Dawn,
((HUGS))
Before I start, I must say that in my experience, faith systems that claim to have the "only truth" or the "only way" are the ones that are arrogant. Not attacking anyone personally, but I've seen this the strongest in the LDS church, Jehovas witness, and many fundamental Christian groups (Baptist would be included. also evangelical and other fundamentals) I've found the most tolerance and just genuine love for fellow men/women in those groups outside of the ones I mentioned above. (more liberal Christian groups, Judiasm, Buddism, Hinduism, other eastern religions, most all neo-pagan and new agers) Sorry to say this and hope I'm not hurting any feelings, but I have seen this over and over again. (the snobbery and arrogance)
**I added this*** I had to come back and edit and say that the mamas here are wonderful and I am not saying that ALL Baptists, LDS etc....are non-tolerant. Just had to add this as I re-read my post and was afraid it would come across in a totally negitive way. (not my intention!)
You will (of course) not see this when you are being "courted" by any one of these groups and each of these groups really does sincerely think they are saving your soul and helping you. I try to remember that and give love back to them
)
I beware and advise you to run from any group that uses fear tactics to belive in their doctrine. Many religions do this, usually in the form of what your place in the afterlife will be like. (usually it is not a good place if you don't adhere to their particular belief system! *lol*)
I've been where you are and I am one who thinks there is no "right" or "one true" path that all humanity should follow, but rather it is a highly individual thing. (spirituality) I do think couples can find common ground and raise a child of faith. (we are doing this with our six children)
I believe there is a difference between spirituality and religion. Yes, religious persons can be spiritual but they can also just be "going through the motions" out of fear, laziness, or tradition. A very spiritual person may not belong to a recognized religion. I think it is possible to find a church home that one enjoys attending and feels spiritually nourished in. Yet again, we tend to grow and change over our lives and the same physical congregation may not fit our needs later on down the line. Thank goodness there are many different variances within each main religion. ( by "main religion" I mean Christianity, Buddism, pagan, new age, etc...)
This is by no means an answer, but have you ever taken one of those online tests that asks you your basic feelings about various issues of faith and then matches you with various faith systems? I have found these to be quite accurate for myself and many of my friends but, of course, is not the "answer" by any means! *lol* It just may give you a list to start with. (see below on how I'd look at various systems)
Personally, I grew up Presbyterian. Our family only attended on holidays, though. As an adult when my husband and I had a 14 month old, we decided we wanted some kind of faith system in which to raise him. (sounds like where you are at)
What we did was attend every single church in our area. (every faith) We tried to go at least two times to get a better overall picture of the congregation and faith system. (every church has weird days and going one day may not give a good picture) Here is what I'd suggest doing:
(maybe take that online test I mentioned above??)
**attend various churches, then:
1. Write down what you both liked and disliked about each group. (you and your dh)
2. pray about each
3. narrow down to your top 4 (or more or less)
4. spend a month at each of these and at the same time, *really research* each of these groups in-depth. Reading both pro and con materials. Talk to not only current members, but those who left.
5. pray, pray, and pray more!
Hopefully this will help you to find where you fit. Now, if you live as rural as we do, this method would be difficult. (we lived in a University town when we were searching so had a good selection) I know this takes time but I think a matter such as this is not something one should rush into.
We spent over 11 years on the faith system we had chosen and enjoyed it. But, we did come to a place (for many reasons) where we felt it was time to move on. I am now personally in the middle of a very in-depth quest for my spiritual home. I am currently staying away from organized faith systems just because I have spent so much time in them....and need to read and study in depth on my own.
I'm sure you will hear about many wonderful faith systems/religions. Individual persons testimonies can be very moving. But I stress that these are *individual* and each person is unique. Search, search, and search some more. Expose yourself to many different paths and pray for guideance. Take your time
)
Ok....enough from me already!!
Hugs and blessings on your search,
Michelle...Mama to six, teacher, spiritual seeker-----Yes, we are STILL breastfeeding!<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by Momof6 on Wed Jan 09 06:04 PM.</EM></FONT></P>
Wife to the love of my life Robert since 2/13/99!!!!! 
Linear Mode
