View Full Version : About raising children as Catholic--or not (I am Hindu)
aishu bachan
Aug 4, 2012, 10:20 PM
I am loving a christian guy,I am a hindu girl born and brought up in religious values,my lovers parents agreed for our marriage,but the promblem is that,I don't want to convert to a christian,we both has disscussed this and convinced our parents,but we have to raise our children in any one religion,otherways it will causee harm to their future,my doubt is can I raise my children as christians ,with their mother bieng a hindu,will christian churhes acccept it or not
Wondergirl
Aug 4, 2012, 10:24 PM
Most Protestant churches, and probably Catholic, will accept their children's Hindu mother. Which church body does he belong to?
aishu bachan
Aug 4, 2012, 10:32 PM
Most Protestant churches, and probably Catholic, will accept their children's Hindu mother. Which church body does he belong to?
He belongs to roman catholics,so I can be hindu right.., this is the only way I can make my parents happy,they don't want to see their daughter as a christian,please give me guidance too...
Wondergirl
Aug 4, 2012, 10:35 PM
I am Lutheran (Protestant), not Catholic, so I don't know how much guidance I can give you. I know that church will insist on your promising to bring up the children as Catholic. It would be a good thing for you to learn about their teachings, even if you don't become a Catholic yourself, You will need to know and understand the teachings.
Wondergirl
Aug 4, 2012, 10:36 PM
I personally believe it would also be a good thing if your children learn about Hinduism too.
aishu bachan
Aug 4, 2012, 10:40 PM
I am Lutheran (Protestant), not Catholic, so I don't know how much guidance I can give you. I know that church will insist on your promising to bring up the children as Catholic. It would be a good thing for you to learn about their teachings, even if you don't become a Catholic yourself,. You will need to know and understand the teachings.
I don't have any promblem in raising my children as christians... but I don't want to convert to a christian,we are plaaning a hindu type marriage ,which can make my parents happpy,some of my friends are telling if you are not converting to christian ,you are guy will thrown out of their commuit ,but my lover sayshe will not insiist me to do anything,its my wish,, so from where I can get more infomtaions about catholics systems...
Wondergirl
Aug 4, 2012, 10:42 PM
I will move this thread to the Christianity board and watch it. If no action within 24 hours, I will PM Catholic members to post to you.
aishu bachan
Aug 4, 2012, 10:43 PM
You we r planning that also,our chidren should learn to respect every religion,and a model for all... our society people are very narow minded ,even if our parents are willing for interreligious marriages,the outsiders comme with lot of opppositions,u should not allow your daugter to do like his way,your family name will be spoiled... like that,, really aiam confused...
Alty
Aug 4, 2012, 10:44 PM
I can only post what I would do, and this may not be agreeable to you.
I was raised Lutheran, my father was Catholic, I chose not to follow either religion. My husband is agnostic.
When we had children we agreed to let them choose for themselves. We've spoken to them about God, religion, beliefs, etc.
My son is now 13. Because I'm still listed as a member of the Lutheran church, and went through confirmation as a Lutheran, earlier this year my son (who was baptized as a Lutheran to please my parents) was sent a letter asking if he'd like to attend confirmation classes. So I sat down with my son and asked him what he'd like to do. At first he was interested, and I said we could check it out. We did. Sadly, when we went, they told him that he couldn't just "give confirmation" a try. It's 2 years of classes, weekly, then a test, then a ceremony, then you're Lutheran. My son couldn't commit to that, didn't want to. So I told him it was okay.
Now he's asking to go to other churches, see what it's about. He's been doing some reading about other religious beliefs.
He's old enough now to choose what he wants to believe. As a Hindu I would definitely discuss your beliefs with your children. I'd also discuss Christianity, and any other belief system out there.
It may be that your children decide to become agnostic. My husband was born to a Catholic family, and never embraced that belief.
Up to you, and your kids.
Good luck. :)
classyT
Aug 5, 2012, 12:45 PM
I guess I must be way out there as a Christian. But I don't understand why a church has the right or power to accept a child based on a parents beliefs. It is NUTS, it isn't biblical and one of the reasons people are put off by church in the first place.
One of the purposes of the Christian church is to reveal the Lord Jesus Christ to people. It is NOT suppose to be an organization that dictates and decides who can and cannot be accepted. If a couple wants to send their child to a christian church one week and then wants to send them to another place other than Christian the next... why is this the churches concern? If they want to practice another religion and send their children solely to a christian church... why is this a problem? Why is this their business? Where is the biblical basis for any of it?
If you want to send your children to a Christian church there are PLENTY of churches out there that will welcome them with open arms. If they don't then what they are teaching isn't any kind of Christianity the bible teaches.
Alty
Aug 5, 2012, 05:01 PM
Classy T, I agree with you. Sadly churches aren't run that way, at least no all churches.
My father was born and raised Roman Catholic. My mother was born and raised Lutheran. When they decided to get married my mother agreed to get married in the Catholic church, and raise any children as Catholic. Only glitch, she wasn't willing to become Catholic herself.
My fathers church wouldn't marry them unless my mom converted to Catholicism. She refused. Finally my dad said "fine, we'll get married in the Lutheran church, they don't have a problem with me remaining Catholic". The Catholic priest told my parents that if they didn't marry in the Catholic church, they were not married, and all their children would be bastards in the eyes of the church.
Maybe that explains why I had such a horrible experience in Catholic school. I wasn't even allowed to go up for a blessing when the other students received communion every time the school went to church. The priest even called for a meeting with my parents to chastise them for not raising me as Catholic.
Left a very bad taste in my mouth. That's why I'm allowing my children to choose for themselves. :)
classyT
Aug 5, 2012, 05:22 PM
Atly,
Your story is unreal, horrible and embarrassing to those who call themselves Christians. I would have a bad taste in my mouth too. There just is no excuse for it. Believe me, it isn't biblical. That doesn't help much now but... just saying.
JudyKayTee
Aug 6, 2012, 05:07 PM
The Catholic priest told my parents that if they didn't marry in the Catholic church, they were not married, and all their children would be bastards in the eyes of the church.
This may have been the case in your specific situation. This is no longer the teaching of the Catholic Church. The old wives tale for years and years was that if parents had their marriage annulled their children would be considered bastards. Also not true.
Maybe one Priest, maybe one Church, maybe something that was said some time ago. That is no longer the teaching.
But, yes, I believe it's still the same situation. If you promise to raise your children as Catholics you can marry a non-Catholic in a Catholic Church. At one point no matter what, when you married a non-Catholic, it was in the sacristy, not the church itself.
Of course, I realize that the RC church realized some time ago that pretty soon only a handful of priests and possibly the Pope would be practicing Catholics -
Want excitement? Marry an Orthodox Jew. If a Jewish man and a Christian woman can have a successful marriage I see no problem with a Catholic and a Hindu. I am a little concerned that the OP is so concerned with what her parents think.
Not you, Alty - but I am wary of people who have an opinion on a religion which they know absolutely nothing about. Very easy to judge other people.
I know former drug addicts who are now thumping their Bibles. Do they think nobody notices?
classyT
Aug 7, 2012, 06:38 AM
Very easy to judge other people.
I know former drug addicts who are now thumping their Bibles. Do they think nobody notices?
JK,
Seriously? Lol too funny. Perhaps the former drug addicts will turn the other cheek. Lol But you said it best.. very easy to judge other people. You might want to put your words to practice though. At least in the same post... it comes across as hypocritical. Just saying...
JudyKayTee
Aug 7, 2012, 09:06 AM
JK,
Seriously? lol too funny. Perhaps the former drug addicts will turn the other cheek. lol But you said it best..very easy to judge other people. You might want to put your words to practice though. At least in the same post...it comes across as hypocritical. just sayin....
Just sayin' - what part is hypocritical?
I think there are no atheists on death row.
I never had a drug or other problem with addiction -
classyT
Aug 7, 2012, 11:12 AM
just sayin' - what part is hypocritical?
I think there are no atheists on death row.
I never had a drug or other problem with addiction -
What sounds hypocritical is you judging former addicts calling some of them bible thumpers and wondering if people notice. Notice what? Judging is something you have a problem with.. thus it sounds a little hypocritical.
I don't have a clue what death row has to do with this thread.
Good for you that you haven't had a drug or other problem with addiction. Why is this an issue??
Fr_Chuck
Aug 7, 2012, 11:21 AM
Biggest sinners make the best preachers, look who Jesus choose, And out of his 12 one went bad.
As to marry in the Church, to be married in the Catholic Church, they merely have to agree to raise the child in the church, the one party does not have to convert, Sounds like a priest was just refusing personally, not by the rules of the Church ( also depends on how many decades ago this was) But a pastor normally can refuse to marry any if they are not OK with it
Alty
Aug 7, 2012, 01:04 PM
Biggest sinners make the best preachers, look who Jesus choose, And out of his 12 one went bad.
As to marry in the Church, to be married in the Catholic Church, they merely have to agree to raise the child in the church, the one party does not have to convert, Sounds like a priest was just refusing personally, not by the rules of the Church ( also depends on how many decades ago this was) But a pastor normally can refuse to marry any if they are not ok with it
I will admit, this was a very long time ago. My parents were married for 8 years before they had me, and I'm... okay. It was a long time ago, that's all I'm saying! ;)
JudyKayTee
Aug 7, 2012, 01:39 PM
I will admit, this was a very long time ago. My parents were married for 8 years before they had me, and I'm.....okay. It was a long time ago, that's all I'm saying! ;)
I think in the "old days" the individual Priests pretty much ruled the roost. Now Bishops have more authority (at least in my area).
I really don't know how it works anymore - I just remember that Nuns were allowed to smack you whenever it sounded like a good idea.
Alty
Aug 7, 2012, 01:43 PM
I think in the "old days" the individual Priests pretty much ruled the roost. Now Bishops have more authority (at least in my area).
I really don't know how it works anymore - I just remember that Nuns were allowed to smack you whenever it sounded like a good idea.
Very true. Back then things were different. Also, when I was in high school (Catholic high school), things were different than they are now. That was a while ago. :(
Damn, now I just feel old.
JudyKayTee
Aug 7, 2012, 01:44 PM
Very true. Back then things were different. Also, when I was in high school (Catholic high school), things were different than they are now. That was a while ago. :(
Damn, now I just feel old.
I always say I was a good student because there was a lot less World History to learn.
Alty
Aug 7, 2012, 01:46 PM
I always say I was a good student because there was a lot less World History to learn.
LMAO! I love it!
Thanks for making me smile Judy. :)
classyT
Aug 7, 2012, 02:38 PM
Biggest sinners make the best preachers, look who Jesus choose,
Agreed, I haven't met anyone who wasn't flawed EVER. It takes a humbled person to admit it and move on. We are ALL on the same level anyway. Sin is sin and he who is without sin should cast the first stone. Jesus said it best.. those who are forgiven much... love him much.
The church, and it really doesn't matter what denomination they claim to be, needs to just preach Jesus and the gospel of grace. If they preached the Jesus of the bible and true grace I believe they wouldn't have to worry about what religion a parent is or man made rules and regulations to become a member. This gospel is attractive enough to capture everyone. Who doesn't want love and to be loved?
classyT
Aug 8, 2012, 09:21 AM
Very easy to judge other people.
I know former drug addicts who are now thumping their Bibles. Do they think nobody notices?
I was just thinking on this comment today as I am preparing to welcome a teenage girl to my home who just got out of rehab for drug abuse. She is a Christian and in fact was saved young. You never made it clear why you posted this. I am not making the connection at all.
God LOVES her just as she is... Jesus separates what we DO from who we ARE. That is the great thing about Christianity. Jesus just loves us anyway. The bible says it is the goodness of God that leads us to repent. Anyway I will love on her and accept her because that is revealing the Lord Jesus to people. That is what we are called to do in Church and what the pulpits are sometimes lacking, in my view.
Also you made mention to Alty that you were wary of people who speak on religion they know nothing about. I want to make sure we are on the same page here. Because Judy... I wasn't talking about Jews in a demeaning way and certainly not even talking Judisim in the other thread. I was simply saying it is the Jewish people that seal the deal for me that God is alive, well, and his Word is Truth. You seemed offended by my post and I still don't understand why it was offensive. I'm not sure you read it closely. Just thought I would set the record straight.