I was brought up a Catholic but have rejected all religion. While I accept and approve of many Christian tenets, I cannot believe in a God, nor condone the bigotry inherent in religion, especially Catholicism. However, my local community primary schools are horrific. We can't afford to move to an area where they are not. Should I baptise my daughter and start going to church? Also, my husband will absolutely not do this. If I decide to, will that count against us?
2007-02-27 23:08:34 · 11 answers · asked by Smeaky 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
Hi I stepped up church attendance from zero really, to every couple of weeks. Got the girls christened etc, and then the vicar knew us well, and he signed the admission forms for the church school. But I did feel I believed in some God in some sense, and I have brought the girls up to be christians. Face it they will get taught alot of RE at the school and you will have to back it up at home. My partner is athiest but he doesnt voice this in front of the girls. Maybe if they ever ask him outright then he will. We attend church when the girls are performing ie a poem, prayer. choir etc. Its a lovely thing to see at Primary age, but I am not pushing it for the secondary school, as its their choice and they are not going to want it too much at that age. Do it and dont worry. Lots others are and its for your daughter.
2007-02-28 00:55:13 · answer #1 · answered by babyshambles 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The church and education are two separate things, don't be blown over by people trying to sell their religion by saying you should try it in order to take advantage of a better education.
If you value education more than compromising your values, look into some means of moving where you can get it without the baptism and believing in the holy triniity. If you really can't manage the move, accept what catholic schools can do for you as far as the quality of teaching is concerned but remain vigilant on the aspect of their wanting to program the kids that go there to be as one-sided as they are. There are other religions and there is also the greater need that you child needs, a solid loving family indepemdent of the religious bias out there.
2007-02-28 00:56:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
what would it hurt to baptise a child? well, i guess you could slip in the back door and just tell them or fake it as what is the dif?
my wife was catholic and did not get baptised until she was a grown women. I think you are making too much of this. Just do what you have to do to get a good education for your daughter.
The Catholicc's are not going to brainwash her and she will probably think like you guys when she is old enough and you can explain to her how you feel. I doubt the way the catholic church is going..(and many others too) that this will be a big problem when your daughter is old enough to think for herself.
Sometimes you have to play the system and tell them what they want to hear..its just the way life is.....my wife is catholic but she never goes to mass and i am lutheran but i am not a fanatic either
2007-02-27 23:38:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have very mixed feelings about this. I also do not believe in God, though of course agree with many religious principles - Love thy neighbour and all that.
I think it is disrespectful to those that go to church if you are not there to believe in it. You would in effect be lying.
Would this not confuse your daughter also?
On the other hand, the Church are always trying to gather new supporters and would probably welcome you in the hope that you would begin to believe! Also they would 'forgive you your sins', I think.
Finally, I have no idea what lengths I would go to for my children. I am fortunate that they are in a good primary school, and know that we may have to move in the future to improve chances of getting a better senior school. However, we differ, in that I was brought up an atheist, so the very idea of going to church would be far more terrifying than it probably is for you.
It is important that you and your husband agree, otherwise it could be a problem to your relationship in the future. (I know someone else who did what you are thinking about and her husband did not agree - they divorced shortly after!)
Good luck in your big decision. x
2007-02-27 23:28:41 · answer #4 · answered by Take me to Venice 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You go to church and believe in the church because you want to not to use it for another purpose.
You will gain nothing by baptizing you're daughter and not believe in the reason for baptism in the first place.
Have you even considered why the other schools are horrific? Have you considered why the church school is more inviting to you?
There is a message there and you are refusing to see it.
Do not use the power of God and the church as a mask!
2007-02-27 23:22:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get this question back to basics. What is more important - your principles or your child's education? If your child has the chance of a good education which will hopefully have a massive impact on her future opportunities and life, then are your principles more important? Probably not.
Bite your tongue, go to church if you have to. As for your husband, ask him the same question. Yes, it is hypocritical to pretend to believe something that you don't but that's not an excuse if the potential gain is so big. This is a good opportunity for your daughter - don't let your principles hold her back.
2007-02-27 23:23:15 · answer #6 · answered by gorgeousfluffpot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If that is the only way to get your daughter into a good school, then go ahead I would. I don't think your husband not going will count against you.
I would just make sure you talk to your daughter about religion so she doesn't get brainwashed by the church and her school.
My son (who is 6) goes to a religous school, so when he mentions god I just tell him about different religions too, so he is not just brought blindly up as being christian
2007-02-27 23:12:52 · answer #7 · answered by OriginalBubble 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should go to church if you believe. Why not go anyway regardless of the school thought. You may see that you have been missing out on something and look at getting your child into the school as a bonus.
2007-02-27 23:18:59 · answer #8 · answered by Miss RoZy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How will it count against you if you don't believe in God? Unless you plan on putting on a sign that say "I don't believe you and I'm only using you for the school." I don't think the church will figure out.
2007-02-27 23:11:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, by all means, go to church. Here's a great site for questions about Catholicism: www.catholic.com.
God bless.
2007-03-01 08:38:46 · answer #10 · answered by Danny H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋