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Christening ??
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Sex God
My sister chose not to force any religion on her son so she had a naming day. Family round, a few carefully chosen gifts and a lovely cake. It suited the family to do that. He's 18 soon and hasn't turned into Damien from the omen.
The annoying thing is I suggested it to her having decided that I shouldn't have had my son christened 3 years previously.
In a religious family I can sort of see the point - the kids won't have any choice of religion anyway. But in a non religious or at least non-practicing household it seems a little bit previous.
I'm all for baptism etc at an age when the person can make their own informed decision. That could easily be 12 for many youngsters. I'd probably expect the child to be a regular attendee at church first though.
Just my thoughts.
In edit - I was christened Methodist - does that count? LOL
The annoying thing is I suggested it to her having decided that I shouldn't have had my son christened 3 years previously.
In a religious family I can sort of see the point - the kids won't have any choice of religion anyway. But in a non religious or at least non-practicing household it seems a little bit previous.
I'm all for baptism etc at an age when the person can make their own informed decision. That could easily be 12 for many youngsters. I'd probably expect the child to be a regular attendee at church first though.
Just my thoughts.
In edit - I was christened Methodist - does that count? LOL
we had 3 of ours christened about 6 years ago. (was a big joint thing with 3 other nieces and nephews)
at the time mine were 9, 6 and 4
THe reason we chose to christen them is that you cant get married in a church without being christened, and i didnt want to take that choice away from my kids when they were older.
Nothing to do with religion really, just about giving them choices in later life.
Although we list as c of e, we primarliy believe that as 'god' is omnipresent, then you dont need to go into a specific building (ie church) to worship/praise/give thanks/ask for help.
we have since had another child who is now 5 and havent yet even raised the question of having him christened yet.
We did have our eldest 'named' at a spiritualist church when he was about 6 months old.......this is a lovely ceremony, which a spiritualist performs believeing in sprinkling the baby with blue (the colour of spiritualism) flowere petals and not water.
The symbolism of holy water being the washing away a babies sin.....spiritualists believe a baby is pure and has no sins, so they use flower petals.
at the time mine were 9, 6 and 4
THe reason we chose to christen them is that you cant get married in a church without being christened, and i didnt want to take that choice away from my kids when they were older.
Nothing to do with religion really, just about giving them choices in later life.
Although we list as c of e, we primarliy believe that as 'god' is omnipresent, then you dont need to go into a specific building (ie church) to worship/praise/give thanks/ask for help.
we have since had another child who is now 5 and havent yet even raised the question of having him christened yet.
We did have our eldest 'named' at a spiritualist church when he was about 6 months old.......this is a lovely ceremony, which a spiritualist performs believeing in sprinkling the baby with blue (the colour of spiritualism) flowere petals and not water.
The symbolism of holy water being the washing away a babies sin.....spiritualists believe a baby is pure and has no sins, so they use flower petals.
Not Christened.
Our parenets were non believers, belived in evolution and not creation.
They chose not to conform to tradition, pressure fron their parents and all of us remained not christened into any faith.
On our school forms though, they marked us down as C of E, this was a way of conforming.
They said in later life, when it was discussd, that they belived we had the right to decide for ourselves, when we old enough to understand about religion.
When I was in primary school, I expressed a desire to be christened, as all my friends semed to be, I was just wanting what they had, even though I did not have a clue what it was all about at that age, or the fact there were different faiths out there, I was not allowed.
All mine have not been christened also, I have decided to let them to decide for themselves.
I believe that as a child you can not make an truely informed desicison on what really is, or should be, and major step in ones life, in being babtised in to one particular faith.
You can always get christened/babtised as an adult if you wish to.
I have been to very few chistenings personally, but in all cases, the parents were NOT even believers in God.
I totally understand others getting their kids christened though, what is right for one and all that!
Lucys post
Our parenets were non believers, belived in evolution and not creation.
They chose not to conform to tradition, pressure fron their parents and all of us remained not christened into any faith.
On our school forms though, they marked us down as C of E, this was a way of conforming.
They said in later life, when it was discussd, that they belived we had the right to decide for ourselves, when we old enough to understand about religion.
When I was in primary school, I expressed a desire to be christened, as all my friends semed to be, I was just wanting what they had, even though I did not have a clue what it was all about at that age, or the fact there were different faiths out there, I was not allowed.
All mine have not been christened also, I have decided to let them to decide for themselves.
I believe that as a child you can not make an truely informed desicison on what really is, or should be, and major step in ones life, in being babtised in to one particular faith.
You can always get christened/babtised as an adult if you wish to.
I have been to very few chistenings personally, but in all cases, the parents were NOT even believers in God.
I totally understand others getting their kids christened though, what is right for one and all that!
Lucys post
Sex God
I wasn't christened either. My parents are not church goers, I'm not sure that they're non-believers as such but they're certainly not religious nor do they attend church.
My mum felt it would be hypocritical to have us christened just because it was the done thing. We didn't go to church (although they were married in church) and didn't follow any religion.
My brother and I are both agnostic. Neither of us believe in God, I believe in something but until such times as someone can explain (in a way I understand and can believe) where we came from I shall continue to not believe.
My boss is a bible basher... and I say that without wishing to cause offence but he called me into his office and pretty much bashed me with a bible after I went to see a psychic. I take that sort of stuff with a pinch of salt but its my choice to take an interest. According to my boss, everything other than God is evil! He gave me a 23 page magazine by Billy Graham to take home and read. I was a little embarrassed but took it home. I felt obliged to read it, however, the more I thought about it, the more offended I was. I'm not a bad person. I have done voluntary work for a number of years (although slacking slightly since I met you lot!) and I put something back in. I don't want to be saved, nor do I feel there is any reason for me to be saved. I did read the magazine though and it did make me laugh, made my mum laugh too when I told her about it. Did it turn me into a believer? No it certainly did not. It was utter rubbish. To each their own but my personal thought is that my boss completely overstepped the mark by ramming his religious beliefs down my throat because in his opinion I'm a sinner!
I'm quite happy in the knowledge that I'm a sinner thank you very much! :twisted:
So Flower, I can't give you any advice other than I think you're very wise to want your daughter to make her own choice for herself. I would put money on the fact that her choice at twelve would be different to her choice as an adult.
My mum felt it would be hypocritical to have us christened just because it was the done thing. We didn't go to church (although they were married in church) and didn't follow any religion.
My brother and I are both agnostic. Neither of us believe in God, I believe in something but until such times as someone can explain (in a way I understand and can believe) where we came from I shall continue to not believe.
My boss is a bible basher... and I say that without wishing to cause offence but he called me into his office and pretty much bashed me with a bible after I went to see a psychic. I take that sort of stuff with a pinch of salt but its my choice to take an interest. According to my boss, everything other than God is evil! He gave me a 23 page magazine by Billy Graham to take home and read. I was a little embarrassed but took it home. I felt obliged to read it, however, the more I thought about it, the more offended I was. I'm not a bad person. I have done voluntary work for a number of years (although slacking slightly since I met you lot!) and I put something back in. I don't want to be saved, nor do I feel there is any reason for me to be saved. I did read the magazine though and it did make me laugh, made my mum laugh too when I told her about it. Did it turn me into a believer? No it certainly did not. It was utter rubbish. To each their own but my personal thought is that my boss completely overstepped the mark by ramming his religious beliefs down my throat because in his opinion I'm a sinner!
I'm quite happy in the knowledge that I'm a sinner thank you very much! :twisted:
So Flower, I can't give you any advice other than I think you're very wise to want your daughter to make her own choice for herself. I would put money on the fact that her choice at twelve would be different to her choice as an adult.
I am christened but do not have any of my children christened.
I choose to send them all to a church school and spoke to the school before my children went and was honest about the fact that none of my children had been.
The school in question taught all religions and philosophy although was a Church of England school.
I wanted them to get a broad idea of all religions and to keep an open mind
My 17 year old says he does not believe in god, and if had to be made to choose a religion it would be Buddhism.
My 12 year old son said don’t you know about the big bang theory.
My 12 year old daughter wants to believe in something.
But all believe possibly that Jesus existed.
They have asked why they are not christened and we have said the choice is yours if you want to be, none have asked to be as yet.
I choose to send them all to a church school and spoke to the school before my children went and was honest about the fact that none of my children had been.
The school in question taught all religions and philosophy although was a Church of England school.
I wanted them to get a broad idea of all religions and to keep an open mind
My 17 year old says he does not believe in god, and if had to be made to choose a religion it would be Buddhism.
My 12 year old son said don’t you know about the big bang theory.
My 12 year old daughter wants to believe in something.
But all believe possibly that Jesus existed.
They have asked why they are not christened and we have said the choice is yours if you want to be, none have asked to be as yet.
Yes i have been christened, i'm not fussed either way that i have been, but my brother never was. Even now my brother says he wishes that he was, but has never done anything about it, and when asked why he wants to be his answer is " i just do". Have you spoken to your daughter and asked her how she feels about it? Would you christen her even if she didnt want to be?
I was christened and so was my hubby, which meant we could, and did get married in church. We had our first 3 kids christened so that they would be accepted into the church if they chose and would also be able to consider a church wedding in the future. The younger two have not been so far, although they go to a C of E primary school, and I will have them christened if they express a wish to be. The only reason they are not is that we were at a very busy time in our lives and didn't get round to it when they were babies. We occasionally attend family services, and the primary school also have regular services in the church. I want my children to have a sense of what it means to behave as a Christian. I do not personally believe in God and view the bible as a way of conveying desirable behaviour rather than an accurate history of 'How the World came about'. If they choose to believe, I would never force my opposing views upon them, but try to support their belief in whatever way I could. There is nothing to be lost by having water applied to a forehead and a few words exchanged, if it gives peace of mind.
I was christened as a child as was my sister.
My husband and I married in a church and he has never been christened.
I would allow my children to make their own choices regarding religion as I/we do not particulary believe in god.
Our eldest attends a C of E school so knows a little of religion and has Father John come into school to take assembly once a week. The whole school attend church a few times a year.
Flower I think you are right in that your daughter is now to old for you to make the decision for her and inly you and her mum will know if she is mature enough to make the decision for herself.
My husband and I married in a church and he has never been christened.
I would allow my children to make their own choices regarding religion as I/we do not particulary believe in god.
Our eldest attends a C of E school so knows a little of religion and has Father John come into school to take assembly once a week. The whole school attend church a few times a year.
Flower I think you are right in that your daughter is now to old for you to make the decision for her and inly you and her mum will know if she is mature enough to make the decision for herself.
Master of Sex
Quote by fluff_n_stuff
I was christened and so was my hubby, which meant we could, and did get married in church. We had our first 3 kids christened so that they would be accepted into the church if they chose and would also be able to consider a church wedding in the future. The younger two have not been so far, although they go to a C of E primary school, and I will have them christened if they express a wish to be. The only reason they are not is that we were at a very busy time in our lives and didn't get round to it when they were babies. We occasionally attend family services, and the primary school also have regular services in the church. I want my children to have a sense of what it means to behave as a Christian. I do not personally believe in God and view the bible as a way of conveying desirable behaviour rather than an accurate history of 'How the World came about'. If they choose to believe, I would never force my opposing views upon them, but try to support their belief in whatever way I could. There is nothing to be lost by having water applied to a forehead and a few words exchanged, if it gives peace of mind.
desirable behavior ? have you read the bible ?
harold shipman behaved better than the god of the bible
"I want to have him christened, but I don't know into what religion yet"
David Beckham about his son Romeo. Love that quote!
We were both christened, but last year went through a pagan ceremony in front of several witnesses, renouncing our christenings because they were made in our name by others when we were too young to decide ourselves. It felt like a weight off our shoulders.
12 is too young to decide for yourself. Let the child wait until she is 18 then arrange it herself if jesus floats her boat. If not, she can live free of the judgement, blame and shame that xtianity imposes on humanity!
David Beckham about his son Romeo. Love that quote!
We were both christened, but last year went through a pagan ceremony in front of several witnesses, renouncing our christenings because they were made in our name by others when we were too young to decide ourselves. It felt like a weight off our shoulders.
12 is too young to decide for yourself. Let the child wait until she is 18 then arrange it herself if jesus floats her boat. If not, she can live free of the judgement, blame and shame that xtianity imposes on humanity!
My daughter (13) has a best friend who is an evangelical christian so we talk about religion a fair bit.
I am deeply spiritual but choose not to sign up to a religion.
Its my daughter's choice as to what she wants to do, I think she is old enough to make her own choices. I am hopeful that our open dialogue will give her the strength and intelligence to question the activities and motives of the major creationist myth clubs.
I am deeply spiritual but choose not to sign up to a religion.
Its my daughter's choice as to what she wants to do, I think she is old enough to make her own choices. I am hopeful that our open dialogue will give her the strength and intelligence to question the activities and motives of the major creationist myth clubs.
Quote by benrums0n
I am deeply spiritual but choose not to sign up to a religion.
Well said! The patriarchal monotheists who have a stranglehold on religion today push the line that to be spiritual you have to believe in their god. There are actually many gods and goddesses.
Many people were spiritual before jehova, jesus or allah were ever thought of, and people will be spiritual long after they have been forgotten. The truth is out there!
Master of Sex
you can apreciate the beauty and complexity of your world and believe in the human spirit without having to also believe in any gods.
to quote douglas adams
"Isn't it enough to see that a garden is beautiful without having to believe that there are fairies at the bottom of it too?"
to quote douglas adams
"Isn't it enough to see that a garden is beautiful without having to believe that there are fairies at the bottom of it too?"
It's incredible to me that there is so much talk of not wanting to be hypocritical re Christenings and wanting children to make their own minds up etc when many of the very same people lavishly celebrate Christian festivals such as Christmas with no qualms about involving their children at all.
Isn't that a real hypocrisy?
Isn't that a real hypocrisy?
Sex God
Quote by TheLovelyOne
It's incredible to me that there is so much talk of not wanting to be hypocritical re Christenings and wanting children to make their own minds up etc when many of the very same people lavishly celebrate Christian festivals such as Christmas with no qualms about involving their children at all.
Isn't that a real hypocrisy?
Quite possibly.
However, I celebrate Christmas simply because it's Christmas, not because it's religious. For me it's a time for spending with friends and family, we eat too much we spend too much on pressies and generally have a couple of weeks off work. Nothing more.
Same reason I eat chocolate eggs at Easter. I suspect I may be slated for that but it's honest. I don't feel the need to celebrate the religious aspects of it, I don't go to church, I don't read the bible nor do I pray. I get a long weekend off work, spend it with friends and eat chocolate. Equally, I don't have any issues with anyone's reasons for celebrating a particular holiday, religious or not.
If I were to spend time with friends who did then I would absolutely respect their way of celebrating it. If that included going to church then I would go with them if they wanted me to. Just because I'm a non-believer doesn't mean I don't have any respect for other people's beliefs.
I don't know very much about Rabbie Burns, I'm not a poet, I'm not a historian and I couldn't recite any of his work but I eat haggis on Burns night. For some of us, it is really that simple. It's a calendar date that for whatever reason we celebrate or remember.
I may well be a hypocrite in some eyes but I'm at least an honest one! :mrgreen:
And also fat from all that chocolate! :giggle:
I was raised a Roman Catholic.
I now have no faith. I describe myself as spiritual if asked or pushed.
My son has been raised without any faith either, although he has been christian and buddhist (according to him) as he has grown up. I am happy to support his beliefs when and if he has them.
Tinsel and all that crimble shit do not adorn my home. I neither accept nor give presents at that time of year.
I don't do valentines or mother's day or any of that hallmark crap either.
When I am generous and romantic and giving it is because the moment is right, not because I am marketed into it.
I think I am digressing.. but anyhoo... I think I have covered the OP question.
I now have no faith. I describe myself as spiritual if asked or pushed.
My son has been raised without any faith either, although he has been christian and buddhist (according to him) as he has grown up. I am happy to support his beliefs when and if he has them.
Tinsel and all that crimble shit do not adorn my home. I neither accept nor give presents at that time of year.
I don't do valentines or mother's day or any of that hallmark crap either.
When I am generous and romantic and giving it is because the moment is right, not because I am marketed into it.
I think I am digressing.. but anyhoo... I think I have covered the OP question.
Master of Sex
Quote by TheLovelyOne
It's incredible to me that there is so much talk of not wanting to be hypocritical re Christenings and wanting children to make their own minds up etc when many of the very same people lavishly celebrate Christian festivals such as Christmas with no qualms about involving their children at all.
Isn't that a real hypocrisy?
christmas and easter are only christian celebrations because they were were festivals long before they were made to fit christian mythology
Forum Virgin
Is it Insurance....?
Master of Sex
i hope that was a tongue in cheek post ben
Master of Sex
Sex God
Happen you should have a naming day rather than anything else. That way your daughter can have friends with her and you can invite the family and some friends (maybe not a load of swinger pervy mates though because after a few lemonades you know how things can get ) put on a Disco have a few vol au vents dance the traditional dance of the flower clan maybe. What was it now? Ah yes, the birdy song dance. Great apparently if your short that dance, so they tell me 
Net result good night had by all 
) put on a Disco have a few vol au vents dance the traditional dance of the flower clan maybe. What was it now? Ah yes, the birdy song dance. Great apparently if your short that dance, so they tell me Net result good night had by all It was my good fortune to have a summer christening. No it was my good fortune to be soaked in the summer. I will start again If it had to happen at least it was a warm day.
As I understand it, God will not let an unchristened child into Heaven. So if you want your child to go to Heaven then get it christened. That said I have be christened, lost faith, I was young those around me began to die, god was not doing much for the good. Yes I was tested and I failed. That is why christened as I may be I will not go to the Christian Heaven.
Would I christen a child of my own? No, but I would not stop that child later from making up their own mind.
Having said all that I have no advice for you.
Travis
As I understand it, God will not let an unchristened child into Heaven. So if you want your child to go to Heaven then get it christened. That said I have be christened, lost faith, I was young those around me began to die, god was not doing much for the good. Yes I was tested and I failed. That is why christened as I may be I will not go to the Christian Heaven.
Would I christen a child of my own? No, but I would not stop that child later from making up their own mind.
Having said all that I have no advice for you.
Travis
