Christening or no christening?????

sarmia

Our lo is 6 weeks on Sat and we are wondering whether to get him Christened. I say no as I am not religious my bf and everyone else say yes!

Obviously this might be costly and wondered if anyone would have a list of what we would need sort out and a rough cost.

Thanks in advance

Claire_Jones_3

I'm planning to have our lo christened, we're not particularly religious either. We were both christened and it allowed us to be married in church.

Sorry don't know about cost as I'm only 6months pregnant so maybe planning a bit in advance!!

margaretclare

Have a look at this.

http://www.cofe.anglican.org/lifeevents/baptismconfirm/

Christening is really baptism. You make promises on behalf of the baby, who isn't yet old enough to make them for himself/herself. You promise to bring the baby up in the knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith. You appoint godparents to help you do this.

It's really a question of whether you feel you can make this commitment, rather than on focusing on what it will cost. It need not cost much at all in money terms (depending on whether you choose to have a family party to celebrate) - that's not what it's about at all.

I would suggest you have a chat with the vicar/priest/minister and discuss your concerns with him/her.

Margaret

emma_b_4

we wont be getting our baby christened, neither of us are, and we had a civil ceremony marriage as both felt the religious content of a church wedding was innappropriate as we never go. for christenings i think some people want them as they are traditional in some cases, rtaher for the promises they are making to church. i know friends of ours have said its an excuse for a party, but thats not really what they are about .
i think its personal decision really and theres no rush is there, you can always get them baptised later if you decide to, our your child wishes?

full-time-mum

We went to a christening on Sunday and the vicar explained that the child may or may not turn to God as they grow up but that you are asking God to stand by their side for the rest of their life whatever they choose and he will be there. It was refreshing that a more modern view was being accepted.

As to cost, it can be as expensive or as cheap as you want. You could go down the wedding breakfast route and spend mega bucks or just go for afternoon tea with a finger buffet where everyone mucks in.

poe.tuesday

what christmas has something to do with Jesus, easter too????

I am not religious but I find it really hypicritical that people would marry in a church or have their child baptised when they are not religious/follow that faith, it's bad enough that the majority of the country celebrates christmas when that majority don't follow the faith, me included, but I wouldn't marry in a church or have my children baptised

winge over ;-)

absolutebounder

Surely you should wait until the baby is old enough to make its own decision as to whether it wants to join the cult. There is no age limit for being indoctrinated.

Rachie_B

poe.tuesday wrote: »

what christmas has something to do with Jesus, easter too????

I am not religious but I find it really hypicritical that people would marry in a church or have their child baptised when they are not religious/follow that faith, it's bad enough that the majority of the country celebrates christmas when that majority don't follow the faith, me included, but I wouldn't marry in a church or have my children baptised

winge over ;-)

well said

OP if you/OH arent religious then why not have a "naming ceremony" instead ? it neednt be any less "special " than a christening

you can have readings,poems etc and appoint guardians like god parents who promise to look after your child etc etc

that way you families still get to have a "party"

you could also go for a church blessing rather than full blown Christening

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/naming/namingceremony/

Hapless_2

none of mine are but then we are pagan! (no I don't do Christmas, I do Yule)
Ultimately it is your decision, just don't be bullied into something you do not want.

taggiesgirl

absolutebounder wrote: »

Surely you should wait until the baby is old enough to make its own decision as to whether it wants to join the cult. There is no age limit for being indoctrinated.

Please dont listen to the above person who attacked me on my post as my son has CHOSEN to make his communion next year. According to them I am subjecting my child to mental child abuse by allowing them to make their communion!!!:rotfl:

What a funny world we live in were people are attacked for their faith.;)

To the op, go with whatever you feel is right at the end of the day you cant please everyone but i will just add that alot of the schools in my area are only excepting children that have been baptised(into any faith) into the school over kids that have not (dont know if this is the same anywhere else??

Oh and just to add NO this is not the reason i had my children christened i am a catholic and proud to have some hope and faith in my life and no i am not a religious nut to clear that up.:rotfl:

mintymoneysaver

You could always have a dedication, where you just name the child in church, but leave the baptism decision to them at a later date.