Religion Question?

Question

Religion is very confusing to me since I never grew up with any understanding of where I came from. My mother is Jewish, my father is Catholic. I chose to go Methodist for my children since I liked the Pastor plus I was also not accepted many places. I have since moved although I was not very active in the church after my children were baptized. But I would like my children to start learning about religion by going to sunday school. I would also like to learn with them. I find myself once again confused on which way to go with this. Any advice would be helpful. Thank you for your time.

Answer 1

Go to a Unitarian church... all are welcomed there....

You and your family can learn together about many different belief systems in an atmosphere of acceptance. I can't think of a better way to do it.

Answer 2

You might like a Unity church- they are very positive & uplifiting, not brimstone & hellfire... they have a great childrens program too. My sister grew up Lutheran, married a guy who was 1/2 Jewish & 1/2 Catholic like you & they chose Unity -- as they are just glad that you show up, they are not judgemental, and again, very positive.
If not, maybe Unitarian would be good too, but they are less spiritual IMO...
but try them both & see what "fits"
Here's a link to Unity, read it & see what you think & there is a link so you can search & see if there is a church in your area.
Good luck
http://www.unityworldhq.org/

Answer 3

Hi-
(I agree 100% with what Kait wrote)

The very best thing you can do for and with your kids is to start reading and studying the Bible together. Going to church and Sunday School is good too, but there isn't always consistent Bible based teaching. (if you find a church that does have consistent Bible based teaching rejoice!)

Anyway - when my children were younger we would read a chapter of the Bible a day. (If it is long you can read half). We are also active in Bible study. If you are new at this, the gospel of John is a good place to start.

So I would encourage you to start there, and keep an eye out for a non-denominational, evangelical, Bible based church.

If you want to chat more about this please feel free to email me. I have been teaching Bible study for kids for several years and can share with you the Bible Study materials & methods that we have used.

- Sincerely - Redeemed

Answer 4

Any study is beneficial.
Do not get hung into the Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Jewish thing. This is where most of our Wars began.
Find a place that you are comfortable. A place that makes you and your children happy. A place where you and your children are accepted !!

Best Wishes.

Answer 5

The best advice I can give you is to read--read as much as you can, as many different viewpoints as you can. Never be afraid to ask questions, never stop looking for truth, and realize that any philosophy, religious or otherwise, is rarely as simple as it seems initially--always dig beneath the surface.

Finally, realize that what's important is not just "religion", but what's behind it; to quote 2 Timothy 3:2-5: "For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, fierce, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding the form of religion, but denying the power of it. Avoid such people"

--in others words, religion is to be lived, not just believed--this is what transforms a "religion" into a true person of "faith".

As a starting point, I suggest C. S. Lewis's "Mere Christianity"--it's very well written and is a good starting point for getting a sense of the depth of (Christian) theology without getting bogged down in the details.

In Christ,
Christine

Answer 6

A 'beginners' or 'membership' class would be an ideal place to start. If you have found a church which preaches the gospel, ask if they have such a class. it is for folks who want to learn more about how the church was founded, their basic beliefs, etc., so that you can make an informed decision about whether that is the place where you wish to attend long-term.
When you've found the right church, Bible studies, personal relationships with other Christians and going to services should help you understand the Bible and how to have a personal relationship with God.

Answer 7

First drop the idea of "religion" if all you want is "religion" then jusst pick whatever feels good to you... If you are seeking The Truth of God and how to strive to live as He would want you to and how He would want you to bring up your children... then you need to go to God... not "religion"

I invite you to my web site... it might get youstarted... if you have an question concerning the basics you may contact me from the site

http://www.mikesfaith.com

Answer 8

Visit a number of religions,check out what they teach and go to the one that is seeking the truth with the most authority and credentials

Answer 9

Visit a different church each week until your heart tells you the one. Pray about it, that God will place you in a good church that your children will learn the truth and love of God. You'll find one.

Answer 10

You might find the Belief-O-Matic quiz over at Beliefnet.com helpful in determining which religion is best for you:

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/76/story_7665_1.html

It's fun, and it matches you up with a wide variety of religions and philosophies based on your answers, with write-ups for each one. The results can be very surprising.