First let me ask that you not heckle or give your opinion on Messianics. I do need an answer to my question; if you are unable to give valid or wise advice then your answer will be overlooked.
My mother is Christian. I am Messianic. My family is celebrating Sukkot. We will do little lessons and crafts and whatnot.
My mother wants to come one night and teach a lesson, too.
Problem is, we may not agree with her stance and will feel the need to tell her this.
I don't want to hurt my mother's feelings; I'm sure her lesson would be beautiful to Christians but certain ways she thinks may be offensive to us and our beliefs. And it IS our house.
Should I allow her to teach and if we feel her understanding is incorrect, tell her and then embarass her or hurt her feelings?
Should I just say no, THUS hurting her feelings because she WANTS to teach?
I'm thinking of talking to her about her lesson first, but you never know what she'll actually get in there and say...
2007-09-25 02:28:53 · 12 answers · asked by dreamgyrl360 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
To "wife&mom" -- The types of "answers" I am talking about overlooking are not the ones that offer a valid answer. I am referring to those that may perhaps be against the Messianic belief and want to spout how the Messianic belief is wrong... they know who they are, & I should actually take the time to thank them for either saying nothing or ignoring that for the moment. Them taking time out to blast us would defer from the necessity that I need an true answer to my question... and besides, it's still MY house and if I choose NOT to, I don't have to have other opinions in my house. My house is not America, lol. I don't have to tolerate anything that I do not want to tolerate, hence the reason for my dismay. I love her, yes, but if I don't WANT to, I don't have to hear or entertain her opinions in my house.
That being said, I will update you all accordingly as to what we decide. Thanks!
2007-09-28 02:48:37 · update #1
Dispite your religious beliefs you need to remember there must be love between the two of you..Everyone has an opinion & should be intitled to express that opinion.. It is up to us how we use the information given to us.. We don't have to agree with it but we also need to know when to agree to disagree.. I am sure that the celebration you will be having in your home will no doubt be great & I am sure everyone will get alot from it.. Did you ever stop to think that yes you & your mother have different opinions about your faith but that Her wanting to teach at your home isn't to destroy your celebration but to possibly find common ground with you .. Common ground she might have lost.. This could be her way of trying to reach out to you.. You could explain to everyone the situation & ask that everyone not take her opinions offensively.. If she happens to offend anyone , talk with her one on one.. Remember , to love is human but to forgive is divine..
2007-09-25 06:48:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First I can't give you an opinion on Messianics because I don't know anything about it. Second you can't overlook an answer because you have to read it in order to form an opinion. Third overlooking an answer is the same as dismissing another's opinion which is what you're wanting to do to your Mother.
Questions for you. Would you want someone to overlook your opinion? If the situation were reversed and you wanted to teach someone a lesson about your beliefs and you were told no because it might be offensive, how would that make you feel?
2007-09-25 12:41:26 · answer #2 · answered by Coop's Wife 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a Christian and have observed all the Feasts of Leviticus 23 for the past 32 years. You may be suprised what lesson she may bring if she speaks from the heart.
Doctrine simply means "that which is taught". I would rather hear 'incorrect' doctrine from someone with a good attitude, than hear 'correct' doctrine from someone with a bad attitude(I'm right & you're wrong attitude).
Jesus instructed His disciples to listen to the Chief Priests and Pharisees, but not "do as they do". I fellowship with other Christians who don't agree with me that God still expects His followers to keep His Holy Days. I would rather obey God than the traditions on men so when the Holy Days come around, I find some like-minded people, or observe them at home...just me and God.
So be patient and kind with your Mom...she means well.
2007-09-25 10:33:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a difficult situation.
I've got Xian family members who can not understand why an otherwise innocent comment can be so hurtful. No matter what I say, no matter how open minded they are to other faiths, things just slip out.
YOU have the right to feel secure in your own house. YOU also have the responsibility to respect your mother. I guess the only real option is to do what you suggested - talk to your mother about the nature of the lesson. Be quiet, non-confrontational and above all respectful. BUT also stress that YOU hope that she respects your position.
Maybe there's a neutral prayer that'll satisfy everyone.
.
2007-09-25 09:39:49 · answer #4 · answered by Rai A 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I just read the Wikipedia definitition of Messianic Judaism, and I don't see a big difference between that and Christianity.
Since Sukkot is a celebration of something that is also related in the Old Testament of the Bible, I don't see how there would be a problem.
However, it always best to discuss these things in advance than to be unpleasantly surprised...
2007-09-25 09:40:40 · answer #5 · answered by Theresa 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think your mother needs a bible lesson. Does she understand and appreciate the rich Judaic heritage that is interwoven into the Christian faith? You cannot fully appreciate the New Testament without first embracing the Old.
Help your mom understand why you do what you do. That rich tradition is a blessing worth sharing. As a last resort, help her understand that this is your celebration in your home and she is an invited guest.
2007-09-25 09:38:13 · answer #6 · answered by High Flyer 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It would hurt her either way but humiliation would be worse. I would simply explain to her that because you have very different beliefs then you feel it would be best not to subject her to those who are going to disagree with her. She might be slightly hurt but I think she'd appreciate that you are trying to protect her from embarrassment. I don't think you need to go into any more than that. If she insists then I would say 'Mom, I love you and I'm sure you have rich things to share but I'm going to have to say no as this is a group teaching, you can talk to me about your beliefs anytime.'
2007-09-25 09:36:43 · answer #7 · answered by Yogini 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
if you disagree with her lesson you could stand up after words and politely say to everyone that " yes this is one opinion that people have, and as there are many religions in the world there are many opinions. for Messianic's it is our belief and opinion that ( insert your own here) but that doesn't invalidate mothers beliefs." something like that should be acceptable.
2007-09-25 09:40:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I suggest you talk to her about what you feel will happen before everything else. Tell her how much you desire to spare her from humiliation and family conflict and all that.
If she still insists on pushing through, let her. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and belief and if she pushes on voicing it out then so be it.
2007-09-25 09:44:09 · answer #9 · answered by Freeda B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Talk to her about the lesson.....
Her lesson could be on the difference between the two and that we all have the right to believe whatever we want.
2007-09-25 09:32:53 · answer #10 · answered by Big Daddy 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋