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I have, in the past two years, signed my kids up for FCA summer sports camps. I like the exposure to "cool" teens who are Christian, the visits of prof or semi-prof athletes to share their faith, and reading of scripture (and also the "cool" christian rock and great t-shirts).
As a catholic, I'm NOT okay w/ someone aksing or pressuring my kids to "proclaim JC as Lord and Savior" in order to be "saved". My kids know they were saved through baptism (water and the Holy Spirit), a sacrament which they received as infants....and they are already Christians.
Based on what I've said, what are people's insights into FCA? If you were me, would you continue to send your kids to FCA camps?
I have, in the past two years, signed my kids up for FCA summer sports camps. I like the exposure to "cool" teens who are Christian, the visits of prof or semi-prof athletes to share their faith, and reading of scripture (and also the "cool" christian rock and great t-shirts).
As a catholic, I'm NOT okay w/ someone aksing or pressuring my kids to "proclaim JC as Lord and Savior" in order to be "saved". My kids know they were saved through baptism (water and the Holy Spirit), a sacrament which they received as infants....and they are already Christians.
Based on what I've said, what are people's insights into FCA? If you were me, would you continue to send your kids to FCA camps?
Beth Ann, as an atheist, I don't think sending your kids to a sports camp of any kind is bad. If they don't receive any positive religious messages at least they are learning to build teamwork and participating in healthy activities. I don't see anything wrong with it, but I also wasn't really clear as to how much pressure the people are putting on your children to be "saved". If one is to be religious I think it should be a journey of finding your own beliefs not finding out that you are "wrong" because some guy tells you that you are wrong.
Beth Ann, as an atheist, I don't think sending your kids to a sports camp of any kind is bad. If they don't receive any positive religious messages at least they are learning to build teamwork and participating in healthy activities. I don't see anything wrong with it, but I also wasn't really clear as to how much pressure the people are putting on your children to be "saved". If one is to be religious I think it should be a journey of finding your own beliefs not finding out that you are "wrong" because some guy tells you that you are wrong.
Oh yeah....my kids play ALOT of sports....they get alot of the teamworks aspect. It's jus that this particular camp has a distinction about it, and I was just wondering from others who may be familiar w/ it (mostly the evangelicals or "born agains") how much "pressure", if any, is ther to be "saved" ....what should I expect? Also, if there were any other catholics who felt comfortable in the FCA environment?
Well, I don't know how much weight you'll put on this coming from a "born again" Christian, but honestly, FCA is a wonderful program and I think it would be good to let your kids go and make up their own minds Just a thought!
I was raised as a devout Catholic kid. One of my best friends was a pretty hard core, bible believing, fundamentalist protestant. I went to church with him a few times, summer camp a couple of times as well.
It was fascinating to me to see that while we were both christian, there were differences between what we believed and what we were taught. Among other things, he was taught that catholicism was a cult, and catholics not truly saved.
In any case, as I got older I started to do some research, reading the bible, commentaries, church fathers, etc, all in an effort to make sense of these differences.
Long story short, that is what led to my decision that christianity was not rational, god probably did not exist, and ultimately my atheism.
Obviously I am not saying that this will happen to your kids. Personally I think that exposing people of all ages to multiple viewpoints is interesting and valuable.
Well as a Christian, yes of course I would sent my kids, but if you have issues about something, or it bothers you, dont send them. The main focus of summer camps, VBS, FCA, Upward Bounds Basketball, in which I participate, is to bring kids to Christ that dont normally get the oppurtunity to hear the Gospel message and to bring kids who have closer to God.
I am not really sure what the issue is with saying that Jesus Christ is savior. If your kids are Christians then I am sure they do say that Jesus Christ is the savior, right? So, instead of arguing the finer points, why not just say, "Yes, my children believe that Jesus is the savior who died for our sins." That is the heart of the issue anyway. You had them baptised because of your belief in Christ. You take sacraments because of your devotion to Christ.
Anyway, the FCA is a wonderful group. My boys have done soccer through them before.
Well, I don't know how much weight you'll put on this coming from a "born again" Christian, but honestly, FCA is a wonderful program and I think it would be good to let your kids go and make up their own minds Just a thought!
That's exactly the reason why I'm asking the non-denom/evang christians here about FCA....I do want your input on the program. I just don't want my kids being "witnessed" to under the gross misconception that catholics aren't christian. I'm not sure if that is the angle of FCA or not. That's why I'm asking.
Having kids make up their own mind when they're children.....well, that's a completely different topic. Does that mean you would have no problem w/ your kids attending a catholic camp where they would attend Mass?
I was raised as a devout Catholic kid. One of my best friends was a pretty hard core, bible believing, fundamentalist protestant. I went to church with him a few times, summer camp a couple of times as well.
It was fascinating to me to see that while we were both christian, there were differences between what we believed and what we were taught. Among other things, he was taught that catholicism was a cult, and catholics not truly saved.
In any case, as I got older I started to do some research, reading the bible, commentaries, church fathers, etc, all in an effort to make sense of these differences.
Long story short, that is what led to my decision that christianity was not rational, god probably did not exist, and ultimately my atheism.
Obviously I am not saying that this will happen to your kids. Personally I think that exposing people of all ages to multiple viewpoints is interesting and valuable.
Sounds like you've done alot of searching.....I hope you find what you're looking for.
I am not really sure what your issue is with saying that Jesus Christ is savior. If your kids are Christians then I am sure they do say that Jesus Christ is the savior, right? So, instead of arguing the finer points, why not just say, "Yes, my children believe that Jesus is the savior who died for our sins." That is the heart of the issue anyway. You had them baptised because of your belief in Christ. You take sacraments because of your devotion to Christ.
Anyway, the FCA is a wonderful group. My boys have done soccer through them before.
Dawn
Exactly. Of course, we accept Christ as our Savior....it's the crux of Christian faith.
Im not trying to make a big deal out of nothing.....that's why I've sent them to FCA camps before (even if they've been in the minority, as catholics). But, I was wondering, like stretch posted, if the view of FCA is that catholics are not christian and need to be saved. Basically, are they ecumenical in nature, respecting other Christians, or do they view catholics as non-believers?
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Just a thought!
