amitymamaThe Attachment Parenting Community

branwyn · 04-09-2005, 07:17 PM

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...

Shoshoni · 04-09-2005, 07:22 PM

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.

_Gentle_Spirit_ · 04-09-2005, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by branwyn

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.

Dishka · 04-09-2005, 10:15 PM

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.

jeni · 04-09-2005, 11:02 PM

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.

Sabra · 04-10-2005, 12:13 AM

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.

ElDucko · 04-10-2005, 12:17 AM

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?

branwyn · 04-10-2005, 12:52 AM

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

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.

Sontanned · 04-10-2005, 03:22 PM

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.

djmdj · 04-10-2005, 08:46 PM

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!)

branwyn · 04-10-2005, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sontanned

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.

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)

branwyn · 04-10-2005, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djmdj

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.

Sontanned · 04-11-2005, 08:35 AM

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.

djmdj · 04-11-2005, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sontanned

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....

jessica_momof7 · 04-11-2005, 02:07 PM

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)

Quote:

Originally Posted by sontanned

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.