my oldest is a christian. we fully support her and in no way hinder her christian development, even though dh and i are not christian. i am looking into letting her take supplemental classes at a local church. but i think the administration might not be so happy that we are not christian, is it wrong of me to want her to take classes at this church? i guess i don't understand why it would be wrong of us to want her to grow in her chosen religion and let others (who ARE christian) help her grow...

Yes, definitely let her go. I knew a girl in school who was a practicing Christian, and her family wasn't. It is wonderful that you are so supportive.:heart:

is it wrong of me to want her to take classes at this church? i guess i don't understand why it would be wrong of us to want her to grow in her chosen religion and let others (who ARE christian) help her grow...

Not at all. :)
I think it is wonderful that you are supporting her desire to learn more about God.

I too think its a wonderful way of showing your support for her choices by letting her go. I think it will help her so much to know that she wasnt held back from anything she wanted to investigate. :heart:

They probably are shaking their heads because most people have to force their kids to go to church with them! Most teens who are committed Christians were brought in by their families.

If you know for certain that they are unhappy with you and your husband not being Christian, I'd be looking for a more tolerant church.

:heart: brannyluv, if they're looking down your noses at them, you should have a nice chapter and verse about tolerance ready ;)

okay seriously, sweetie call or email me if you need more lovin's okay? :heart:

I'm not totally sure, they just seemed a bt reluctant to let us have the registration info after we spoke with them. We made it very clear that it is very important for our children to find their own spiritual paths and that we will not give Maire any problems about her beliefs and will do everything we can to encourage healthy growth within the church of her choice (meaning, we would not be telling her that jesus isn't the son of god or anything - just because we dont believe that). I guess we will see if they allow her to attend and make sure that we "practice what we preach" so to speak :D
I do not want our lack of belief to be a stumbling block for her, but I also want her to be raised to respect that we have different beliefs.

I would find another church if they weren't comfortable in you not being there. Although the problem may be she is being dropped off with parents leaving the premises. I could understand that, but if its another reason, I would find a different place for her to attend.

When I was a pastor, I would have loved to have her!!!!!!

Where are you in the world (you can pm me)? If there is a reconciling congregation near you, I would start there. Our church is www.edgehill.org

Our statement is: Edgehill United Methodist Church is a reconciling congregation that welcomes into its membership and ministries men, women, and children of every age and stage of development, every race, class, ethnic heritage, and sexual orientation, every combination of abilities and limitations; for we are all one in Christ.

We love erbody!

PM me with some details if you would like some info for your area or just to talk.

OH, and all of us prayed for you this morning with JOY! We've been praying and now we added joy for your great report. We even love us some pagans. LOL!

(ahhhhhhh! i posted in the spiritual forum!)

I would find another church if they weren't comfortable in you not being there. Although the problem may be she is being dropped off with parents leaving the premises. I could understand that, but if its another reason, I would find a different place for her to attend.
the place we are taking her is for supplemental homeschooling classes, not for services. :D though we are looking for a place to take her for services locally (she is a member of my parents church but that is 1/5 hours away)

When I was a pastor, I would have loved to have her!!!!!!

Where are you in the world (you can pm me)? If there is a reconciling congregation near you, I would start there. Our church is www.edgehill.org

Our statement is: Edgehill United Methodist Church is a reconciling congregation that welcomes into its membership and ministries men, women, and children of every age and stage of development, every race, class, ethnic heritage, and sexual orientation, every combination of abilities and limitations; for we are all one in Christ.

We love erbody!

PM me with some details if you would like some info for your area or just to talk.

OH, and all of us prayed for you this morning with JOY! We've been praying and now we added joy for your great report. We even love us some pagans. LOL!

(ahhhhhhh! i posted in the spiritual forum!)
pming you - i just have to add i have so much respect for you.

Well, since its a homeschool class, then I agree with them. My children attend a homeschool co-op. You must apply to get in and one of the acceptance rule is that one of the parents be Christian. The parent(s) have to fill out an application, give a statement of faith and have their pastors signature. I see this no different than applying to attend a private school.

I'm sorry she isn't being accepted there or you and your husband are being looked down are. I really am. However, rules are rules and they are in place there for a reason. Most families raise their children in their faith and don't let them choose for their own, so you are a rare breed. ;)

I guess one of the reasons I like the idea of giving my statement of faith to our local hs co-op and agreeing with their "doctrine" is that I know my children are around other children (and families) who think alike. I'm not trying to shelter my children, but at their young age I find it my responsibility to make choices for them, and one of my choices for them is to be in a school "setting" with others that share our faith. Its no different than sending them to a private Christian school.

Again, I'm sorry you are feeling like you do. I suggest you keep looking for a church and steer clear of the private organizations.

Well, since its a homeschool class, then I agree with them. My children attend a homeschool co-op. You must apply to get in and one of the acceptance rule is that one of the parents be Christian. The parent(s) have to fill out an application, give a statement of faith and have their pastors signature. I see this no different than applying to attend a private school.

I'm sorry she isn't being accepted there or you and your husband are being looked down are. I really am. However, rules are rules and they are in place there for a reason. Most families raise their children in their faith and don't let them choose for their own, so you are a rare breed. ;)

I guess one of the reasons I like the idea of giving my statement of faith to our local hs co-op and agreeing with their "doctrine" is that I know my children are around other children (and families) who think alike. I'm not trying to shelter my children, but at their young age I find it my responsibility to make choices for them, and one of my choices for them is to be in a school "setting" with others that share our faith. Its no different than sending them to a private Christian school.

Again, I'm sorry you are feeling like you do. I suggest you keep looking for a church and steer clear of the private organizations.

I am so going to regret this. Brawyn, I am going to move away from your daughter and into a hypothetical family, if that's okay.

But April, your christian homeschool group wouldn't allow a christian child, a baptized child of God, a chance to be educated with your child just because the parents don't profess? A christian child would not be allowed in your group because of the belief system of the parents?

That cannot be right.

It is not exactly the same as a private school, because it is in the name of Christ. Plus one of my confirmands goes to Catholic school and she is not Catholic.

Can I ask you, in the humblest way I possibly can, how you then interpret this scripture: Mark 9: 36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, 37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me....42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

I know the Christians in your hs group all want to live your lives in such a way that the hypothetical parents would see your faith as open and inclusive and something they would want to be a part of, instead of something that would exclude their Christian child. After all, the Lord rejoices more over the one who was saved versus the 99 who were already safe. Luke 15: 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

This hypothetical child has found Jesus, not because she was raised in the faith, but on her own!! How much does THAT rock? Surely she would be allowed to be educated and to worship with her brothers and sisters in Christ. I do not believe that there would be any circumstance in which Jesus would send her away.

As a lifelong Christian; as a pastor; as a member of a church that is open to all who need God, regardless of everything; as a parent of children who have friends of many faiths, while remaining strong in their own; as the wife of a husband who got up all by himself from the age of 11 on, every Sunday, hitched a ride to church, got baptized at 13 with NO family member even present, without a whit of family support or profession; please help me understand how a committed Christian child would not be welcome anywhere two or three Christians are gathered together?

I am really not trying to be snarky or rude. I am trying desperately to understand this. The only people Jesus ever excluded were the moneychangers and the Pharisees, the religious establishment of the day, calling them a brood of vipors. Harlots, adulters, tax collectors, children, the demon possessed, his betrayor, theives, all were welcomed by him, eating with him, washing his feet, offered a place in paradise.

April, I know we will never come close to agreement. 99% of the time, I leave the Spiritual Forum to you because I despise debate. Maybe I just love me some Branwyn too much.... :heart:

well-I dont' see at all what the parents faith has to do with your child being able to attend their classes--unless it is because you won't be "supportive" of the church later on down the line..and yes, by that I mean financially...(if you aren't christian then you are probably not going to attend their regular services and put money in the offering basket)

I guess one of the reasons I like the idea of giving my statement of faith to our local hs co-op and agreeing with their "doctrine" is that I know my children are around other children (and families) who think alike. I'm not trying to shelter my children, but at their young age I find it my responsibility to make choices for them, and one of my choices for them is to be in a school "setting" with others that share our faith. Its no different than sending them to a private Christian school

the thing is..if it is her DAUGHTER going there, then other children present are not going to be exposed to someone that does not share their faith. Obviously, she does share their faith or she wouldn't be going there.


how sad that a child could be turned away from something like that...from wanting to explore and learn more. Branwyn, I would definitely be looking into finding somewhere else she could go (if there is one) your daughter does not need intolerance as an example of Christianity.

Well, since its a homeschool class, then I agree with them. My children attend a homeschool co-op. You must apply to get in and one of the acceptance rule is that one of the parents be Christian. The parent(s) have to fill out an application, give a statement of faith and have their pastors signature. I see this no different than applying to attend a private school.

I'm sorry she isn't being accepted there or you and your husband are being looked down are. I really am. However, rules are rules and they are in place there for a reason. Most families raise their children in their faith and don't let them choose for their own, so you are a rare breed. ;)

I guess one of the reasons I like the idea of giving my statement of faith to our local hs co-op and agreeing with their "doctrine" is that I know my children are around other children (and families) who think alike. I'm not trying to shelter my children, but at their young age I find it my responsibility to make choices for them, and one of my choices for them is to be in a school "setting" with others that share our faith. Its no different than sending them to a private Christian school.

Again, I'm sorry you are feeling like you do. I suggest you keep looking for a church and steer clear of the private organizations.
i spoke with the pastor and he says he has no problem with us not being christian and he is happy that we are letting maire walk with christ.

it was only a teacher that had a problem with my appearance, which i am accustomed to. so everything is just fine. there was no rule that said parents had to be christian or a member of any church, it was my own feeling when speaking with one of the admistrators. i would never ask anyone to break a rule.

ETA: i dont mean to sound short, sarah is trying to help me type :)

i spoke with the pastor and he says he has no problem with us not being christian and he is happy that we are letting maire walk with christ.

it was only a teacher that had a problem with my appearance, which i am accustomed to. so everything is just fine. there was no rule that said parents had to be christian or a member of any church, it was my own feeling when speaking with one of the admistrators. i would never ask anyone to break a rule.

:cloud9:

Your appearance....hahahahahahahahahahaha! You are skeery: Be afraid!

I'm SO glad to hear that the gospel is being lived out in Hotlanta! How great for your dd!

:cloud9:

Your appearance....hahahahahahahahahahaha! You are skeery: Be afraid!

I'm SO glad to hear that the gospel is being lived out in Hotlanta! How great for your dd!
i still think you need to move down here :D i would be proud to have my daughter just near you

Tiffany, I know we will never come close to agreement and 99% of the time, I leave the Spiritual Forum to you because I despise debate. Maybe I just love me some Branwyn too much.

Lol. I'm not Tiffany, I'm April.

The organization has an application, like most private Christian schools, that says that at least one parent must be Christian.


I know the scriptures, I know the life of Jesus and how He challenged others, accepted those that the religious leaders felt were less than. I really do know and understand this!

This hypothetical child has found Jesus, not because she was raised in the faith, but on her own!! How much does THAT rock? Surely she would be allowed to be educated and to worship with her brothers and sisters in Christ. I do not believe that there would be any circumstance in which Jesus would send her away.

I too think this is wonderful! I think she should worship and learn with like-minded individuals. All of the churches that I know would allow a child with non-Christian parents to come and worship, attend studies, etc.

However, the original question was not based on a church (although at first I thought it was). My original comment was if a church, (church) being the key word, didn't want your child there because of of you (as a parent) I would move on.

But again, since this is a private school, its there right. The hs school that my kids attend want to know that the parents are raising their children under the Christain faith. The purpose of this school is to encourage you (the parent) in your commitment to provide the best possible Christian education for your child through homeschooling.

I hope I'm explaining myself clearly.

I think that part of these rules come from the fact that most parents don't have their children choose their own spiritual path. I'm sure that this is few and far between. If you send your child to a private Christian school and they are told that the evolution theory is just that, a theory and that God created all things, the school really doesn't want that challenged. After all, this is a Christian school.

Lets say I sent my Christian, yet non-Catholic child to a Catholic school. My(personal) opinion on that is that I wouldn't send my child there (nor would they want me sending my child there) because I don't agree with the doctrine. Regardless, I send my kid ther.... If my child is taught in Bible class that we should pray to Mary for "x,y, z" and to St. Peter for "a,b,c" she would come home and tell me. Me, being the Pentecostal that I am ;) would then tell her "no, this is not what I read in the Bible, this is what the Bible says". Then, my child would go back to school and challenge this....probably by saying in class "well, my mama says _______________". This too is a hypothetical conversation, but I hope it explains why a private Christian school would want like-minded parents sending their children.

how sad that a child could be turned away from something like that...from wanting to explore and learn more. Branwyn, I would definitely be looking into finding somewhere else she could go (if there is one) your daughter does not need intolerance as an example of Christianity.

Does the LDS church allow non-LDS people into temple? If I stopped in off the street in jeans would I be allowed in on a Sunday morning?

i spoke with the pastor and he says he has no problem with us not being christian and he is happy that we are letting maire walk with christ.

:)

All is well that ends well.

So, this is a pastor that runs the hs group?

i've walked in off the street into temple, in utah none the less. since the mormans go knocking door to door to educate and inspire i don't see how they could have a problem with walk ins.

i have yet to attend a church that had a problem with walk-ins.

and yes, i get that they are a private school and entitled to thier beliefs and opinions etc, but even in ps teachers are challened all the time. it shouldn't be that big of a problem.

i'm the one challenging ppl most of the time, from my preschool teacher to the sunday school teacher to my physics professor. it's my nature to ask "why" and not just accept what they say as "the rules".

All is well that ends well.

So, this is a pastor that runs the hs group?


he teaches some of the classes on maires age level, i havent met the teachers of the preschool-k classes yet. basically, its this HUGE church (i mean it looks like a shopping mall) and they do the timothy ministries thing and have supplemental classes for homeschoolers. so its not just church and its not a homeschool group. i think the meds are making it really hard for me to explain anything coherently (and my typing in much worse lmao!)
heres a link:
http://www.fbcw.org/ministries/timothy_ministry/timothy_ministry.html

unfortunately (for me) it is baptist, and my disillusionment with the church was with a baptist church when i was 16, so i have prejudice that i am fighting to get over. i would be much happier with methodist or episcopalian (sp) BUT this is georgia and baptist churches outnumber others 7 to 1. most other churches cant get a denomination large enough to give classes :(

i did just find a small school that gives some classes for homeschoolers and its not too expensive so i think i will go back and forth. i want maire to have the biblical information that she craves, but unfortunately we do not use the bible the same way she needs.


jessica! you sound like lylly and me. maire is a take it as she is told chick, she doesn't question - she has complete faith that what the church tells her is gospel (ha! sorry i love puns) but lyl and i love questioning authority (which is why i am so comfortable at temple - they encourage questioning, yelling, crying and screaming to G-d and never tell me i am going to hell because i ask).

Does the LDS church allow non-LDS people into temple? If I stopped in off the street in jeans would I be allowed in on a Sunday morning?

uhm totally comparing apples to oranges here.

A temple is a HUGE difference from our church. If a non-LDS child wanted to attend our church, they would be welcomed with open arms.

IF a non-LDS child wanted to attend the other religious things we do outside of church, they would be welcomed with open arms.

And yes, BYU-Idaho and BYU in Utah and Hawaii accepts non LDS people to attend school there.

What is BYU?

From things that I've read I thought that not just anyone could walk into an LDS temple and attend. I believed I have read that you have to go to classes and wear certain undergarments before being allowed in? Is this just certain areas of the temple or do I have my religous facts confused?

oh i know this one!
brigham young university - my homeschool curriculum (that my mom used for me) was from BYU

What is BYU?

From things that I've read I thought that not just anyone could walk into an LDS temple and attend. I believed I have read that you have to go to classes and wear certain undergarments before being allowed in? Is this just certain areas of the temple or do I have my religous facts confused?

sorry-my bad..I assumed everyone knew what BYU was! LOL
BYU is brigham young university.

no-you are right. temples do not allow just anyone to walk in back into the temple..but there are tons of areas up front you can go to. even LDS members themselves cannot just walk in whenever they want.
but there are no religious classes in the temple. anything like that is held in the church...which as I said before is a different thing totally from the temple.

for instance, our youth have young women and young men (that is what they are called..) and they have get togethers every week. they have spiritual lessons, an activity etc. anybody-LDS or not could attend those. in fact, I used to go with a friend of mine to hers (years before I was a member) and was always welcome and included and was never even asked if I was a member.

hope that helps.

Lol. I'm not Tiffany, I'm April.

doh, i so knew that. please forgive me. i changed it in my post.


Lets say I sent my Christian, yet non-Catholic child to a Catholic school. My(personal) opinion on that is that I wouldn't send my child there (nor would they want me sending my child there) because I don't agree with the doctrine. Regardless, I send my kid ther.... If my child is taught in Bible class that we should pray to Mary for "x,y, z" and to St. Peter for "a,b,c" she would come home and tell me. Me, being the Pentecostal that I am ;) would then tell her "no, this is not what I read in the Bible, this is what the Bible says". Then, my child would go back to school and challenge this....probably by saying in class "well, my mama says _______________". This too is a hypothetical conversation, but I hope it explains why a private Christian school would want like-minded parents sending their children.

I understand this, for you. However, I like for my children and my SS class to learn about different faiths. We are visiting a synagoge, a mosque, a hindu temple, and churches of different styles and denominations, so that we can learn about our brothers and sisters.

M, who goes to the Catholic school but is Methodist was really helpful to the class when the pope died.

And I sent my kids (church kids and my own kids) to the Baptist Church :drop: for choir camp. On Thursdays, they have their proverbial "are you saved" event. The first year, our methodist kids had all sorts of questions. After that year, I explained the differeing theologies to the kids and their parents before they went. Everyone was cool. They went to a church of a different faith, with other Christian kids, from lots of denominations. They spent a week singing about Jesus and playing together, performing a musical at the end. It was a wonderful time, even though by their standards, my kids aren't baptized or saved (they are both). In fact, I'm not even baptized by their standards. But they have a fabulous choir camp, so the kids and I talk. They learn, they are secure in THEIR faith and theology (because of the discussion) and have a wonderful time.

Being with different kids helps them to examine their own faith and makes it stronger, in my experience.

OTOH! There is a private Church of Christ school here that I would rather my kids never learn a thing than attend, so I kinda understand.

April, we are a hoot. The more conservative and "same" the group is, the less likely I am to ever let my kids anywhere near it. The more liberal and "diverse" the group the less likely your are to let yours.

It's good that God is bigger than the boogey man. He's bigger than Gozilla and the monsters on TV. God is bigger than boogey man and he's big enough for you and me! (thank you veggie tales)

The more conservative and "same" the group is, the less likely I am to ever let my kids anywhere near it. The more liberal and "diverse" the group the less likely your are to let yours.


Denise~
I love reading what you write about Christianity b/c it reflect my feelings so amazingly. It's hard to come by liberal Christians sometimes. Your first sentence above fits me to a "t". I love diversity. I love learning about other people, places and their religions. For me and the way I view Jesus, I just don't see him fitting into the mold of the ultra-conservative Christian sterotype. He was so accepting of others and so full of love :heart: He didn't limit himself to hanging out w/only like-minded Christians and I have absolutely no desire to either. Nor do I want my children to. :)

It's good that God is bigger than the boogey man. He's bigger than Gozilla and the monsters on TV. God is bigger than boogey man and he's big enough for you and me! (thank you veggie tales)


oh man, now i am going to be singing that ALL freaking day!

April, we are a hoot. The more conservative and "same" the group is, the less likely I am to ever let my kids anywhere near it. The more liberal and "diverse" the group the less likely your are to let yours.

Isn't this funny! I think you hit the nail on the head! I have no problem allowing my children to attend Baptist VBS(although I don't entirely agree with their doctrine) but would definitively have qualms sending them to "Church X", which falls under the Christian faith, but I have many questions about their doctrine.

Now, as far as our hs'ing goes, we too talk about other faiths. My oldest has friends from gymnastics that are different faiths and we sometimes discuss them. I have found a great book that talks about other countries and the faith(s) these countries practice. We read it and at the end of each country we pray for missionaries in those areas, etc.

Denise~
I love reading what you write about Christianity b/c it reflect my feelings so amazingly. It's hard to come by liberal Christians sometimes. Your first sentence above fits me to a "t". I love diversity. I love learning about other people, places and their religions. For me and the way I view Jesus, I just don't see him fitting into the mold of the ultra-conservative Christian sterotype. He was so accepting of others and so full of love :heart: He didn't limit himself to hanging out w/only like-minded Christians and I have absolutely no desire to either. Nor do I want my children to. :)


i know you know this, but i can't help pointing out that Jesus wasn't Christian. He was a Jew. i know, picky picky picky. No offense meant i swear, i just have to say it. [and can you believe the # of ppl who had argued this with me?]

i know you know this, but i can't help pointing out that Jesus wasn't Christian. He was a Jew. i know, picky picky picky. No offense meant i swear, i just have to say it. [and can you believe the # of ppl who had argued this with me?]


how could anyone argue with you?? if you were wrong (which you arent) but you are too too too sweet to even try to argue. you even make evil me into rainbows and sunshine -d4mn you :heart:

Yes he was. He practiced the tenets of Judaism all of his life. His followers began to be called Christian, since they called him Christ.

Kinda like the Methodists. The beginners of Methodism did everything in a very disciplined way (rising at 4am, praying for 2 hours, eating at certain times). At Oxford, where the movement began, people teased them unmercifully, calling them "methodists" because they were so methodical about everything. Apparently we liked it, 'cause it stayed!

Jesus always sought out the cast-offs of society. He spent very little time in the temple with the teachers. He was out and about, looking for the lost.

ETA: I love ducks!

i know you know this, but i can't help pointing out that Jesus wasn't Christian. He was a Jew. i know, picky picky picky. No offense meant i swear, i just have to say it. [and can you believe the # of ppl who had argued this with me?]

Of course he was a Jew! :lol: I'm really surprised that folks would argue that with you. :) Did something I wrote indicate that I thought he wasn't Jewish? :) I have such a difficult time conveying my thoughts. Sheesh...with all that writing in College (a small private Christian school), you'd think I could communicate better. ;)

I was trying to say that the concept of *today's* ultra conservative Christian is strange to me because I don't see that as how Jesus would have lived.

:lol: see, i know you knew that, but really i've had ppl get into screaming fights with me about it and i'm going 'um, guys, he didn't worship himself...'

rofl thanks for knowing i wasn't trying to attack you :) :heart:

how could anyone argue with you?? if you were wrong (which you arent) but you are too too too sweet to even try to argue. you even make evil me into rainbows and sunshine -d4mn you :heart:

pah, you weren't evil, you just had an evil suit on, and I hugged you and it vanished. :heart:

Does the LDS church allow non-LDS people into temple?

When the temples are first built anyone is welcome to tour the buildings. Later they are dedicated and only church members bearing a recommendation from their church leaders are permitted to enter since the ordinances performed are sacred. Anyone can wait in the lobby though. ;)


If I stopped in off the street in jeans would I be allowed in on a Sunday morning?

Absolutely "allowed" to attend church meetings. I've seen people attend in blue jeans, although members are encouraged to wear "Sunday Best" attire.

Interseting that you'd bring up the Jesus as a Jew thing. I've been thinking a lot about that lately, and thinking what a shame it is that we've thrown out most of his religion - the roots of our own religion as Christians. I was reading Girl Meets God last year and thinking how wonderful that she had all these Jewish texts - and the knowledge thereof - at her disposal. She was able to matter-of-factly make sense of things I've always wondered about. I wish there was more emphasis in Christianity on the Jewish texts - not the laws that we no longer are compelled to observe, but the texts and the wisdom of the Rabbis who have interpreted them and helped to clarify them.