Recently, they've been asking my daughter to say a blessing. She is three and based on our complicated religious surroundings, I'm only teaching her the universal truths, such as good morals (such as don't hurt others or lie) and respect for all life until she's old enough to understand better. I want to find or write a "blessing" or something similar to say before meals that is not offensive as a Pagan or as a Christian. Something that does not include the word "god".
2006-09-13 03:04:39 · 35 answers · asked by christina_m_taft 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I didn't think this was necessary information for this question, but some people have been very mean so for clarification.... I believe that divinity is a life force (more like energy than a being) that beyond being reponsible for creation, is a part of each and every living thing. I believe that this intangible force (or aspects of) is what has been personified as God and Satan in Christianity or the dieties of most any other religion.
In addition, my husband is Catholic and we have plans to educate her (as her level of understanding of abstract ideas increases) of the different religious beliefs, including their histories. Another point is that we plan on addressing most all religions, not just our own so that she will have a better understanding of those who believe differently than her. A tolerance that many people on Answers need to learn.
2006-09-13 09:07:33 · update #1
Thank you for this food & bless the hands that prepared it. May it nourish our bodies.
amen
2006-09-13 03:24:13 · answer #1 · answered by Celtic Tejas 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
If you are a guest in their home, respect their wishes. That is just common courtesy. As far as your 3 year old daughter saying a blessing, she does not understand what being a Christian or a Pagan means. When she grows up, she will make her own decision, you or your in-laws will not make it for her.
2006-09-13 04:28:08 · answer #2 · answered by Not perfect, just forgiven 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
"Behold this bounty before us, and remember those whose bounty is empty. Let us remember always the blessings we find in our lives, and remember those to whom we ourselves can be a blessing. Let us strive to overcome our obstacles with grace and dignity, and strive to avoid being obstacles to others. Let us do all the good we can do, and do all we can to right our failings. Before all else, there is Good in the universe, and we each are a part of that Good. Let us remember, and let us experience, and let us be that Goodness, for ourselves and for others."
If appropriate, conclude with an 'Amen' (which means, simply, 'I believe' or 'So it is'). This will provide specific closure to Christians who look to end prayer with the word, while it should not be intrinsically offensive to pagans in your company because most will understand the meaning of the word.
2006-09-13 03:11:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
okay ill try and not bash here so that i can actually say something constructive about this situation. you need to tell your parents that you are raising your daughter with different beliefs so if she is going to say a "blessing" that she will do it acording to your standards not your mothers/grandmothers. and we call it a prayer before a meal because we give thanks to god for good health and that we have food and that the food should nourish our bodies so if you want to just have her say something about that yeah but definatly talk to your mom about how you are raising your daughter
2006-09-13 03:10:12 · answer #4 · answered by gsschulte 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Let her say a Christian blessing while at the in-laws. She won't understand it now, but since you are giving her a varied religeous experience, when she IS old enough she will have a better appreciation of the fact that different people believe different things
Plus you will avoid a showdown with your in-laws that would likely be much more damaging to your daughter.
I really wouldn't worry about your daughter being brainwashed, or indoctrinated by a simple blessing at a meal. Now if they are asking you to send her to Catholic pre-school or to come to church with them every Sunday, a more critical approach might be necessary.
2006-09-13 03:09:25 · answer #5 · answered by Isaac H 3 · 1⤊ 4⤋
It is too early to teach your daughter the complicated ethical principle of the "white lie" the lie told to save someones feelings.
So you tell it. For this Holiday season- tell Grandma and Grandpa that little Pagan is going thru a "shy stage" and ask them not to put her on the spot with the blessing thing.
2006-09-13 03:25:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
It has been my understanding that birthed or assembled, the universe is a "Creation" as such the title, "creator" can apply to God, Goddess, or all gods/goddesses in what ever Pantheon you believe in, even the christian God. try this,
Creator, who made all things, please bless this meal and all here to know your love. ah-men.
So simple, and who could object to that from a child?
2006-09-13 03:16:02 · answer #7 · answered by fullmoonwolf4real 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I would just let the child come up with her own responses...even if it includes the God word. Teach her acceptance of others beliefs and your own. Its not going to brainwash the child to hear and participate in others religions for family events.....and it will leave her confused if she isnt allowed to...she will feel excluded in the fun.
If she hears about all religions AND the athiest/agnostic points of view, during her childhood, she will make her own choices later in life anyway based on her own beliefs....just as you were allowed to make your own decisions. If you only allow Pagansim to be developed within her...that WILL be brainwashing as you have the most influence on her. Let her be and let it be....time will resolve everything.
If you truly dont want her hearing about God etc...dont go to the family events during eating times, if it offends YOUR sensibilities.
2006-09-13 03:32:31 · answer #8 · answered by Scully 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
well that's a tough one. I guess if you feel comfortable with her saying prayers....I'd teach her a general one...the Native Americans address "great spirit" or better still to use no name at all. It's a delicate situation for sure. I'd also be concerned that they're not going all "Archie Bunker" on you...there was this episode were Archie wanted to sneak his grandson to be baptized.....parents were atheists. Anyways...hope that helps!
2006-09-13 03:14:48 · answer #9 · answered by Joeygirl 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
bless all those at this meal.......and dont you think 3 is a little young to be put on the spot like this ???? IMO it is so maybe you could get her / you out of it that way.
Its nice IMO that you are not just showing her one way but rather opening her to ALL aspects of life out there
2006-09-13 03:08:09 · answer #10 · answered by candy g 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry for all of the tumbs down you will be receiving for this questions.
Have her say what she is thankful for. That's something the whole family can participate in and that shouldn't hurt anyone's feelings. It's a good reality check anyway :)
2006-09-13 03:08:24 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋