My husband and I were both raised catholic, but are not catholics now. We are having our first child and would like to honor our best friends by asking them to be "Godparents". Mostly a symbolic gesture. Is Godparents the right term or is there a modern day version of this relationship besides legal guardian?
2006-10-19 07:19:07 · 16 answers · asked by KLicK 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
Godparent is still the right term.
2006-10-19 07:22:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Traditionally, the godparents were counted informally responsible for ensuring that the child's religious education was carried out, and for caring for the child should he/she be orphaned. Today the latter duty is the most commonly recognized duty of a godparent, and the word "godparent" often no longer has religious overtones. The modern definition of godparent is an individual chosen by the parents to take a vested interest in raising a more complete human being. However, godparent is not a legal position, and should the parents seriously intend the godparents to act as foster parents in case of their death, this must be legally specified through the usual means (such as a will).
At least in the Anglican church, prospective godparents must be at least christened before they can take on this responsibility. The Roman Catholic Church also requires that the godparents have undergone Confirmation. In the US, a non Roman Catholic cannot become a godparent but is technically known as a Christian Witness."
2006-10-19 14:26:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, a Godparent has NOTHING to do with legal guardianship. A Godparent is the act of in the event of the parents passing, the godparent will ensure that whoever raises the child raises them to believe in religion. Ask your minister.
No matter who your childs godparents are, that doesn't mean they get your kids when you die. Whoever you designate in your will gets your kids when you die.
2006-10-19 14:25:58 · answer #3 · answered by Allycat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, i do not believe that you should have your child baptized if you are not going to show him spiritually and take him to church on how important the holy trinity is in his life. Both parents should be practicing this now. Also, as a godparent they both need to have been baptized and confirmed (if your church does that) before you think about having them as a godparent. They also need to be followers of God and be able to live up to their responsibilities that are asked of them. I am a godparent to 2 of my nephews and let me tell you it is not an easy job. A godparent is nothing to mess around with. Please read this to links and you will see what i am talking about...
In my honest opinion do not have your child baptized if you are not going to practice your religion... by going to church and passing the word of the Lord to your child. That is important...!!!!
2006-10-19 15:39:07 · answer #4 · answered by DO IT! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never heard of any name other than godparents. It's a promise to God that in the event of a tragedy involving both parents, the godparents will assume the responsibility of parenting the godchild.
2006-10-19 14:22:56 · answer #5 · answered by edcw0214 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Divine Entity Parent
2006-10-19 14:25:17 · answer #6 · answered by J D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think godparents is okay to use, but you could come up with your own term. Maybe, Honorary parents or something.
2006-10-19 14:24:42 · answer #7 · answered by Mo the treehugger! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i was taught that a godparent is some one who has excepted the blessing of being there if the parents pass.
2006-10-19 14:22:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is still Godparent.
2006-10-19 14:32:37 · answer #9 · answered by MIKA 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Guardianship is a completely different concept than baptismal sponsor... I think that you better consult a legal dictionary, or contact whomever is doing the ceremony, if you are having a baptism, per se...
2006-10-19 14:28:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋