Christening or no christening?????

Justie

absolutebounder wrote: »

There is also absolutely no evidence to show god exists

that's debatable - and it's amazing how many scientists are also religious


either way from an anthopological point of view humans value ritual and often that ritual has an element of mystery or magic to it - it's one of the common experiences the world over so whatever your thoughts on a particular religion it's likely that there is something in the human make up that is predetermined to accept or look for the divine or the supernatural (as in something that is above nature). Personally I find that valuable and will be passing it on to my children with the understanding that the religion we practice is one of many and that other people believe different things whether religious or not. I feel that this is more fair and equitable than to predispose a child to think that there is nothing spiritual in the world.

bap98189

Justie wrote: »

that's debatable - and it's amazing how many scientists are also religious

That's debatable!

Hang on a minute!

Please tell me what evidence you are aware of that God exists, because as far as I am aware even Christians agree there is no evidence that God exists, hence the requirement for faith.

Bean_Counter

As a (young) church board member, the most important thing I get from my religion is a set of principles, a guide on deemed good practice as to how to behave and live my life.

I leave the academic aspects to those with more knowledge and more intelligence than myself.

Getting back to the original question, I do not see the point in a formal baptism and the promises that entails if you have no intention of abiding by them.

jen_1985_04

I was never christened as a child as my mam and Dad believed it was my choice, now at 21 I have no intensions whatsoever to get christened as I am not religious in the slightest. When the time comes my kids will not be christened either. As Emmaroids said in a lot of cases its an excuse for a booze up.

inkie

There is also absolutely no evidence to show god exists

The counter aguament is 'where is the proof that God does not exist?'.
It's all to do with experience, i.e. having a relationship with God. We can only speka from what we know - I have a relationship with God which is very real.

I know that there have been comments on this thread about organised religion/indoctrination/rites and rituals. It has to be said that many people are prevented from accessing God as they have an aversion to church (evidence of this on this thread). A relaitonship with God is far more than a list of do's and don'ts imposed upon by a church - and in many cases this type of approach drives people away from a potential encounter with God.

snowmaid

inkie wrote: »

The counter aguament is 'where is the proof that God does not exist?'.
It's all to do with experience, i.e. having a relationship with God. We can only speka from what we know - I have a relationship with God which is very real.

I know that there have been comments on this thread about organised religion/indoctrination/rites and rituals. It has to be said that many people are prevented from accessing God as they have an aversion to church (evidence of this on this thread). A relaitonship with God is far more than a list of do's and don'ts imposed upon by a church - and in many cases this type of approach drives people away from a potential encounter with God.

As a regular Church attender, and I mean every Sunday, the only thing that my Church 'brainwashes' us with is how to live a good, clean life and to help us draw closer spiritually. I don't see how being told about right and wrong i.e. 10 commandments etc, self respect, respect and love for others, clean living etc is brainwashing.

My children are taught about God, Jesus etc. They are taught that they can enjoy life and have fun without booze, cigarettes, swearing etc. Yes, they learn these values at home too, but being with children with the same standards give them something in common and keeps them from unsavoury elements. Instead of on the streets, they are at a youth group having fun, learning how to become good respected young adults. As a previous youth teacher, I know what they are taught and have certainly not seen or taught any 'brainwashing' material :rolleyes:

My daughter who chooses not to attend Church, has said that her child will be attending church because of the good values etc that she learnt as a child. Also, because of the 'community' aspect, my children have a sense of belonging outside our nuclear family and know they are part of something much more special.

emmaroids

*sigh* im gonna have my twopenneth about this religious malarky,,,

if there was no religion, this world would be a much better place.

when was the last time you heard of an athiest strapping a bomb to himself and taking the tube?

when was the last time you saw a bunch of athiests walking through the streets with placards saying `kill those who apose athiesm`?

when was the last time an athiest knocked on your door trying to preach athiesm?

exactly never

athiesm ftw.

Justie

emmaroids wrote: »

*sigh* im gonna have my twopenneth about this religious malarky,,,

if there was no religion, this world would be a much better place.

when was the last time you heard of an athiest strapping a bomb to himself and taking the tube?

when was the last time you saw a bunch of athiests walking through the streets with placards saying `kill those who apose athiesm`?

when was the last time an athiest knocked on your door trying to preach athiesm?

exactly never

athiesm ftw.

a blinkered argument - communism preaches athiesm first and foremost and yet still managed to kill an awful lot of people...

snowmaid

Justie wrote: »

a blinkered argument - communism preaches athiesm first and foremost and yet still managed to kill an awful lot of people...

yes....a lot of murder has been committed by people, that doesn't mean that 'religion' is responsible, only the people who has committed these crimes. Its so easy, if everyone followed the 10 commandments the world would be a much better place. :rolleyes:

Sarahsaver

I would say definitely not as Christening is a commitment to bring up a child in the teaching of the church, which you will not do as you are not a christian!
Same reason why I would not have got married in a Church, so many non-Christian people do this and do not mean the promise they have to make to god, and there again are starting their marriage with a lie.
Neither am I a Christian, so I am not defending it for religious reasons, just that you would have to stand in front of friends and family and tell a lie, surely any child deserves a better start than that.
I was christened when I started school, Mum and dad were churchgoers, strict Anglican, and they genuinely believed my soul would go into limbo if I died un-christened. Clearly they saw being at school as more of a danger! Before than I had always been with Mum and Dad or Nanna.
What about a naming ceremony, I think the humanists or your local secular society could hook you up with a non religious celebrant, or you could just have a party.