We have decided as parents to expose our children to different faiths & cultures. We don't want them growing up & being afraid of or non-accepting of people groups different than their own. We don't want them to miss out on some really great friendships. We attend church, but also have friends who are non-Christian and we hang out with & attend events sponsored by their houses of worship. I get so much criticism from my mother-in-law about this and she tells me I am not a real Christian. Anybody got similar experience who can help with this? She is giving me a really hard time about Easter.
2007-04-07 01:20:47 · 16 answers · asked by YesIDid 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
lol, I am a non-denominational Christian and I married a Catholic. We also have 3 small children. Although its not really an issue now, (we live 13hrs away, lol) when my husband and I first got married and announced the baby it was a little tense. The only time we have any conversation about it now is on the occassional visit. When it comes up, I will typically put an end to the conversation before it begins.
I just usually say something jokelike about it. Like seriously what is up with all that up and down when you go to mass? If you ask for seconds on the crackers to they give those out and is it offensive to ask for cheese?? By the time I finish my sentence they are ready to move on, lol.
If you are living close to them, then your husband needs to intervene. He needs to tell his mother to back off, because it is disrespectful to you and his family. She already had a chance to raise her children, now its your turn. You don't have to include her in all your Easter activities either. If there is something that "may offend" her, don't include her. She will get the idea and back off.
2007-04-07 01:31:24 · answer #1 · answered by Chrissy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your being wishy washy about the issue. Who the heck says you can't have friends in other faiths and cultures?
Standing firm in one faith is a good thing, what you are saying is you can't make a firm committment so you will just jump fences until you find you don't settle on anything.
I can understand the MIL distress,
Easter is the beautiful celebration of Christ's victory over death. You can't get much better than that.
I know a few groups do say you can't be with other faiths but they are like cults, so give your family something to hold onto; do this for your children give them a strong faith and they will be open to all cultures and faiths.
Give them a wishy washy attitude and they will most likely be bitter and angry about life, they are the one's that end up on YA saying its a all fiction.
2007-04-07 01:38:40 · answer #2 · answered by Tapestry6 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
while very young, your children are fine, when they get to the point of questioning, you might well lose them. Because Christianity is based on faith, and a born again experience of whatever type. Other religions are mostly ways to live , rules,do this because---do that because---. It appeals to the young.A sense of order. The freedom of following A God who lives inside us and has a still small voice, does not really appeal. Your mother in law has your children's best interests at heart. You might be going on less than an educated decision.
2007-04-07 01:30:18 · answer #3 · answered by swamp elf 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why not tell her, what you told us.
Tell her that you and the spouse have decided to expose your children to different faiths. And while you respect her religious decisions, you respectfully ask her to respect yours.
And when she brings it up again reply that you've already explained your reasons. Do not let her engage you time and time again. She will get tired of beating her head against the wall because she knows she can't sway you if you stay firm with not discussing it with her once you've told her firmly that you've made the decision to expose them to different faiths.
And if anyone mentions to have your spouse do it, know that it is hard for boys to stand up to their mothers. You have your own relationship with her. Stand up to her. In the long run it will send a message to her that you are your own person and can't be manipulated.
2007-04-07 01:26:42 · answer #4 · answered by ME 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know your mother in law but she should look in the mirror before making comments.They are Your children . When you and your children hang out with non church goers you will be exposed to worldly things, swearing , drinking ,bad habits, etc Your little ones will think it is normal or the thing to do. Proverbs 22:25" Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul ". I'm not saying don't see them but , be careful . Stick to the church that follows the bible the best.Proverbs 22:6
2007-04-07 01:38:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You and your husband have different beliefs then your mother in law. You will have to be firm but gentle in explaining that you respect her thoughts in the matter but in the end it is you and your husband how you shall raise your children. Tell your mother in law that you love and respect her very much but in the end they are YOUR children and not hers. Above all do this with love and consideration as you should pick your battles in life wisely. This sounds like something you should fight for as the future of your children depend on what you do today. Good Luck. You and your mother in law sound like very strong women. Let us hope your husband stands firm with you and the children are his first priority!
2007-04-07 01:29:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is an easy biblical answer here.
According to the bible it is the parents responsibility to properly teach a child from infancy to respect and to understand God's laws. Actually quite a lot of the scriptures deal with teaching the truth.
I have a favorite website where you can find real, solid answers to your questions
2007-04-07 01:30:50 · answer #7 · answered by Wisdom 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My dear lady, Yes I have gone through this situation with my family and know how you feel.Most important is not to get serious with any religion.Be friendly,loving and helpfull.Do not argue or try to convince your mother in law. Smile and tell her that Jesus said Love one another, and that is what you are doing.Your experience is showing that religion divides and causes hardships and tears.
Spirituality unites. God which is Life loves you unconditionally.
2007-04-07 01:32:39 · answer #8 · answered by Roman 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Learn to explain why you believe in a God...
Give her why their is a God.
This below will help
If you want to teach your kids and your self about christianity and the Bible get "Learn the Bible in 24 hours" by chuck missler at www.khouse.com
2007-04-07 01:28:29 · answer #9 · answered by rockinweazel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wait a minute....ok... you have friends who are non-christian....which is ok......BUT.......which "houses of worship" are you talking about?
jewish? hindu? muslim? satanic? pagan? cults?
it is one thing to be tolerant , befriend people, and be kind to others and understand their beliefs, but it is another to send a signal that you somehow think their house of worship is equivalent to yours. you also send the signal that you are not clear on your own faith...that somehow you should shop around to find something better.
would they send their children to YOUR church? if not, then re-think your position.
understanding other faiths can be done by reading or discussion....you do not have to participate in worship...which is actually forbidden if it is outside the judeo-christian area...
the jewish faith i can see, because it is the foundation for christianity, and it would be good to see this foundation., and apprecitate the jewish roots of christianity. But other "faiths" can pull you down.
all faiths are not equal....
2007-04-07 01:39:02 · answer #10 · answered by Marianne T 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋