My mom told me this weekend that my future stepdad, a lapsed Catholic, responded this way when his son asked, "What religion am I?":
"Your mother's an Episcopalian. I'm a Catholic, but I don't like my church right now. I don't know what you are yet, but if you study and pay attention, you'll find out."
Do you think this answer is helpful, confusing, or something else?
How would you (or have you) answered this question from your child?
2007-05-21 03:47:03 · 9 answers · asked by GreenEyedLilo 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm actually 33, and my brother's 25, but we call him "Future Stepdad" because my mother hates "boyfriend" at her age and they've dated forever. :-)
2007-05-21 04:59:48 · update #1
I think that this is 'the best answer ever' from a parent to a child ... because it give the child 'an option' to explore and choose his/her own 'religious affiliation' or not ... It may seem 'confusing' but we all need to be able to make our OWN CHOICES in religion as well as 'little things' like our tastes in clothes and food. My kids got the 'same answer' and I actually sent them to EVERY 'summer camp' experience that the different churches put on, so that they could 'have some experience' and be better able to make their own 'choice' of religion when they grew up. They're all 'grown now' and are all 'fairly religious' but are NOT the same religion I practice ... which is fine with me, since I 'came to it' later in my life, and if it's 'right for them' they may do something similar ... but they are all 'good explorers' in both the 'real world' and the 'religious world' and THAT is the BEST that any of us can be.
2007-05-21 04:11:09 · answer #1 · answered by Kris L 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have had countless untold # of people ask me what religion I am. I never quite understood when I was a child why people get so caught up with "I'm a Baptist." "I'm a Catholic." etc. etc. A labeled reigion has NEVER been my hope. Our hope is in Jesus Christ and nothing Less. In answer to people asking, "what religion are you?" The answer is still the same today, " I'm not religious. I'm a christian. Jesus Christ crucified is my doctrine." And it should be so for all other christian professing peope. So don't get caught up in a church denomination. Get caught up with Him, for Jesus is the only way to Salvation. All other is sinking sand.
2007-05-21 11:04:14 · answer #2 · answered by HeVn Bd 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think the father did a great job.
I would say much the same. 'Son, you are whatever you become. I believe in God and you should too. Religion is how you believe in God what the method of worship is. You will choose that yourself.'
2007-05-21 10:53:03 · answer #3 · answered by Truth7 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think this answer is helpful because your future step-dad is allowing you to find your own way. People who do this have better reasons as to why they believe the way they do (versus people who just accept their parents' beliefs without any investigation as to why it makes sense).
2007-05-21 11:41:59 · answer #4 · answered by smt 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds pretty much like a cop out to me.
2007-05-21 10:51:46 · answer #5 · answered by Sentinel 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think that was a very good answer. he's not trying to force his religion on his son.
2007-05-21 10:52:13 · answer #6 · answered by lazybeachchik78 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your mother and I are Christians. Do you believe in Christ? If so, you are a Christian. If not, let's talk.
2007-05-21 10:53:19 · answer #7 · answered by capitalctu 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just like this man did.
2007-05-21 10:49:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that was a GREAT answer! And it's very very true.
2007-05-21 10:51:18 · answer #9 · answered by ~Heathen Princess~ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋