs. It's sad that people (on both sides!) can be so judgmental about something that's supposed to teach not to judge! At the end of the day, we're all just doing what we feel is right.

Also to add to my previous post - S16 is an amazing group of women! I never in my life have spoken so candidly about my own beliefs and I wouldn't have here if I hadn't already seen, on several occasions, how open-minded and kind our group is. I love that everyone seems so understanding of others even if they don't necessarily agree or feel the same. You ladies are the best!

camichael84 · March 2016

@JennM205 I hate it, too, but I think no matter what your beliefs are, you end up defending them to some one at some point. I do know others believe as I do (DH, some of our friends, and even some of the girls on this thread), and it's nice knowing in that sense you aren't alone. But it's also nice when people who don't believe what you do can just accept you and not try to change what you believe. I also appreciate we can have this kind of discussion on S16 without things getting batshit crazy.

steminist · March 2016

@JennM205 My MIL was also raised atheist by a vehemently anti-religious father. Due to that, DH and his brothers were raised without religion, but also without any discussion against it, either. (Not that that's what you're saying, just for context!) Any questions his mom couldn't answer, she told them to ask their friends. If any of the boys wanted to go to church/synagogue/etc. with a friend, or on their own, she would gladly let them go. I think my younger BIL may have ended up on the Christian side of things by this point, based on his friend group, but it's not really talked about in their house. Not because it isn't welcome, just because it hasn't ever been something they talked about. They still celebrated Christmas and Easter, but mostly used them as days to celebrate family togetherness. We'll probably do a similar thing with our kids, with religion just generally being dis-emphasized, but not discouraged.

SarahDarah333 · March 2016

My family is Episcopalian, though my mom never regularly brought us to church. She went through a born-again Christian phase where she forced me to go to church and youth group, forced retreats with the big all-hail-Jesus concerts, etc. Then she shoved me in Catholic school for three years (I "needed structure"). I'd like to believe there's something else, though I have no clear idea what. I believe in a higher power, just not clear on the details really. I tried to explain that in a required essay on my relationship with God for Religion class in that Catholic high school, and I was scrutinized for it. Can't help how I was raised!

My mom now goes to church regularly with my grandmother. My MIL is a practicing Catholic and goes to church regularly as well. I go with my mom on occasion- usually on holidays (I'm that awful person lol). I see my young cousins who go to church regularly, and I envy their unconditional faith in so many ways. I wish my mother had been more consistent so I felt more sure of what I believe. We'll definitely get the baby baptized in my family's church- it's tradition at this point (hoping MIL doesn't have a total Catholic cow since my church is Episcopal), and it's a harmless tradition at that.

I feel much more at one with the universe or whatever higher power there is when I spend my Sunday mornings hiking in the woods with my dog, honestly. Being surrounded by nature, the beauty and power of it, makes me feel more at peace and connected to the universe. That's just me though.

vampirina · March 2016

@camichael84 I can understand how you feel. I definitely consider myself religious, but I also don't think God/religion and science are mutually exclusive. Is it crazy to think that God (or some other deity, if you so choose) was capable of creating a world that was just so perfect and sensible that someday us mere humans could use scientific reasoning to understand it all? Personally, I don't think that is far-fetched. I mean the Bible says God created man, but I don't recall the Bible saying the first man was exactly like current men - IMHO there are a lot of loopholes and openings for scientific theories like evolution to sneak into.

I'm also open-minded and don't take every word of the Bible as is - just like any piece of literature, i believe it's open for interpretation.

crispy11 · March 2016

Roman Catholic with a twist. I don't agree with the church on a few key things but I still go to church on Sundays and like the bigger picture. I'm hoping to change some views from the inside out.

vampirina · March 2016

Also, am I the only one who thinks it's a bit strange that the original poster of this thread is now an unfound user and someone I've never seen post here? I wonder if it was just someone trying to stir the pot and failed...

UnwritteN12 · March 2016

Both DH and I were raised Roman Catholic, but in very different ways. DH was raised where everything revolved around the church. I was raised where church was an occasional thing. My mom seemed to feel guilty at times that she didn't make us attend church regularly and that we didn't all receive the sacraments outside of Baptism. Plus my dad was raised Lutheran, so I had that Lutheran and Catholic influence.

Fast forward to today. DH and I both have a lot of faith but we do not currently attend church. I'm personally not interested in going back to a Catholic church and while I'm not against going to church, I don't feel like it HAVE to go to church. I can pray just as well in the privacy of own home (or in a bar if that's what I really wanted to do!) as I can at church. We've tried to pass that faith on to our kids but not in a pushy way. His mom and dad are extremely pushy about religion and I REFUSE to do that to our kids. DS and DD need to be informed, do their own research (when and if they decide to) and make a decision on what THEY believe. In general, the God that I believe in is a loving and forgiving God that doesn't judge people on whether they're gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, Catholic, Mormon, Muslim, black, white, purple or green. I truly believe that, if you're a good person and you do the right thing, you're good to go. I'm pretty sure He's got a good sense of humor too all things considered....

I hate that some of you have had to defend your beliefs! I may have questions on why people feel the way they do, but those are meant to be honest questions. The only time I've had to defend my beliefs was when my MIL and FIL accused DH and I have having no faith in our household. They're both very lucky that I wasn't there at the time (FIL said it to DH) because I would have hurt someone. As it was, when DH told me about it, I was livid. Just because we believe differently than my in-laws doesn't mean that they get to be upset about it and accuse us of not being faithful. Our beliefs are none of there business, especially when they will only judge us. But, in general, I have no problems talking about religion, as long as it's a respectful conversation.

crispy11 · March 2016

PoodleDoodleOoo said:

Also, am I the only one who thinks it's a bit strange that the original poster of this thread is now an unfound user and someone I've never seen post here? I wonder if it was just someone trying to stir the pot and failed...

lmbo, definite fail if drama was the intention.

camichael84 · March 2016

@SarahMConnors I get that. I've always felt closest to God when I'm alone, outside with nature surrounding me. Very rarely have I felt that closeness with him while in an actual church. I'm seriously in the belief that my relationship with God is personal and one on one. I still haven't figured out how that works with how we will raise our children. We keep saying we need to find a church to join, but haven't found one that is as open minded in their beliefs as we are.

tinypikachu · March 2016

PoodleDoodleOoo said:

Also, am I the only one who thinks it's a bit strange that the original poster of this thread is now an unfound user and someone I've never seen post here? I wonder if it was just someone trying to stir the pot and failed...

SarahDarah333 · March 2016

PoodleDoodleOoo said:

Also, am I the only one who thinks it's a bit strange that the original poster of this thread is now an unfound user and someone I've never seen post here? I wonder if it was just someone trying to stir the pot and failed...

That's cause Sept 16 mamas are too awesome to rattle

hey_clever_girl · March 2016

I have found it particularly challenging to be an Atheist mother. While I do not believe, I try not to judge those who do (I don't always succeed) and I don't want to project some of the personal prejudices against Christians (that I'm working very hard to get rid of!) on my child.

But, I am also incredibly against pushing beliefs on children who don't know any better but to believe in them—my (lack of) beliefs included. I'm finding my daughter surrounded by religion (especially Christianity down here in the Bible belt) with her peers (including the little boy she has a crush on telling her all about heaven, and another little boy telling her that "deep down under the ground was the devil" and scaring the shit out of her), and have subsequently been faced with the challenge of answering questions in a completely neutral way so not to sway her.

She's asked me what heaven is. ("A place that some people believe you go after you die.") She's asked me what happens after we die. (My personal answer is, "Nothing," but to her I say that nobody really knows.) I try tell her some beliefs that people have, and let her draw her own conclusions. Same with angels and the devil. (Actually, I broke my own rule and flat-out told her the devil didn't exist because she was sobbing from what that little boy told her.)

So far, she has drawn her own conclusion that when you die, "You get put in the ground. And then you go to heaven. And then you come back as a cat." I told her if that's what brings her peace, then that was absolutely fine with me.

I may be an Atheist, but I do not want my daughter to feel she has to be one just because her mama is. I want her to make up her own mind. Even if she chooses religion, I will accept and love her just the same. I will not tolerate a bigot, though, so I'll shape her ass right up if she starts to head down that road.

steminist · March 2016

@runningisrad Preach, Sister! (with only a trace of irony

)

hey_clever_girl · March 2016

@Jabreen LOL

LakeR2014 · March 2016

I was raised Catholic, DH in a non-practicing household. We are not religious at all but both agree we'd like to attend church more. I say I'm Catholic but do not believe in most of their controversial beliefs (Divorce, Homosexuality, gay parents, etc). That being said, I am impressed with all the changes the Pope has done in the last few years and look forward to the continued change for the positive. I'm not sure how religious we'll be going forward, but will most likely at least have our child baptized, as for some reason I feel like we NEED to do that.

JennM205 · March 2016

@runningisrad I'm 100% with you on not wanting to force my beliefs (or lack of) on my children. I came to my own conclusions and wish my parents had respected that more. I believe in empowering my children with knowledge so that they can grow to make their own decisions one day. I will do my best to answer questions without influencing them and support them if/when they want to explore practices outside my own.

Mommato4blessings · March 2016

We are Southern Baptists and believe in God and the Bible. Go to church every sunday and our children are being raised in church, however as much as I believe in the Word of God I also don't think that we need to follow the bible to the T since the world has evolved since man was first created....I believe everything happens for a reason, to help us grow and deal with the ever changing world.

rocky_star · March 2016

No religion for myself or DH. I was baptized as Catholic, as was my brother but didn't go to Catholic school or go to church. Funny enough, my DS will be starting Catholic school in the fall, not because I want him raised as Catholic (he wasn't baptized either) but because of the better education (compared to our other choices). He's free to make his own religion decisions as he grows up.

618mom22boys · March 2016

I consider myself Agnostic.

My parents never went to church but I've been to many different types of churches as a visitor, Catholic, Baptist, and Pentecostal. I find different religions interesting but for me I have no proof that there is or isn't a god.

As far as my children go when they are old enough they are free to believe in what they want. I will not deny them the ability to go to church if they wish. When they ask questions I try to answer them the best I can. Most of the time I answer it scientifically though.

Thscary · March 2016

I was raised catholic, but somewhere along the line stopped going to church. My husband is a Lutheran, also does not go to church. I would like this child to grow up with some kind of religious belief, because I felt when I was young church played a major role in the development of my moral foundation. Not sure what type of church I'll decide to go back to. Maybe I'll do some shopping around to find the right denomination with the shortest mass haha

nativetexan512 · March 2016

I grew up Presbyterian and attend a Presbyterian church now, but as I get older it's not about which protestant denomination rather the community I am a part of and it's shared beliefs and priorities. Christian first and foremost.

Very proud of this group for having a mature and respectful discussion - and yes PoodleDoodleOoo it's super weird the poster is MIA...

kosmo86 · March 2016

DH and I are both Atheist. DH's mom is kind of a hippie she believes in the "universe" and prays to people who have died but not to God (not sure if she believes or not). My parents are religious but never went to church, I went to church on my own from about 12-17 to try it. We still celebrate Christmas and meet family for Easter but it is more just to have family get together.

Themaritimemama · March 2016

Atheist household here as well. As others have stated, I teach my children all about the different religions from an educational stand point, and expose them to others' beliefs. My eldest knows quite a bit, but chooses to believe that aliens made the earth (she and her dad watch too many big foot, ufo YouTube shows

)

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