Religion, or not?

[michellesamom]

I know that there are many religious mommies out there, but I'm curious... are there any non-religious, non theist, humanist, atheist, agnostic etc mommies around?

[Audrey]

I"m quite strong in my religious beliefs.

[emsplace]

I have a very strong faith... currently being tested... but no doubt will remain strong!
I am not sure why you are asking... but if it is about children, I also believe they need a strong faith to base their lives on. Sometimes my trust in the Lord is the ONLY thing that gets me through.
em

[michellesamom]

Audrey, I used to be as well. I went to a religious school and was extremely religious when I was younger.
Em, I'm only asking out of curiosity. I wonder if there are any mothers out there like me who are raising a family without religion.
I have nothing against anyone's personal beliefs, I just happen to prefer to have the culture without the religion.

[emsplace]

That's cool. I don't consider myself RELIGIOUS... I consider myself a Christian. I know a lot of RELIGIOUS folks who are religiously hypocritical. lol
Anywhooooooo do your thing. I respect your choice for your family - for sure.
em

[Nancy]

I feel the same way Em does...I was raised in a very strict religious home and saw hypocrites every day of my life.  When I reached 30 and my last son was born and I was told he could not be baptized unless I paid $50 up front, my feelings toward organized religion changed.  At that time, I barely had enough to buy milk for my kids, and here they were asking for money to baptize him.  My parents, God Bless them, handed over the money for him to be baptized.

I no longer follow an organized religion, but do feel I am a Christian.  I respect everyone's faith, as long as they follow what they preach in their everyday lives. 

So do your own thing and be happy.

[Mom2ConnorRyan]

I am a christian and very religous.  I believe there is a God.  Paying to have your child baptized.  I have never heard of that but no doubt it is out there.  I go to a very small but nice church.  My son loves sunday school because he gets to see his friends, color, and even learn about the bible. 

[emsplace]

My son loves to be read Bible Stories. We have done that forever as a part of his bedtime routine. I have like four or five different toddler Bibles and we love it.
That said... it is customary to tip a preacher/priest when marrying you or when baptizing your child. I was not asked to PAY anyone,  but we did tip.  I think it is horrid that you were made to feel  bad for not being able to afford it. Nice message for any CHURCH to send. BLAH
Em

[Nancy]

Even though we stopped being part of an organized religion, Bible stories were always part of the reading in our home.  I have a very strong belief in God which I have passed on to my children.  Those belief trickle down to what is right, wrong, behavior, how you treat others, and how you respect others. 

I applaud those who live their religion, not just on Sundays. 

[michellesamom]

I love reading stories from all cultures to my daughter. She's just now getting to the point where she is able to understand a simple story and it's fun to see her "get it".

[Aimee]

I have my beliefs, but I'm not that  religious.  I'm still trying to get all of that sorted out....

[Dorseybell]

I was raised Lutheran, going to church every Sunday, always in a nice dress, and president of the youth group.  These days I prefer to simply refer to myself as Christian.  I do, however have friends from all sorts of "religious" backgrounds...Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Atheist, Agnostic, and even Wicca.  I say it takes all types to spin this world.

[emsplace]

I have to admit, though I am nice to people from all walks of life, and all religions, and studied world religions, I don't have any Atheist, Agnostic or Wiccan friends. It's just not something I can relate to and in my 40's not something I care to have my child around as I don't want any confusion there and I'm not sure that Wiccan in a relgion as I would define it.  I believe in being open minded. But I also believe in boundaries and personal exposure. I know lots of people who expose their children to movies, people, things I wouldn't... but that is their choice.  I just choose not to. And I'm happy this way. lol

[Aimee]

I was raised Mormon... I have a hard time with some things that they've taught me, and things that we're "supposed" to believe.... we go to church every now and then, which is "not good" for the mormons.  Since utah is mostly Mormon, you don't meet your neighbors unless you go to church.  Its hard for me here to have to live around people like that.  Which is why I'm still trying to figure out if I'm gonna be religious or not. LOL I can have my beliefs in things though!  This could be like a long story in and of itself. LOL

[Nancy]

Aimee, just be yourself...that is really all you can do.  My husband and I decided a long time ago that is what we would do.  My father who was very strong in our faith, accepted my decision.  My mother was another story.  Just be yourself.