A question about the SDA ways

[ElsieH]

This is a post that i made in Non Denom.

Hello, my name is Elsie, and I have a question I have been pondering. How do i introduce the idea of God to my Children when I no longer believe in his exsistence?

You may wonder why I would want to do this, and it is because as in any thing in my life, I was giving the choice, My Father is Catholic (no longer practicing, but does still observe Lent), my mother Baptist, I have been to many different denominations, my last Church was Southern Baptist, that was in AR. I am now in LA, and as i said I am no longer a believer. My husband was rasied Seventh Day Adventist, but he to is not practicing, as for his belief i dont really know, but my children deserve the right to make that choice for themselves. As a child my parents attended Catholic services during the "holiday" reasons. I was able to attend i think it was baptist, not really sure (1970's) Youth ministers as I think they are called today, would come by ion Sat. and invite me and fellow neighborhood children to attend sunday school. Which I did absent from my parents. I dont think that is done anymore, I could be wrong, and in todays world, not really sure I would let my 6 yr old go onto a bus with complete strangers, as my parents allowed 30 years ago.

I have called a few local churches, and they all insist that I attend with my children, something I dont want to do. I do not have any family that attends services that I could send my children with.

With that being said, how would I go about allowing them the introduction that I think the deserve, without having to do it myself and appear hypocritical? Neither me nor my husband would make good teachers of this.

I just want to allow my children to make their own decisions.

Thank you in advance for reading, and for any input that you may have.


The reason for the double post here is that I have only heard negative things about your faith, from other faiths, I have asked my husband but he doesnt know/ remember as he hasnt attended since childhood.

Could someone lightly tell me what your faith is about? I want to try to make an informed decision about my children, and even though their father does not practice, it is part of their heritage. As his maternal grandparents still practice. But they are not close enough to bring my children to a service.

 

[thepianist]

This is a post that i made in Non Denom.

Hello, my name is Elsie, and I have a question I have been pondering. How do i introduce the idea of God to my Children when I no longer believe in his exsistence?

You may wonder why I would want to do this, and it is because as in any thing in my life, I was giving the choice, My Father is Catholic (no longer practicing, but does still observe Lent), my mother Baptist, I have been to many different denominations, my last Church was Southern Baptist, that was in AR. I am now in LA, and as i said I am no longer a believer. My husband was rasied Seventh Day Adventist, but he to is not practicing, as for his belief i dont really know, but my children deserve the right to make that choice for themselves. As a child my parents attended Catholic services during the "holiday" reasons. I was able to attend i think it was baptist, not really sure (1970's) Youth ministers as I think they are called today, would come by ion Sat. and invite me and fellow neighborhood children to attend sunday school. Which I did absent from my parents. I dont think that is done anymore, I could be wrong, and in todays world, not really sure I would let my 6 yr old go onto a bus with complete strangers, as my parents allowed 30 years ago.

I have called a few local churches, and they all insist that I attend with my children, something I dont want to do. I do not have any family that attends services that I could send my children with.

With that being said, how would I go about allowing them the introduction that I think the deserve, without having to do it myself and appear hypocritical? Neither me nor my husband would make good teachers of this.

I just want to allow my children to make their own decisions.

Thank you in advance for reading, and for any input that you may have.


The reason for the double post here is that I have only heard negative things about your faith, from other faiths, I have asked my husband but he doesnt know/ remember as he hasnt attended since childhood.

Could someone lightly tell me what your faith is about? I want to try to make an informed decision about my children, and even though their father does not practice, it is part of their heritage. As his maternal grandparents still practice. But they are not close enough to bring my children to a service.

Hello Elsie. I would like to ask you if you ever accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour during your time attending the Baptist church? I know you were presented with the gospel - because that's what the Baptist church is all about. Yes, they still have Sunday School.....can't say that all of them have a bus that will pick kids up - and in todays world, I can't say that I blame you for not really wanting them to ride a bus alone.

If I were in your shoes, I would take them - myself - with or without my husband to the Baptist church for a while. Whether or not you want to believe anything about God, is - quite frankly - your own business....but your children should be able to decide for themselves what they want to believe. As far as being involved in a SDA church is concerned.....I would NOT do that one. They believe that when a person dies they just 'sleep' in the grave....what we Baptist people call 'grave sleepers'.

Just my two cents worth.....but - hey - my opinion is just as good as anybody elses. God bless.

 

[Rafael]

Raising a child in the nurture and admonition of God's word would be difficult to do if one was not a believer. Children depend upon their parents for an example of God's love, starting with the husband being a leader in sacrifice for the rest of the family in giving. The Hebrew word for love is "a father's heart revealed", and the word for faithfulness is "the life of a mother". Without a belief and knowledge of the word as an example in the family, the children effectively have no guide because true knowledge and relationship with God is not just a "religion". It is living just as the Spirit of Jesus Christ lives within all true believers today.
The only thing I could think of would be to let the grandparents take the children to church. From my knowledge, the SDA is a church that teaches the Bible faithfully, if that is part of your question.
My prayer is that you could escape the deceptions of this dying world and realize the potential eternity that lies within each special soul God has given the precious gift of life to. The forces of good and evil are real and easily seen in the news. God is real and watches over those that choose to accept His help in life, as love cannot happen between two beings without choice. Love cannot be forced upon another.

 

[Adstar]

This is a post that i made in Non Denom.

Hello, my name is Elsie, and I have a question I have been pondering. How do i introduce the idea of God to my Children when I no longer believe in his exsistence?

You may wonder why I would want to do this, and it is because as in any thing in my life, I was giving the choice, My Father is Catholic (no longer practicing, but does still observe Lent), my mother Baptist, I have been to many different denominations, my last Church was Southern Baptist, that was in AR. I am now in LA, and as i said I am no longer a believer. My husband was rasied Seventh Day Adventist, but he to is not practicing, as for his belief i dont really know, but my children deserve the right to make that choice for themselves. As a child my parents attended Catholic services during the "holiday" reasons. I was able to attend i think it was baptist, not really sure (1970's) Youth ministers as I think they are called today, would come by ion Sat. and invite me and fellow neighborhood children to attend sunday school. Which I did absent from my parents. I dont think that is done anymore, I could be wrong, and in todays world, not really sure I would let my 6 yr old go onto a bus with complete strangers, as my parents allowed 30 years ago.

I have called a few local churches, and they all insist that I attend with my children, something I dont want to do. I do not have any family that attends services that I could send my children with.

With that being said, how would I go about allowing them the introduction that I think the deserve, without having to do it myself and appear hypocritical? Neither me nor my husband would make good teachers of this.

I just want to allow my children to make their own decisions.

Thank you in advance for reading, and for any input that you may have.


The reason for the double post here is that I have only heard negative things about your faith, from other faiths, I have asked my husband but he doesnt know/ remember as he hasnt attended since childhood.

Hi Elsie
If the denomination you want to send your kids to requires you to also attend and you are not willing to do that, then that path is closed to you. Another alternative is to get yourself a Childs bible. And let them read it like a story book. Maybe you could ask around for advice on a Good children’s bible to buy. This is not the best solution but it is an option.

Could someone lightly tell me what your faith is about? I want to try to make an informed decision about my children, and even though their father does not practice, it is part of their heritage. As his maternal grandparents still practice. But they are not close enough to bring my children to a service.

my faith is about belief in God and seeking to be in agreement with His will. My faith is about accepting the Love and forgiveness of God through belief in Jesus and being a follower of the teachings of Jesus.

My faith is about Hope for eternity and also inner peace of mind in this world. My faith is about seeking to forgive others and care for others. Its about Love for God who loved me first and love for other people no matter how my attempts fall short or how faulty the other person is. God has forgiven me and i want to forgive others.

I hope this helps you Elsie, I hope one day you also come to the joy of knowing the God of Abraham through Jesus.


All Praise The Ancient Of Days

 

[ElsieH]

Yes I did accept him, that was in 1997, I stopped believing Oct. 2002.

I also remember raising my hand to be saved during Sunday school in the 70's.

At a baptist Church, I think i remember that you could just attend Sunday school, if that is right, i would feel comfortable, allwoing my children to go to that with me driving them, and waiting outside. In case of emergency or my child doesnt want to participate and is being disruptful. At what age do you think would be good to try this?

 

[The Gregorian]

hello hello.

Personally... I'd just like to congradulate you... even though you don't believe, letting your kids make their own choice is very admirable. Parents often try to shove their beliefs down their kid's throat... not the best way to do it.

I'd suggest having your kids go to church with some of their friends. If you have any friends with kids your kids age (that he/she gets along with)... have them go with them... the church can't say "YOU CAN'T COME BECAUSE YOU'RE MOTHER'S NOT WITH YOU!" ... and if they do say that... they're not a good church to go to anyway.

I suggest talking to them... but moderate yourself... questions like "HAVE YOU ACCEPTED CHRIST JESUS AS YOUR OWN PERSONAL SAVIOUR" ... is nothing if not demoralizing... especially to little children. You don't have to give them quizes about the denomination's doctrines... just a basic idea of "God made the earth, he gave you eyes, he gave you everything good in life, and he gave you everything bad in life so you can see the bad to understand how much good is really out there."

That's usually plenty for little kids. I'd encourage you to read with them... Your kids WILL ask questions... which is good... if you can answer them, wonderful... if not, feel free to come here and someone will help... if nothing else, feel free to send me a PM or Email any time, and I'd be glad to give you any advice you need. (seriously... PM me and I'll give you my Email address.)

Another thing that I know will happen sooner or later is the whole 'death' thing. Whatever you do... if someone dies... don't tell them the 'god took him' stuff. I remember being little...and people telling that to me... that made me more angry than anything I'd ever experienced up until then. Death is an issue, but not something to just be brushed off and blamed on God.

 

[thepianist]

Yes I did accept him, that was in 1997, I stopped believing Oct. 2002.

I also remember raising my hand to be saved during Sunday school in the 70's.

At a baptist Church, I think i remember that you could just attend Sunday school, if that is right, i would feel comfortable, allwoing my children to go to that with me driving them, and waiting outside. In case of emergency or my child doesnt want to participate and is being disruptful. At what age do you think would be good to try this?

I think it's great that you accepted Jesus as your Saviour in 1997.....because that is the most important decision you could ever make during your lifetime. Yes, at a Baptist church you can just attend Sunday School if that is what you want to do....and I feel it would be good if you took them - even if you did just sit outside and wait for them. I personally feel that trying them in Sunday School would be best at around 8 or 9 years old. They can understand things a little easier...and are very likely to accept Jesus as their personal Saviour. My prayer is that once you do take your children to at least Sunday School......you - just might - decide to return to church for yourself.

 

[tapero]

Hi, I am not SDA. I think there are churches where you can bring your children and wait outside. I commend you for wanting your children to know God. It will be difficult for them unless they have good bible teaching at church.

I would call around to churches in the area and ask to speak with the pastor. Tell them you aren't a believer but want your children churched. Maybe if you gave a cell phone number and was outside that would be okay.

You could actually sit in the waiting area.

Evangelical Free churches are good They are non denominational. Many churches are good. They believe in Christ as Savior and that He died for our sins, and was resurrected. Those are the basics of course which you know already.

Maybe you would like to share how you 'lost' your faith in God? If you want to I mean, it would be interesting to hear.

God bless, Tapero

 

[matthewgoh]

Hello ElsieH,

I would like to encourage you to go back to God and start to know him again, have a close relationship with him.

For me, I have a very close relationship with God. The love that fills my heart is so great, is beyond words can describe. I simply share this love with my wife and my 7 years old daughter, and in fact they have witnessed the love of God through me. I can tell you, seeing and hearing my daughter praying every night before sleep (she likes to pray in loud voice) touches me and I feel the warm inside, and I thank Christ for saving my family who I love so very much.

Personally, I feel my life is so complete with my love for God and my love for my family. This love is so strong that I am convinced Christ is alive, and the salvation is for real. I know this love will continue beyond life, for me and my family to enjoy eternally.

Just want to share with you. May God bless you and your family.

 

[The Gregorian]

One more thing to keep in mind:

Going to church is all well and good... It's something that should be done... but I can see how your children might find it insulting that you force them to go to church, when you, yourself don't go. It's not something that should be forced.

The most important thing (IMO) is to keep God's word in mind, rather than study it hardcore. While it IS good to go to church, I believe it is much more important to get down the simple basics of what the bible teaches:

Love your neighbor, respect those in authority, don't cause your neighbor's pain and sorrow (from stealing from them and whatnot) and all the stuff in Galations 5.

 

[aldenmarshall]

This is a post that i made in Non Denom.

Hello, my name is Elsie, and I have a question I have been pondering. How do i introduce the idea of God to my Children when I no longer believe in his exsistence?

You may wonder why I would want to do this, and it is because as in any thing in my life, I was giving the choice, My Father is Catholic (no longer practicing, but does still observe Lent), my mother Baptist, I have been to many different denominations, my last Church was Southern Baptist, that was in AR. I am now in LA, and as i said I am no longer a believer. My husband was rasied Seventh Day Adventist, but he to is not practicing, as for his belief i dont really know, but my children deserve the right to make that choice for themselves. As a child my parents attended Catholic services during the "holiday" reasons. I was able to attend i think it was baptist, not really sure (1970's) Youth ministers as I think they are called today, would come by ion Sat. and invite me and fellow neighborhood children to attend sunday school. Which I did absent from my parents. I dont think that is done anymore, I could be wrong, and in todays world, not really sure I would let my 6 yr old go onto a bus with complete strangers, as my parents allowed 30 years ago.

I have called a few local churches, and they all insist that I attend with my children, something I dont want to do. I do not have any family that attends services that I could send my children with.

With that being said, how would I go about allowing them the introduction that I think the deserve, without having to do it myself and appear hypocritical? Neither me nor my husband would make good teachers of this.

I just want to allow my children to make their own decisions.

Thank you in advance for reading, and for any input that you may have.


The reason for the double post here is that I have only heard negative things about your faith, from other faiths, I have asked my husband but he doesnt know/ remember as he hasnt attended since childhood.

Could someone lightly tell me what your faith is about? I want to try to make an informed decision about my children, and even though their father does not practice, it is part of their heritage. As his maternal grandparents still practice. But they are not close enough to bring my children to a service.

Dear Elsie,
I appreciate your concerns that your children know about God. I suggest you pray that if he is real that he show himself(herself or itself )to you. I am convinced that Jesus Christ is God and calls all to follow him. That is impossible unless the Holy Spirit draws you to do that, so I pray that happen for you and your family. When we get more irritated at our own sins than at the sins of others, that is a good sign that God is beginning to work on us for our good! I pray for deeper and deeper layers of repentance for myself. Best wishes, Alden Marshall