In Virginia the largest religious denomination is Baptist at 14% compared to the 7% of Catholics living in Virginia. We knew these number when we moved here and it really didn't weigh on our decision. Why should it?With this difference in numbers it would be obvious that our children would and will be making friends with lots of children and families that aren't Catholic. Again, we are okay with that. Why wouldn't we be?
We are giving our children a completely Catholic education with them being completely enrolled in Seton Home Study School. Plus Mike and I work really hard to keep a devote Catholic home. We think they are getting the foundation of their Catholic faith and if when they grow up to make their own decisions on their faith they will stay firmly based in it. Time will tell I won't make any assumptions I'll just be confident I've done all I could.
Our Jacob has made a lot of friends who are active in a local Baptist church. He often goes with his friends on a Wednesday night to "hang" out and socialize at the church's youth social hall. The church provides snacks, drinks, a pool table, ping-pong table and other wholesome activities. In order to participate in the fun the kids are required to sit through a little bit of preaching. Jacob feels this is a small sacrifice for getting to "hang" with some good kids.
Mike and I have thought and talked this over several times and we still don't see a problem with it. So, this morning when Jacob called from a friends house to ask if he could go to services with a friend at the same church before coming home, I said okay if he really wanted to. His answer was, "I just want to see all my friends one last time before they start school tomorrow."
I'm still not seeing any problem with any of this. Am I being blind? Am I too confident in my child's faith in his own church? He went to mass with us at our church last night if he really wants to sit through some more preaching, does it really matter? Any thoughts or input is welcomed...
I was raised Catholic. I started leaning toward being Baptist as an adult because I did those Wed fellowships, and started attending some services. The Baptist church seemed to have better Sunday School, Bible studies, fellowship, etc. I think it's great that your son wants to be in a Christian environment. I don't think there's anything wrong with being Baptist (I married one!) However, I have gone back to the Catholic church wholeheartedly, and I think part of that was exposure to Protestantism, and finding a fantastic Catholic church. Growing up, Catholicism wasn't made joyful and celebrated, it was just what you had to do- I found the Baptist singing and praise more joyful...if you are in a good church and building that foundation for your children that they know WHY they believe what they believe, which it sounds like you're doing- then I don't think you'll have any problems!
ReplyDeleteWe all believe in Jesus. :)
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't worry about my kiddos going to a catholic church. I would be concerned about a mormon or jw, though.
My husband and I were just discussing our ten year old this morning. How fast to set her free. Is she ready for this or that. We decided that parenting isn't getting any easier... :)
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it
ReplyDeleteLike the other ladies, I wouldn't be worried.
ReplyDeleteI am sure in your normal course of conversation, if anything was "confusing" to him, you'll have great opportunities to help him understand other faiths and another opportunity to discuss ours.
I agree - don't worry. My son goes to a camp each summer that is Christian, but not Catholic. He always has a great time, and doesn't find that it influences him away from the Church. We haven't found him wanting to "stray" at all. He asks questions about why other people believe a little differently. Today he actually asked, "Why do some people just answer 'Christian' when you ask what religion they are?? I don't get it. We're Catholic, and Christians....but aren't people like Baptist, or Lutheran, or something, not just plain 'Christians'?" It was a good conversation.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with W&C that I'd be a little weirded out with Morman or JW churches. Those are a little "out there" with beliefs not exactly rooted in Christianity.
Your boy is probably doing great with all the education and catechism you're giving him. :)
Thanks everyone for you input, it really helped solidify my views!
ReplyDeleteepilogue to the post: He came home and the first thing he said was, "Okay I can so sit through Father --'s homily when he gets lost now on the point! At the worst it is 20 minutes, that preacher went on for 90 minutes about NOTHING of value!!" My heart sored and sang Alleluia!!
I'm late to the party as my blog reading is suffering because of my new teaching job.
ReplyDeleteStill, I wanted to comment.
I am not Catholic, but I am a Christian and am currently attending a Methodist church.
Don't we all (Catholic and Protestant) believe in God who sent His Son to die for our sins and that the only way we can be forgiven of our sins is to accept the redeeming work of Jesus' death on the cross and His resurrection?
Yes?
Then, why does it matter where your son goes to church?
Of course, being Catholic, I know there are certain ways you worship; however, if the Baptist church is putting forth the truths mentioned before, then one should be glad he's willing to spend his free time there, with other kids his age, rather than doing some other less-desirable thing.
BTW, it sounds like perhaps you are taking a hit from other people and hence, your questions?
Just my take on this...
Hugs!