CCD for my son?

Question

Lately, my 7 year old son has been asking me a lot of questions about Jesus, God, and the Devil. I dont quite know how to answer his questions. We do not belong to any church, nor do we go to church on sundays. He wants to take a CCD class, and I think his questions could be better answered in there than by me. Is it necessary to belong to a church in order to put your child into a CCD class? Is this the best place for him, or would it be better to bring him to talk to a priest? Im not sure what to do, but I would like to make available the opportunity to learn about what people believe. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Many so-called religions try to get children as young as possible and indoctrinate them with scare tactics. Be careful, your son is probably being told thing by other kids that they have heard in their religious instruction. Some of this can be helpful but some of it can be very damaging. We were careful to keep our children away from any teaching that spoke of a judgmental punishing God. These ideas pretend to be religion but they are simply control tactics. They make people insecure and unsure of Gods love for them.

I suggest that you look for a book that is simple enough to explain the various belief systems of the world’s religions without going into to much detail. Explain each of these to your child and tell him that he will have plenty of time to decide if he wants to join a particular church when he is old enough to make an informed decision. We did this with our youngest and he saw the compassionate nonviolent ways of the Buddhists as making the most sense to him. He has always emulated this Buddhist idea of nonviolence in his dealings with others. I guess what I’m saying is be careful who you let form your child’s idea about God, because he will be stuck with that idea for a long time. .

Answer 2

Do your son a big favor and find a Catholic FAMILY CCD program in your area. Don't send him, accompany him. You'll be amazed at the results. I don't know if there's a father in residence there, too, but if so, he should go along. These classes usually only require one or two evenings a month. They don't cost a lot. You'll have a chance to get to understand the faith and also experience it through interacting with all the other families as well. It will lilkely save you and your son from many other problems, later in life. It's a definite WIN-WIN! For more information or to post additional questions go to www.askmeaboutgod.org and receive a prompt, free, complete answer via email. Cheers! Doug

Answer 3

Probably that would be the last place to put him. If you live in the USA you should have many options. You are the one who should be responsible for your child's development, not the catholic church. If he grows up crooked it will be your fault. Why start him is a school supported by such a controversial faction of Christianity. If you have a choice-that would be a stupid one.

Answer 4

If you check out your local churchs, there is most likely a youth group for kids his age somewhere. Where is he getting his questions from? Is there maybe a friend from school that he's getting it from (not that it's a bad thing, mind you), but maybe this friend and his parents might be a good place to turn for some info.....??

Answer 5

What is ccd. A youth group and bible study in a good bible based non-denominal church would be the best.

Answer 6

I think your son should learn about every religion. when hes much older. at 7 years old is not a good age to indoctorinate a child. however they should learn about every religion if they are interested in one just to make sure. Oh you live in the south dont you? people that were never brought up christian are usually exposed to it in the south.

Answer 7

it is awesome that you are letting your son think for himself, there are too few parents who do that,

I woudl suggest taking him toa priest first to answer dsome questions and the let your son deicde what he wants to do