What is the role of a Godparent?
2007-06-18 06:08:57 · 7 answers · asked by empowered2008 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Their role is to aid in the religious upbringing of the child if and when needed. Each religion has it's own prerequisites.
Catholics, for example require at least one of the godparents be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the church.
It has nothing to do with inheiriting the child. A will or other legal document must specify what happens to the child should something happen to the parents. If the couple is not religious then the term, as mentioned above, 'sponser' might come into play but GODparent is a religious role and not to be taken lightly.
2007-06-18 06:16:33 · answer #1 · answered by Dawn-Marie 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A Godparent is typically used in Catholic and Episcopalian belief systems. They promise to raise the child in that particular faith if the parents cannot for some reason. However, I have never met anyone who takes this appointment seriously.
Usually family members or best friends are chosen for the role. Sometimes a Minister or someone in a high capacity can also fill the role. However, they usually are members of the same faith as the child being baptized.
2007-06-18 06:18:08 · answer #2 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Godparents should be there almost like the parents are. They should be able to help out or add in for the baby & love him or her like the parents do.
Godparents have to step up to the plate if the parents can no longer do it. Not because the parents don't want to but because they are disabled severely or passed away unless there are others set in place by the parents. Godparenting is a major responsibility when done right.
They should be as close to the parents as the branch is to the tree. That way they will probably be there for you when necessary. Don't rely on anyone but God & thank Him for those in place that do help you.
God Bless
2007-06-18 06:15:19 · answer #3 · answered by TamiAmi 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Godparents are supposed to be spiritual teachers for the children. I have never observed this. It seems like politics to me. According to the bible its the parents role to teach the children about God. The best way to do that is to lead by example. Have a daily family worship in the morning and evening.
2016-05-18 21:46:38 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These days the term godparent isn't used as much as it used to be. Generally they are now called "sponsers". This does differ depending on religous background. I am a sponser for two children. One is my niece and the other is a long-term friends child. I was picked because of my great qualities and because the parents have known me for so long. You should pick someone that you know will be dedicated to the child. They should remember b-days, holidays, etc. Someone that will act as a role model and will be in the child's life. I have heard people say that they would only pick family to be sponsers, because friends come and go. I don't necessarily believe that. I think you need to look more at their character and intentions.
Good Luck
2007-06-18 06:16:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
Basically it is someone you would want to care for your child if something happens to you. If you believe in baptizing babies, this couple will baptize the baby. My religion doesn't baptize babies, so my sons godparents are just like an honorary aunt and uncle. They give him presents for holidays and they are called Nino & Nina (spanish for godparents) They are a part of our family even though not blood related. Although the godparents can be related.
2007-06-18 06:15:57 · answer #6 · answered by Happy in love! 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
A godparent is someone who takes over the religious role when the parents are gone. (ie takeing them to church, make sure they are up on the bible studies etc). Everyone thinks they "get the kids if the parents pass) this is NOT true. You must make a will to delcare legal guardianship over your children.
2007-06-18 06:13:46 · answer #7 · answered by Billie A 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋