Sorry in advance if this is too sensitive a topic

My DH and I were discussing raising the baby as far as religion is concerned. We are both Catholic but neither one of us is really religious or ever goes to church. I am much more spiritual and I believe in something just not what the Catholic church dictates to me so my problem is how do I raise my kids? He thinks its silly to make them go to Catholic school but I feel like doing nothing is depriving them of something? Can I or should I at least have a christening??? I am so confused.

Re: Sorry in advance if this is too sensitive a topic

WE are both Catholic as well, although not devout either.

We chose to baptize our DS. While I am not in 100% agreement with the Catholic church, I do think religion and faith are imprortant, so we will raise him Catholic and teach him our own values.

Re: Sorry in advance if this is too sensitive a topic

I was not raised with any type of religion in my childhood. I was never baptized and never went to church. I do think my parents were neglectful in not providing some type of religious education. I wish I had been exposed to the teachings of the church and made to learn it. Not that I would HAVE to keep practicing but I do think that children benefit from exposure to some type of religious organization. There are civic, community and charitable reasons that I think a formal religion is important to children. JMO.

Re: Sorry in advance if this is too sensitive a topic

Thanks, I agree, I just feel like it's do as I say not as I do and I wish there was some religion or something that I felt more connected to so I could share that with them.I guess I will baptize and take it from there. Thanks for not judging me!

Re: Sorry in advance if this is too sensitive a topic

I firmly believe that your child should be baptized and that you should give them a foundation in faith. That is different from teaching about religion. Your "religion" is Catholic (as is mine), but, your "faith" is Christian. I raised my girls in the Christian faith and taught them the Catholic religion, because this is what I knew. Each of them, now that they are grown, has their own varying beliefs, especially, my youngest who is one of the most spiritual people I know. To not do anything would, in my opinion, be neglectful. There is no greater gift you can give your child than faith; which is something they will carry with them for a lifetime. My parents never had much money and provided the best they could, but, the one thing that they gave me that has stayed with me all these years is my faith and I will be forever grateful.

Message edited 10/19/2006 9:38:54 AM.

Re: Sorry in advance if this is too sensitive a topic

I respectfully disagree with Shamrock. I also was raised with 'no religion'. My parents were both Catholic, but for a number of reasons, chose not to raise their children that way. We still celebrate all the holidays as times for families to get togther.
They raised us to be community minded, spiritual, and respectful humans, which I think is the best part of any religion.
When Madeline was born, MIL was up in arms about her not being baptized (DH is a very lapsed Catholic). It would be hypocritical b/c from what I understand the point of a baptism is to promise to raise the child in that religion... which we have no intention of doing.
However, it can't hurt to baptise your baby. It sounds like it might be something you turn back to later in life, either for yourself or for your baby.

Re: Sorry in advance if this is too sensitive a topic

Would you consider another Christian religion besides Catholicism? There are many churches out there to choose from that may better reflect your current beliefs. Some people "shop around" and go to masses at several local churches and speak with ministers & parishioners to get a feel for their community & beliefs.