Multi religious house hold

Hello every one. I am new here and thought this group might be a good fit being a father of three children two boys 9 and 2 and one girl 3. Now a little back ground quick I hope not to blither blather on. I was raised a christian and not long ago quit going to the catholic church. I had long felt distanced. My wife felt the same and we started learing about paganism. We bolth felt it is the right path for us.

Now my oldest still wants to attend his religious education classes from the catholic church. I do not wish to infring on his beliefs if that is what he wishes to practice but I was expected to teach his ccd classes for him at home the one week a month go in for parent/student classes at the local church. I'm not completely uncomftorable teaching this to him as it is what we used to practice. The problem is I feel like a complete hypocrite as I do not believe in it.

So how does one handle this? I want to support him but at the same rate I want him to be open minded and not indoctrinated into something. Then watch him try and find himself though out his life and wonder what else is out there.

So does anyone have any ideas? Thankyou in advance.

0 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Leisha -- Vacationing on Sunday

Two thoughts...

First, there's a difference between teaching *about* something and *teaching* something. Although I have never been Catholic, or Buddhist, or Muslim, I do intend to teach my daughter about those faiths, as I think it is important to have a good grasp of different world religions if you plan to live in today's multicultural and multireligious world. In essence, you'd teach the material as given, but also leave the lines of communication open for discussing what you believe or what you do or don't do in terms of practice. For instance, on the issue of prayer, you might mention that you pray, but you have different prayers that you use. Some pagans use prayer beads, but they are different from a rosary. Some pagan rites incorporate the use of some sort of baked good (but not the eucharist) and wine or juice, but it isn't the same thing as the Catholic rite of communion.

You are the best judge of your child's developmental stage--but see if it is time to explain that you are supportive of his learning about this religion, and would be supportive of his practicing it, if that's what he ends up wanting, but that you follow a different religion. Use metaphors that are understandable for that age group--for instance, describe religion as ice cream. Some people like chocolate, some people like vanilla, some people don't like ice cream at all, and some people would rather have a popsicle. It doesn't mean that the different types of ice cream are bad or wrong...just different.

Second, depending on your parish, many times you can run into priests who are very supportive about interfaith discussions. There would be nothing wrong with going to the priest and saying that you want to be supportive in your child's religious education in the Catholic faith, since that is what is of interest to your child, but you want to know how to best handle it as it isn't your faith. Trust me, that's probably not the first time that they've had that question come up!

Best of luck to you, and I know you'll do great by your child... just remember to show that you're supportive of your child's explorations, even if you personally don't mesh with what he's exploring! That support will mean far more than any of the lessons he learns within whatever faith he's studying!

Permalink Reply by Chris on Monday

Thankyou Leisha for your input on it. It is nice to get a thought from someone who is not so close to the situation. What you said makes sence. We will be definatly keeping communication open with him. We had a discussion over Mabon feast about being open to other things and not being narrow minded in our thought process as far as religious practices go. He is young only 9 and has alot of learning to do and I am sure many interest later. Thank you again.

Leisha -- Secret Agent (SHH!) said:

Two thoughts...

First, there's a difference between teaching *about* something and *teaching* something. Although I have never been Catholic, or Buddhist, or Muslim, I do intend to teach my daughter about those faiths, as I think it is important to have a good grasp of different world religions if you plan to live in today's multicultural and multireligious world. In essence, you'd teach the material as given, but also leave the lines of communication open for discussing what you believe or what you do or don't do in terms of practice. For instance, on the issue of prayer, you might mention that you pray, but you have different prayers that you use. Some pagans use prayer beads, but they are different from a rosary. Some pagan rites incorporate the use of some sort of baked good (but not the eucharist) and wine or juice, but it isn't the same thing as the Catholic rite of communion.

You are the best judge of your child's developmental stage--but see if it is time to explain that you are supportive of his learning about this religion, and would be supportive of his practicing it, if that's what he ends up wanting, but that you follow a different religion. Use metaphors that are understandable for that age group--for instance, describe religion as ice cream. Some people like chocolate, some people like vanilla, some people don't like ice cream at all, and some people would rather have a popsicle. It doesn't mean that the different types of ice cream are bad or wrong...just different.

Second, depending on your parish, many times you can run into priests who are very supportive about interfaith discussions. There would be nothing wrong with going to the priest and saying that you want to be supportive in your child's religious education in the Catholic faith, since that is what is of interest to your child, but you want to know how to best handle it as it isn't your faith. Trust me, that's probably not the first time that they've had that question come up!

Best of luck to you, and I know you'll do great by your child... just remember to show that you're supportive of your child's explorations, even if you personally don't mesh with what he's exploring! That support will mean far more than any of the lessons he learns within whatever faith he's studying!

Permalink Reply by Neiges on Monday

Leisha has great advice. :)

I also am trying to teach my oldest about religions. I got her a book explaining in somewhat detail (a book specific to her age group) the major religions of the world.

Some day, I hope she'll decide to practice a nature based spiritualism with me, but if she decides otherwise, we will just have to cross that bridge when...

Permalink Reply by Chris on Monday

Neiges, Yes I agree that Leisha has good advice. If you don't mind my asking what is the book name and age bracket geared for? My oldest is nine. I agree one bridge at a time. I have my hopes for him following me but I hope he does it because it feels right not to copy dad.
Neiges said:

Leisha has great advice. :)

I also am trying to teach my oldest about religions. I got her a book explaining in somewhat detail (a book specific to her age group) the major religions of the world.

Some day, I hope she'll decide to practice a nature based spiritualism with me, but if she decides otherwise, we will just have to cross that bridge when...

Permalink Reply by Neiges on Tuesday

Chris, the book is L'Encyclopedie Larousse (6/9 ans) "Les religions".. for 6-9 years old.

I searched a bit for the equivalent in english and only found this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Religions-World-Carson-Dellosa-Publishing/dp/...

It is supposed to be for 9-12 yrs

Good luck!

Chris said:

Neiges, Yes I agree that Leisha has good advice. If you don't mind my asking what is the book name and age bracket geared for? My oldest is nine. I agree one bridge at a time. I have my hopes for him following me but I hope he does it because it feels right not to copy dad.
Neiges said:
Leisha has great advice. :)

I also am trying to teach my oldest about religions. I got her a book explaining in somewhat detail (a book specific to her age group) the major religions of the world.

Some day, I hope she'll decide to practice a nature based spiritualism with me, but if she decides otherwise, we will just have to cross that bridge when...

Permalink Reply by Chris on Wednesday

Neiges, Thanks for the link. The age bracket seems to be right for my oldest. I guess I will see where his interest lead.

Neiges said:

Chris, the book is L'Encyclopedie Larousse (6/9 ans) "Les religions".. for 6-9 years old.

I searched a bit for the equivalent in english and only found this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Religions-World-Carson-Dellosa-Publishing/dp/...

It is supposed to be for 9-12 yrs

Good luck!

Chris said:

Neiges, Yes I agree that Leisha has good advice. If you don't mind my asking what is the book name and age bracket geared for? My oldest is nine. I agree one bridge at a time. I have my hopes for him following me but I hope he does it because it feels right not to copy dad.
Neiges said:
Leisha has great advice. :)

I also am trying to teach my oldest about religions. I got her a book explaining in somewhat detail (a book specific to her age group) the major religions of the world.

Some day, I hope she'll decide to practice a nature based spiritualism with me, but if she decides otherwise, we will just have to cross that bridge when...