Passing on the Faith
BONUS QUESTION...
How will you pass on your faith? And how do you feel about the possibility that your children will choose a faith or a belief system that is different than yours?
"Most of us Pagans have already rejected the religion of our families. Unless we’re highly hypocritical, we can’t criticize our children for doing what we ourselves have done. Besides, if they reject our religion they affirm our identity as religious free-thinkers."~~
John Beckett
I am pagan. And right now, my 12-year-old son seems drawn to
patriarchal Christianity. I accept some responsibility for that because that was my
religion for more than half of the time he's been alive.
But I also feel concerned about his learning things like patriarchal
approaches to understanding the Bible, guilt and fear and moralistic
judgments, a sort of "us vs. them" mentality and a sense of never quite
measuring up. I also don't want him to miss out on the wonder of nature,
the possibility of magic, the comfort of connecting to the goddess,
etc.
I can only hope that my example will eventually have impact because
he is at the age where he is less than impressed by anything I say.
What about you? How do you or how will you share your beliefs & your spirituality with your family?
Has the exploration you've done this month stirred your thoughts about what & how you'll share?
Have a great day!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
that's perfect for you because it's based on
who you are at the core?
who has been waiting to be found.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Great post! I think you hit the nail on the head - let him see your faith through your example. It is a blessing that you give him the freedom to explore faith for himself. Chances are he will discover a hybrid of practices that blend into a perfect faith for him. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I hope so, Lynn. Thanks for your encouragement & support!!
DeleteHi Anna, you're a good mom for allowing your son to do his own thing. I married and divorced two Roman Catholics, one practising, one non, and my three adult children have chosen to follow my path of atheism. Who knows how their beliefs will change, but they are also free to chose. It's the only way. Visiting from UBC and hoping that you're having a lovely week. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Veronica!! I agree. It's not the easy way, but it's the only way. :)
DeleteIntriguing post, Anna. I was raised Catholic, found out who Jesus was when I went to art school, and am now a Lutheran of 15 years. Perfect day to discuss this-Reformation Day) I teach children's church and confirmation in our church.
ReplyDeleteI have often pondered when people say that they want kids to develop faith on their own, without interference. While I get it that you don't want your negativity to sway your child in the wrong direction, and you don't want your zeal to be caught as a faith that is not their own or for compliance... I wonder about other daily practices like brushing teeth, for instance. I believe that early on, kids need to be directed and taught, just like we do with everything else. Later, it is equally important to allow your child to accept the faith as their own- or not. A complicit faith will do him no good later in life. I hold strong to the Word of God that we should "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 80% of our young people are abandoning their faith. I would say much has to do with it never being their own... probably even more because they never received the message of grace- God does't want us living in guilt, and that is why we have forgiveness through Christ- for anything. He loves us no matter what. Praying God blesses you today.
Hi Renee! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!! I understand your point about wanting to share the faith you think is important for your children. And I have done so with my son. But I do respect his right to decide for himself, for much the same reason you mentioned in your comment, that I want it to be genuine, coming from his heart, not an act of compliance. Praying you are blessed as well!
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