Family pressuring my kids on religion... kinda long, sorry.

[allyson2212]

So my family is Baptist, and I am Buddhist, and my husband is Atheist. I let my kids go to church with my mom every Sunday because I really dont think it can do much harm, and they enjoy it. Im all for good morals, thats why I became Buddhist in the first place, and I think their church has a lot to teach. BUT Im not okay with it being pushed on them. My grandpa gave my 6 year old 2 dollars for praying in Sunday school, that was a few weeks ago. Then he gave him an extra chocolate bar for praying over dinner today. Then my 6 year old wanted to pray for everything, including my niece who had a runny nose. So after praying and seeing that he has no hand outs this time he goes about his day. Later on my nieces mother calls and wants to talk to him, and tells him that because he prayed that Danielle is okay now, he helped make her better. It seems like everyday he is wanting to pray for things when they dontgo his way, and then looks for a reward. Its like I cant teach him what I or my husband believes because it contradicts what the church teaches him. Ive told him but my family pretty much undermines anything I say when it comes to religion, so I really dont try anymore. Besides that, I dont want ANY religion being pushed on them. He came home freaking out because he thought that Jesus was literally in his heart, and when I told him what they really meant, he started crying because "church lied to him". Im all for my kids finding their own way and thought I was doing the right thing by letting them learn about Christianity, but its not what me or my DH believe and we are wondering if we are doing the right thing now. It just seems like it is being PUSHED on them. I have talked to my mom about it and she says she understands, but then she does the same stuff over and over. And talking to my Grandpa is out of the question, hes STUCK in his ways, big time. Am I over-reacting? Should I just leave well enough alone and let them decide in their own time or should I step in? What would you do??? Because this is a hard subject for me and I try to do the right thing, its just hard to know whats "right" or not.

[Just_Bethy]

I am with you on the I don't know....I am Wiccan but my kids are Christian...They go to church on Wednesday night with their friends....I don't encourage or discourage them...I keep my own faith to myself...even my hubby doesn't know much about it... (I live in a very christian town..we are in the GBOWR for the most churches in America and I am afraid of my family being persecuted)....

I hope you find an answer and peace to you.....Blessed Be

[inspain]

"So my family is Baptist, and I am Buddhist,"

Say no more...  Just remember to breathe and be compassionate and leave when it gets out of hand.  ;-)

[wonderwoman545]

As the mom you should be opening them up to the religious options out there. However, that's your job and noboy  else has that right to push it on them.  If you feel that it's becoming an issue say something politely.  Don't do it in front of the kids though. If you feel like it is alright for now leave it alone. Children do need to know that praying to get something is wrong though.

[Tatum2U]

I don't want to offend you but your children attend Sunday School , imo that's becoming "indoctrinated" . So if you don't agree with those beliefs I would think that might be the spot to start making some changes. Good Luck !

[sunfreezeinmi]

I would put a stop to your children's churchgoing until they're older and can really decide for themselves. That's just my opinion. I'm Christian but definitely not a churchgoer.

[prego7386]

oh man..you meant well but anytime you go to a religious building you are asking to have it pushed on  you because that is what they do. Im sure you remember Sunday school..coloring pictures drinking juice and learning what Jesus said..not that "you shouldnt steal because its not nice" but that "you shouldn't steal because you go to hell" children that small a lot of the times..not always...don't reason things out and if an adult says it is so then it must be. I wouldnt let them go any more unless you are ok with them becoming Christian at such a young age and if you need to talk to your parents and they keep questioning your parenting beliefs tell them that you are raising your children to know all religions and that you feel right now and this stage i their lives they arent ready to be immersed into one specific religion. Maybe you could buy some books with other religious stories also..like Greek mythology or something along those lines to show the there are other ways.

[savedbygrace316]

Have you considered attending church with him?  I'm not for religion but that's probably what I'll do with DS.  That way I can explain things to him in terms I see fit.  I can't believe that your family is bribing him!  Isn't that against religion?

[allyson2212]

Quoting savedbygrace316:

Have you considered attending church with him?  I'm not for religion but that's probably what I'll do with DS.  That way I can explain things to him in terms I see fit.  I can't believe that your family is bribing him!  Isn't that against religion?

Well, Im sure it is, but their thinking is that as long as they are "saved" then its okay. I dont know what were going to do. They enjoy going to church quite a bit, I hate to take it away, but Im not sure its helping them in the long run. It seems more like brain wash at this age than anything. And I have gone to church with them a few times, but it didnt seem to help.