Here is the situation. My husband and I vastly disagree about who should be godparents to our unborn twins. We are ELCA Lutherans, if that makes any difference. We have a daughter, and got her baptized when she was 7 months old because we could not agree on the godparents. We finally agreed on friends, one who goes to church regularly, and one who definitely has faith, but doesn't attend church regularly. Now it seems like a dauting task to have to agree on godparents for the twins.
My husband believes that it should be someone who we feel close to, and who would be a good role model for our child throughout life. While I agree with this, I also believe that since this is one of two sacraments that our church practices, this is a religious event, and the godparents to our children should at the very least be those who believe in God, Jesus, and have a good sense of spirituality. My husband wants to choose a good friend who only goes to church for weddings and funerals. Help!
2007-12-18 09:47:29 · 12 answers · asked by Kristin B 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
Choose the person you think will love and care for your child.
My husband and I are godparents to three beautiful little girls and we're both atheists.
We don't express our views to the children and I don't see that it in any way pertains to our ability to love them, care for them or try to help their parents in making them good people.
Are you saying that people can't be valuable and loving towards children if they don't believe in God? I think your husband is correct and is showing true Christian spirit while you're being a bit narrow minded and a tad judgmental.
The role of godparent has changed a lot in the last few decades... it's not always someone who "leads a child on their spiritual path" anymore. It's often just sort of another parent....
Some of the most Christian people I know don't believe in God.
Did I get a thumbs down for my answer or for being an atheist? Hmmmm....
2007-12-18 13:29:45 · answer #1 · answered by Rachel B 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Different religions have different ideas of what's required of a Godparent. In the Catholic religion, the promise asked of Godparents is to ensure the religious instruction of the child. While parents are primarily responsible for teaching their child about God, and Catholicism, the Godparents are agreeing to be sure that happens, to participate in the child's religious life, and to assume primary responsibility for the child's religious upbringing, if the parents die before the child is grown. I can't speak with any authority on the role of a Godparent in any other religion. But, my instinct tells me that there is no religion in existence that would knowingly bless someone as Godparent, if they don't believe in God. I'm ordinarily very rigid about people minding their own business. But, in this case, I'd be calling the church leader to mention that a prospective Godparent is an atheist. To appoint a non-believer as a Godparent, or to knowingly witness such an appointment, in my mind is akin to spitting in the face of God. If religious faith means nothing to the parents of the child, they shouldn't name Godparents, at all. It may help to be sure the parents of the child understand that a Godparent is NOT a guardian.
2016-05-24 22:51:16 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not familiar with the standards of the Lutheran church. I know that Lutherans are quite similar to Catholics, but I don't know about the Godparent part.
In the Catholic church, at least one Godparent must be Catholic, though they prefer that both are, but one is okay. The role of the Catholic Godparent is to assist in guiding the child in the Catholic faith. For us it was important to choose not just "nice" people but people who will actually take the role seriously.
I wish you all the best, I hope that your decision at the end turns out to be a good one that both of you are happy about.
2007-12-18 13:11:07 · answer #3 · answered by AV 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A godparent, by definition, is someone who leads the child in the proper direction in regards to faith, belief, and morals. One who has similar goals and aims as you (the parents) and can support you. BUT...going to church every week does not make a Christian an avid Christian...it is what is in the heart and what morals are present in everyday life. I would really consider if maybe the person your husband wants to chose is an 'active Christian', meaning he lives the right way, even if he choses to exercise his faith on his own. Looking at the way they lead their lives (both choices) should give you a clue as to which one you are more intune with.
2007-12-18 09:54:01 · answer #4 · answered by Jules, E, and Liam :) 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A Godparents role is suppose to be to help their Godchild in a relationship with God.. I don't think it would matter if they went to church all the time as long as they were helping your child in spiritual growth, and being a there for your child when needed.
And I have two godparents.... so if you cant decide you can always pick them both.
2007-12-18 11:08:37 · answer #5 · answered by Addison 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Godparents should be people who practice in your faith and are ACTIVE in their faith. Their job, after all, is to aid training the child up in their faith. I still very firmly believe this and I don't even consider myself christian any longer. I think your husband is making a poor choice because he doesn't understand the duty of a godparent.
2007-12-18 12:03:38 · answer #6 · answered by CarbonDated 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
While I try not to be judgmental about religious matters, I think it would be a good idea if a godparent believed in God. See what your pastor has to say.
2007-12-20 04:04:59 · answer #7 · answered by Ace Librarian 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok, you asked so I am going to answer honestly... I attend Christian church regularly and I don't believe in God parents. I also don't believe in baptizing a child. I do believe that you should dedicate your child to the Lord in prayer, but baptizing is an important decision for someone to make who understands what it means. Your 7 month old has no clue. The bible says train your child up in the ways of the Lord and they shall not depart from it. So just be an example. God parents? How do they help your childs growth in the Lord? If you are going to follow this ritual, then yes it should be someone who is saved, (accepted Christ into their life as their Savior).
2007-12-18 10:11:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Dauting Definition
2016-12-14 12:53:00 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At least one of the god parents should have a active role in the church. A god parent is someone who is supposed to guide your child in his/her spiritual life.
2007-12-18 09:53:29 · answer #10 · answered by Lovemykids 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋