Level of religion?

Question

I had an interesting, yet frustrating conversation with my mother, a very devout and judgemental Catholic this morning and I would like some insight from a christian standpoint.
My mother says that I shouldn't be hypocritical and baptize my son when I don't take my family to church. My stance is, I don't take my family to church, because 2 kids, alone (my husband works weekends) is a little too hard right now. Also, our faith, and religion, I feel, is generated at home, not necessarily at a building with other people. Don't get me wrong, I see why we should go to church, I just don't feel like a bad Christian because I teach my daughter her religion at home.
What do you all think?

Answer 1

I think that if your mother approached you in love then she has any right as does anyone else, to express her thoughts. Unfortunately it does not sound like that was the case. She should have expressed her feelings but made it clear that you have the right to raise your own children as you see fit.

There was a time in my life as well where I "did my church at home" and that is an easy way to get comfortable in your walk with the Lord. What you have to realize is that church is not merely a place for fellowship. Although the Bible speaks about it being so, it has a much more important place in our lives. You wrote that you teach your daughter religion at home but who is it that is teaching you. We, as individuals, cannot comprehend every aspect of what we read in the word. This is why it's so important to be at a place where you can learn new perspectives and knowledge. The Pastor of a church should be so in tune with the word and seeking God daily that his/her teachings should be very God inspired.

The next important part about attending church is that everyone needs some sort of spiritual accountability. If there is no one to challenge you spiritually, it can become easy to fall into a complacent faith. You need to surround yourself with people that are hungry for God. So that you yourself can grow spiritually.

I wouldn't say that you are a "bad" Christian. Being a believer is a constant walk and often a struggle between who you are and who you want to be. I think that you should really seek why it is you want to baptize your child and if it lines up with your spirit, then go for it. But you have to be willing to be an open vessel for what God wants to do with you. Lastly, many churches now have separate "childrens church" services that you may leave your children at while you attend service. This way you know that your children are in good hands, learning, while you are.

In love.

Answer 2

There is no edict anywhere in the Bible telling us we should go to church. We are the church...the people, not a building. As a matter of fact, the bible speaks against worshiping in public:

Mat 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

The word "pray" in the above verse comes from the Greek word "proseuchomai" which means both prayer and worship.

Of course you could go to church just to listen to the preacher/priest (or for show...but THAT would be hypocritical) and not actually do any praying or worshiping but I've discovered that the churches are full of lies. Actually, I should use words like misconceptions or inaccuracies since in most cases, the preacher/priest actually believes what they're saying.

You might also go to church just to fellowship with others of your faith but wouldn't it be better to find your own group of friends and get together at someone's home where you can focus on the true word of God instead of the misguided teachings and beliefs of the churches?

I'm a Bible researcher. I study and compare the man-made Bible to the original Hebrew and Greek scriptures. Here's an excerpt from some research I've been working on:


Psa 111:1 Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

The above verse, when compared word for word to the original Hebrew, is found to be completely inaccurate. The following is two possible literal translations of that verse.

1. Celebrate Jah, revere Yhovah, whole heart, close company, upright family

2. Boast the Lord, worship (with extended hands) Yhovah, whole heart, secret (counsel), good meeting

Interpretations:

1. Celebrate Jah, revere Yhovah with your whole heart in close company, with an upright family.

2. Boast of the Lord, worship Yhovah with open arms and with your whole heart in secret counsel, for a good meeting.

Conclusion:

In the original Hebrew, this verse seems to be a command to worship in certain way, rather than as an acclamation of how the writer chose to worship and no consideration is given in the KJV to the fact that a small or close knit group or possible secrecy is emphasized.

The above research shows two things. One is that the Bible that the churches follow has been badly mistranslated and misinterpreted (of course, it's only one example) and the second is that worship and prayer should be confined to small groups and/or in private.

So, I think that you're doing the right thing. Having your son baptised should be your choice, not your mother's, and it's not hypocritical.

I also think your mother should read Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.

Answer 3

Mothers have an instinctive desire to induce guilt in their daughters after they leave home. Your the mother now and in the final analysis the decision about how to raise your children rest with you. Your mother is an invaluable source of advice but you still have to weigh that advice and do what is best in your judgment. Just as she had to do when she raised you. I don't think you should attend church if it is so impractical as to cause you a hardship but if you talk to your Priest they may have assistance they could offer such as letting you know of another church with more convenient worship hours or providing materials to assist you in teaching your child at home.

Answer 4

If you don't try to break the barriers they will still remain. I would make every effort to start going to church. I understand your situation. Many families have husbands that work weekends and they still go to church. The people at the church would be glad to see you each service. Faith at home is important and I hope you are teaching your family about Jesus Christ at home. I see too many church members that are spiritual at Chruch services and when they are at home, at work or somewheres else you wouldn't even know they are christians. Going to church services is more about fellowship than faith anyways. God bless you.

Answer 5

I quit Sunday school when our priest told my mother she was a bad person for not coming to Church each weekend.

If that is what makes you a bad individual in their eyes, why even bother trying to appease them?

They're your kids, if you want them baptized, then do so.

Isn't being judgmental of others an "un-christian" thing to do?

Sounds like your mother is the bad christian.

Answer 6

Baptism is a way of blessing your child and making a commitment to his spirit. It is usually done in a church that you are a member of because the entire congregation recognizes your child and, by nature of their presence, reflects that commitment.

Your mother is mean to call you hypocritical. I wouldn't listen to her. Any gesture of faith is good and nobody has a right to trample on yours.

Answer 7

I have never thought that infant baptism is right. The parent cannot make this decision for the child. It might even be unbiblical, coming as it does before the 'age of reason', since the child is innocent anyway.

When I used to be a christian my (ex) wife and I both felt this way, and so we chose not to have our children baptised, instead going for a less formal 'dedication' and statement of intent.

Answer 8

That your mother is being silly and trying to guilt you into going to Church. Faith is in your soul, not four walls. I dont' take my twins with me to church for the same reason you stated. My husband is athiest so obviously he doesn't want to come and I am not taking three kids by myself to church!

Answer 9

We had some afmily friends growing up that had their own church services at home. They sort of did a prayer and Bible study thing rather than going to an actual church.

If you believe, and if you teach your children religion, why not get them baptised? Go for it!

Answer 10

Your child should have the blessings of baptism. I don't believe in infant baptism myself, but to NOT baptize him or to judge you for wanting to is hypocritical.