Forums » Religion and Spirituality

• Deleted Member

  
  December 1, 2010 3:06:30 PM EST

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  Is anyone a Unitarian Universalist? I've attended a few services a few months ago and I haven't made up my mind about it. I'm trying to find a niche for me and my youngest daughter. She had LOTS of questions about God now and I feel she needs direction but I'm having trouble trying to decide which is best.

   

  I was raised Catholic, but find it too strict. Can one teach their child to be spiritual and still believe in Jesus?

• Tom Carver

  

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  December 1, 2010 3:12:03 PM EST

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  Personally, I believe in the literacy of the Bible, and believe in Christ is to be spritiual.
  Religion can be restrictive, but Christ is freedom to live in the way He would have us to live, free in Him.
• Deleted Member

  
  December 1, 2010 3:21:05 PM EST

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  I notice that in a lot of what I read, Dr. Dyer, Carolyn Myss, most of the "spiritual" writers use a lot of the bible....a lot of Christ and God. It seems to be interwoven in everything.
  
  I want my girl to know about Christ and God and the like but I don't want her to be afraid of it. Does that make sense? I don't want her thinking that because she is not baptized she will go to hell if she should (God forbid) go before she is. I don't think God works that way. Am I wrong?
• Tom Carver

  

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  December 1, 2010 3:37:32 PM EST

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  Its not in the babtism, its in the acceptance of Christ and the atonement. The babtism is the symbolism of the new life in Christ, but not the prerequisite of 'going to heaven'. It is something belivers and followers of Christ should do, but again, if not acceptance of Christ is.,
• Deleted Member

  
  December 1, 2010 4:09:51 PM EST

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  hmmm....I see I have a lot to learn. I guess the best thing to do is to go to every church of every denomination out there! Like trying to find a shoe that fits.
  
  I know what I want the bottom line to be, so that is a good start.
• Wes Forsythe

  

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  December 1, 2010 8:31:29 PM EST

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  Some (though NOT ALL) restoration movement Christian Churches (i.e. Disciples of Christ) keep it pretty simple. I think finding a church where you feel welcome and wanted is the important part. Different denominations may interpret parts of the Bible differently, but a good church will give your kid the foundation she needs to find God in her own way.
  
  Just make sure you find one where our ghosts are not all demons!
• Deleted Member

  
  December 1, 2010 8:34:39 PM EST

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  LOL!! That is actually something I considered!! I like how you put that Wes...letting my girl find God in her own way. That is exactly what I wanted to convey!
• Wes Forsythe

  

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  December 1, 2010 8:40:05 PM EST

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  Generally, a church with a relaxed atmosphere with a good "Sunday School" will concentrate on teaching the literal word of the Bible and how it relates to us in today's world. Once a person has that foundation, then they know where to look for God.
• Mallory R

  

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  December 2, 2010 10:37:16 AM EST

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  I would just get her a children's Bible and let her read for herself. Even as a kid, I had different beliefs/interpretations than my parents because I always read my own Bible. I think the actual GOING to church is supplemental. It's more of a way for people to connect with other believers, but to learn about God in church is going to be difficult. Like people stated, churches are all so different...she's more likely to get confused if she's in a different church every week. I would just have her read as much as possible so that she can form her own foundation before being confronted with other people's views. Just my opinion. :)
• Deleted Member

  
  December 2, 2010 10:42:02 AM EST

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  Brilliant Mallory!! YES! Then in time, when she learns more we can then decide which sect would be good for us....if any at all!!!
  
  
  Thanks!!! Thanks everyone for their input!!
• Mallory R

  

  • 129 posts
  December 2, 2010 12:37:02 PM EST

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  Yeah, I've been a non-denominational Christian for a while. I do not really agree with any church I've been to, so I choose to not go. Spirituality is so personal. I think "church" should be held between each person and their god daily through prayer or meditation. I think with a lot of reading, research, and prayer, you and your daughter will be at peace without having to make a life-altering decision.
• Jo-Anne Penn

  

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  December 2, 2010 10:33:33 PM EST

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  Though I'm not Christian or anything in particular (was raised Catholic) I actually tried a few UU gatherings at one time too KB, it was ok but missed the mark for us in the end. I think the thing is that any organization/church needs to convey stuff that resonates with you - makes you feel like you're "home". Meantime, exposure to various denominations/faiths etc. is a good thing. If nothing else, it suggests to your daughter that the search itself for something "more" is worthy. My daughter (of her own free will) goes to an after school bible thing once a week because some of her friends do. I have no problem with that. She's in disagreement with most of what they are trying to teach so far (she's 'hearing' double messages about stuff like they don't believe in censorship and Harry Potter is ok, BUT, a good christian knows that magic is not of god so is therefore of the devil and while it's ok to enjoy HP, one should know that a generation raised on it could, well, be on the side of the devil.) The important thing for me is that she's "questing" for herself and is wise enough not to let herself be brainwashed or scared into believing stuff that doesn't feel right to her. To others it might be just perfect, and that's ok too.
• Phil Payette

  

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  December 2, 2010 11:06:42 PM EST

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  After learning about many other faiths (christian and non-christian), and participating in a few, I see no reason to dedicate myself to any one particular faith. Joining a church (or temple, mosque, synagogue) means you are expected to follow their rules and beliefs. I am too open minded for any of them and just live my life in my own spiritual way. Knowing God is a personal relationship with God. I have been very disappointed with nondenominational christian churches because most of them are only interested in your money. As soon as I hear the word money (red flag) I'm out. My own personal beliefs include elements of non-christian faiths even though I am still Christian at the core.