Neither of my kids were christened due to both myself and their father being totally agnostic. This didn't concern my side of the family at all, my folks had only had us christened because it was the expected thing to do 40yrs ago. However, my hubbys family were mortified. In the main this was because christening were just another excuse for a family p***-up and I had already provided them with enough free booze at the wedding thankyou very much! However, I will never forget my nan-in-law saying to me....
"but you have to have her christened, what if something happens to her, you won't be able to have a funeral"
To answer the question though, I think a lot of it these days is down to 2 things - older family members that are genuinely religious or believers [and you DONT have to attend a church to have faith btw] and doing it 'for them'. Or primary schools - many good ones are religious and are more likely to offer a place if the child is baptised into that faith. Finally of course, as I said earlier, although I am personally agnostic, I think a lot of people do still believe even if they dont attend church and when the curtains open on life or close on it, they fall back on their faith. Just my opinion, but its how I see it.
It's a celebration of your child's birth with your friends and family.
Can anyone shed some light on this matter, nothing to do with me im just curious as to why people get there kids christened but they do not attend church nore are they religous so what is the point?
So I ask, Why bother doing it?
In my parents case, it was because they wanted me and my brother to go to the Catholic school instead of the other local school due to the reading system being taught (phonics?), so I was christened when I was four and had to go through first communion at seven and confirmation at 12, at which point I already knew I was an aetheist, but it was part of the school syllabus and not optional.
If I ever have kids they will not be inducted into any religion until they are of voting age and able to make an informed decision for themselves. I will also not marry in a church nor have a religious funeral (this last is in my will).
I agree, I think it's pointless too.
If the schools were muslim schools, would the children become muslims in order to get a better education?
I agree, I think it's pointless too.
If the schools were muslim schools, would the children become muslims in order to get a better education?
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Thats just my opinion. I am definitely for christening and a religious upbringing.
Thats all well and good but how big is the margin of people that just christen for the sake of it compared to the ones that go through all the way.
The main reason I did not want my daughter christened when she was young is the problems it can create.
All religions have good and bad points, whilst I believe in a moral upbringing I do not feel it is right to impose my viewpoint on my children.
Obviously I am not a father and won't be on the near future, however I feel the exact opposite to that. I feel, that as a father, you should bring your child up using YOUR moral code, and impose YOUR viewpoints on the child. You should guide them in what is right and wrong and you should be making a lot of decisions for them, even if it is against their viewpoint, but you feel that it is the right thing to do. I know that sometimes children will swear at you, abuse you and not like the decision, however if it is better for them in the long run, then it should be carried through with. For example (just a scenario): A 14 year old girl (someones daughter) wants to go to a house party, she is begging to go, because of dancing, fun etc. But the parent knows what it can be like at house parties e.g. alcohol, sex etc. You tell the girl not to go and you make her stay in the house. She will be furious, might cry etc. however you know, that you shielded her from those possible dangers. You are imposing your decision and viewpoint on the young one, however in this case I think - rightly so. In some things (religion inclusive) the parents should take initiative, as things like religion will definitely provide a better value upbringing than celebrity magazines or life out on the street.
You don't have to be religious (or use religion) to bring a child up well, though. I think I was brought up well (my parents only started to become lenient when I was like 14/15) and there is not a drop of religion in my family.
Bringing a child up using your own moral code is fine but I strongly disagree with the part about imposing your viewpoints on the child.Views are just views, everyone's differ, they are not gospel ('scuse the pun) and should not be forced on anyone. There should be enough freedom given to the child so that they have an ample amount of breathing space and don't just feel like their parents are big bad monsters out to get them, impose every rule possible against them and make their life miserable. A nice balance of 'I am the boss' and freedom is all it takes.
I am glad that there is at least someone who is religious. There is less and less of us now and I don't think that's good. I think that believers and non believers should not argue about faith. I think that opinions like that should be kept and people's views should be more respected.Once again non believers have to slag off those of us with a faith (Usually Christian as it can be dangerous to slag off some faiths) and rubbish our beliefs,cant you just accept that our views differ from yours that we are harming nobody and that when we die we will find out which of us was right,then and only then will you know if that baptism "Was a waste of time"
I am glad that there is at least someone who is religious. There is less and less of us now and I don't think that's good. I think that believers and non believers should not argue about faith. I think that opinions like that should be kept and people's views should be more respected.
Besides I am going to mass in 20 mins..