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I decided to post here rather than the main forum because of the "promise" of no debate in the sub forum. I have thanked some of you in the past for just being who you are and stating your beliefs, listening to mine, with no judgement.... Now I just want to share.
I have had several meaningful discussions with people in my face to face world recently about my doubts of my own doubts (clear as mud) and have begun to feel a warmth rush into me that I haven't felt in years. Last night was the first time EVER that I have prayed with my 8 year old. A tragedy happened to a classmate of his (his father had a massive heart attack and died) and no one has addressed this in his school, although all the kids know it happened. I told him I felt we needed to do more than send over a meal and he asked me what and I said, "Why don't we pray?" He was eager to engage with me. I was rubbing his hand when I said this and he took his hand away from mine and said, "but we have to put our hands like this" (in the form of prayer). I said that was fine, and started the prayer with "dear universal consciousness" That might seem trite to some, but for me it was HUGE. When I was done he hugged me so tight and I felt tears streaming down my face. He asked what happened when we die, and I hestitated before saying I really didn't know, but wouldn't it be grand if it WERE something grand. There really is no more to this story, but it wouldn't have ocurred if were not for some of you here sharing your faith without judgement.
Much love - MTBound.
Thank you for sharing this. I may go through this exact same thing with my own (one day) child(ren) so it is very beneficial for me to hear things like this.
I wonder how steadfast atheists deal with their children on this level.
What would they do if their child asked to pray with them?
Perhaps someone will tell us.
Thank you for sharing this. I may go through this exact same thing with my own (one day) child(ren) so it is very beneficial for me to hear things like this.
I wonder how steadfast atheists deal with their children on this level.
What would they do if their child asked to pray with them?
Perhaps someone will tell us.
Well, I have been a "steadfast" atheist for some time now ....... obviously that is changing, in what direction I am still not sure, nor am I trying to push anything on myself or define myself at the moment. That feels good. Sharing this moment with my child was powerful, and I was surprised at how eager he was to share it with me. I didn't push atheism on him either but I think he is sensing the craving that I am having and wants to walk the path with me. Believing in Jesus gave me comfort as a child and I want my child to have a sacred place to turn in his life, whether it be Jesus or Buddha or Science or some combination. It feels good and has no real words to attach to it.....
Well, I have been a "steadfast" atheist for some time now ....... obviously that is changing, in what direction I am still not sure, nor am I trying to push anything on myself or define myself at the moment. That feels good. Sharing this moment with my child was powerful, and I was surprised at how eager he was to share it with me. I didn't push atheism on him either but I think he is sensing the craving that I am having and wants to walk the path with me. Believing in Jesus gave me comfort as a child and I want my child to have a sacred place to turn in his life, whether it be Jesus or Buddha or Science or some combination. It feels good and has no real words to attach to it.....
Interesting.
I also was a Christian kid and I can't say that I mind that - even though I cannot see myself promoting any prophet to my child (but what do I know? I have no child.)
Definitely keep "not defining" yourself - for me, that is why I left Christianity in the first place - and it felt so good! I don't even really consider myself an atheist today for the same reason - it's just so nice to be free from all dogma and to be truly critical of all things and truly open to all things.
It sounds like you may be headed towards some kind of Universalism - I also relate to that. Despite my anti-religious feelings (which are quite strong) I suppose I still crave discussions about otherworldly ideas (why else would I keep reading this forum?).
Good luck with the child rearing. It sounds like you are having a worthwhile adventure.
I decided to post here rather than the main forum because of the "promise" of no debate in the sub forum. I have thanked some of you in the past for just being who you are and stating your beliefs, listening to mine, with no judgement.... Now I just want to share.
I have had several meaningful discussions with people in my face to face world recently about my doubts of my own doubts (clear as mud) and have begun to feel a warmth rush into me that I haven't felt in years. Last night was the first time EVER that I have prayed with my 8 year old. A tragedy happened to a classmate of his (his father had a massive heart attack and died) and no one has addressed this in his school, although all the kids know it happened. I told him I felt we needed to do more than send over a meal and he asked me what and I said, "Why don't we pray?" He was eager to engage with me. I was rubbing his hand when I said this and he took his hand away from mine and said, "but we have to put our hands like this" (in the form of prayer). I said that was fine, and started the prayer with "dear universal consciousness" That might seem trite to some, but for me it was HUGE. When I was done he hugged me so tight and I felt tears streaming down my face. He asked what happened when we die, and I hestitated before saying I really didn't know, but wouldn't it be grand if it WERE something grand. There really is no more to this story, but it wouldn't have ocurred if were not for some of you here sharing your faith without judgement.
Much love - MTBound.
God Bless You
Mere words cannot express these feelings; May the Lord keep you and your son in perfect peace'.
It is so wonderful to hear such encouragement! Lifting one another and sharing the fruit of love!
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