[Alty]

Fireandice, I've always been fascinated by the Wiccan religion, I think it's great that you found something that you really believe in. :)

I agree Cred, if you feel good with your belief than go for it! I myself don't have a problem with other religions and their beliefs, I just have a problem with them always telling me my beliefs are wrong.

There are so many different religions out there, they can't all be right, or maybe they are. Either way, as long as you are happy with your chosen beliefs, that's all that matters.

[fireandice2007]

I agree completely. Living in a city where everyone assumes you are Mormon can be trying at times. While I have found that all faiths have good qualities, I do not feel it is right to judge anyone by what they believe. I tell people all of the time that they do not have to agree with my spiritual beliefs, but that I do not want them to try to force theirs on me and in return I will not force mine on them. I am very open with my beliefs, practice various rituals and read the tarot... and I will gladly explain my beliefs and even have discussions about it, as long as these types of talks do not turn into the whole "you are wrong, i am right" type of discussion. Many people have misconceptions about the pagan religions and I will be the first one to try to explain them correctly, but I also understand that many will not agree with my beliefs, and I am OK with that, as long as they understand that while I will respect their faith in whatever they believe in, it doesn't mean I have to believe the same way

[michealb]

But I guess you're frustrated since I can refute all your arguments.

I am frustrated because you are refuting my augment with no source. A debate goes no where if all you do is say this happened and it's so because I say so. Your starting to sound like your own religion where your word is beyond doubt.

I am not going to let you blatantly lie about something without rebuttal though. Especially something as established as Hitler being a Catholic. Here is some more information that proves Hitlers devotion to religion.

"We demand freedom for all religious confessions in the state, insofar as they do not endanger its existence or conflict with the customs and moral sentiments of the Germanic race. The party as such represents the standpoint of a positive Christianity, without owing itself to a particular confession...."
- Article 20 of the program of the German Workers' Party (later named the National Socialist German Workers' Party, NSDAP)

I am now as before a Catholic and will always remain so.
- Adolf Hitler, to General Gerhard Engel, 1941

I had excellent opportunity to intoxicate myself with the solemn splendor of the brilliant church festivals. As was only natural, the abbot seemed to me, as the village priest had once seemed to my father, the highest and most desirable ideal.
- Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf, Vol. 1 Chapter 1

As long as leadership from above was not lacking, the people fulfilled their duty and obligation overwhelmingly. Whether Protestant pastor or Catholic priest, both together and particularly at the first flare, there really existed in both camps but a single holy German Reich, for whose existence and future each man turned to his own heaven.
- Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf, Vol. 1 Chapter 3

I could point out more but I think you get the point one of the most evil men in history was a Catholic. Now I'm willing to say the man was a crazy charismatic leader who did so for his own power and although the church could have stopped him by threating to excommunicate him and didn't. His religious leanings in this case probably weren't the reason for the killings this time.

[ConfusedInAK]

Sorry for a short answer but here it goes...

I was raised by a Mormon and a Catholic and went to a "Christian" church all my life...

I am Agnostic...

The thing is, at some point in our lives we all come to terms with differences in how we are/were raised...

And just because you are raised one way... does not mean you will remain that way.

Same goes for our kids... but I am a perfect example of a child turning in to an adult and straying from her parents beliefs...

All I can hope is that my kids will be good, and not lie, cheat, steal, murder, etc. Those are the core values... what they do with them when they are adults... is their choice :0)

[Credendovidis]

Keeping in mind the original topic post :

... If I gave my child up for adoption and he were raised by a faithful J. Witness family, wouldn't he grow to be a faithful J.Witness? Would he go to hell at death because he was raised in the wrong family?

... I was raised by a Mormon and a Catholic and went to a "Christian" church all my life... I am Agnostic... All I can hope is that my kids will be good, and not lie, cheat, steal, murder, etc. Those are the core values... what they do with them when they are adults... is their choice

Indeed. Those are the core values. How true!

:)

[Alty]

It seems to me that most people grow up to question the faith they were raised to follow. At least that seems to be the case here.

So, to the OP, I don't think that a child raised as a JW or Mormon or any other religion, will necessarily follow that religion as an adult.

I certainly didn't, and it seems like most of the people who posted here haven't either.

[michealb]

Altenweg,

We are however a band of misfits. The majority of people who grow up in one religion follow that religion without question. Apparently following your parents without question at one point was an evolutionanary advantage. You know it helps if you listen when your parents say "don't touch the fire." instead of testing it for yourself.

[spyderglass]

I was raised in a Christian family. Even in the Christian faith there are so many ways to worship and ways to interpret the Bible. For example, some believe in a strict and plain dress code while others dont even address it. Some treat Sunday as a day of worship only and others go to church and then to the grocery store and on home to catch up on laundry and get ready for the next week's work schedule. Because we pull out the scripture that we want to adhere to, how do I know that I'm not missing something? There are so many differences in our own faith. It troubles me to think where I would be or what I would believe if I were raised in a Mormon family or a Jewish family. Would I think that this religion was the correct one? If I gave my child up for adoption and he were raised by a faithful J. Witness family, wouldn't he grow to be a faithful J.Witness? Would he go to hell at death because he was raised in the wrong family?

Read the Bible- if it is not in the bible then it has nothing to do with your personal faith
Follow the bible- think about this
EXAMPLE
Does wearing a dress and having long hair make you a better christian? Does it help you witness to people?
If yes then go for it if no
Then it doesn't matter
My view on Christianity is- everybody has once piece of the picture
But as long as they believe in jesus- as long as everyone can agree on that-
Then that is all that really matters

[Credendovidis]

Read the Bible- if it is not in the bible then it has nothing to do with your personal faith.

That makes no sense at all ! If something may or may not be found in the Bible has little to do with anybody's personal belief or faith.

The essence of being a Christian / Muslim / Hindu / Buddhist / Jew / etc. etc. etc. is NOT in your words but in your deeds!!

:rolleyes:

[Alty]

Quote by Michealb

You know it helps if you listen when your parents say "don't touch the fire." instead of testing it for yourself

That's why I grew up to find my own beliefs, I was the kid that touched the fire even after my parents said not to. :)

Quote by Cred

That makes no sense at all ! If something may or may not be found in the Bible has little to do with anybody's personal belief or faith.

I agree Cred. I don't follow the bible, and I have faith. One doesn't need the bible in order to believe in God. Also, one doesn't need to believe in God in order to be good.

[Mom of 2]

I was raised in a Catholic family and still follow the Catholic religion. The way that I was raised and still believe is that there is not just one right way to worship God. Everyone is different and should be allowed to praise the Lord in their own way. The important thing is that you believe in a higher power and that you love one another and are not filled with hate or judgment.

[Credendovidis]

Indeed : the essence of faith is not in your words but in your deeds !

:rolleyes: