Looking for a church - sort of...

Long story short... my daughter (5 yrs) attends a public school in Ottawa south, in which she's a white minority. Her school does a pretty good job of educating the students about all the major faiths and doesn't really pander to any one... however, they do a terrible job of cracking down on the Islamic tendency to recruit through social pressure.

When i visit her class (took the pup in last week) i hear a disturbing amount of "Allah this" or "allah that" from the students. And it's rare for a teacher to speak out against it in any way.

As a result, my daughter is often speaking that way at home, lamenting that she doesn't know Arabic and wondering why I/we don't believe in Allah, and who is the God guy who's trying to hurt Allah?

I'm an athiest, but was raised a Catholic (the prudes who outlaw all sorts of fun) and periodically attended a Salem Evangelical Missionary (the crazies who just make up whatever version of Christianity they feel like following this week) church near my house to be in their seasonal plays and concerts.

My experience has been sort of at the extremes of Christianity you could say. But I'm feeling more and more that it's important to somehow combat the religious overtures that are already shaping my kid's mind, by at least offering some sort of balance point.

I'm asking for suggestions of a more middle of the road approach to Christian church that I could take her to, to experience prayer, sermon, hymns, etc. Obviously, for a 5 yr old, shorter services are better than some of the 1+ hr ones.

So.... suggestions?

If you want to go to church, you could always try to take her to a Unitarian Universalist church. They accept atheists there too.

On the other hand, you don't have to start teaching your kid a religion just because the other kids have one. You can teach her about Islam, Christianity, Roman religion, Norse religion, etc... Teach her to question and not follow the crowd.

Instead of asking why you don't believe, have her start asking the kids why they believe and how do they know? Some of these things might be difficult depending on her age.


You can also take a look at this:


http://www.atheistparents.org/

When I was a young lad the folks would take my sister and I to a Presbyterian church on Sunday's . From what I recall they weren't overly preachy and not militant like the born again crowd can be. On the issues at the school I would talk to the principal and the superintendent as there should be no place for any of what you describe in the classroom or the school yard.

Now that summer vacation is here maybe try a vacation bible school. A lot of them are geared towards introducing the young ones with no prior religious teaching to the bible without getting really deep and preachy.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FishingMonkey

If you want to go to church, you could always try to take her to a Unitarian Universalist church. They accept atheists there too.

On the other hand, you don't have to start teaching your kid a religion just because the other kids have one. You can teach her about Islam, Christianity, Roman religion, Norse religion, etc... Teach her to question and not follow the crowd.

Instead of asking why you don't believe, have her start asking the kids why they believe and how do they know? Some of these things might be difficult depending on her age.


You can also take a look at this:


http://www.atheistparents.org/

---

She's 5, i'm not looking to teach her anything. Just provide a reference point so she sees a different side of a different coin. If all she hears is that god wants allah dead... that's all she'll know/believe.

I can't come down hard on this and squash the talk with reality... because she'll go back to school and repeat everything i say back to the islamic kids and just get in trouble.

When she's old enough to comprehend my views and genuinely understand concepts of free thought, theocratic tyranny, etc we will have many deeper discussions. For now... it's enough that she simply know some of the OTHER beliefs that are out there.

How long before these little 5 yr old children of Allah start treating females like livestock and make them wear a sack over their head? I wonder? I would be looking for a new school and I'm not religious at all.

Sorry but if it's not your faith then it well not do you much good. Some nice people and a man in a funny robe, are not going to effect her as much as peer pressure. If it is not practiced in the home and by the two people that she cares the most about, Sunday school is nothing more then a social group on sunday mornings.

No one can "fix" your kid for you. She will believe what you do, and as you have said you do not believe in anything. That leave the door to her faith open to any religion.

You need to teach her, but I think you had better start studying real hard... A ten year muslum kid could argue you in circle, knows all the tricks. He/she has been training for years.

You could simply tell her that many people believe different things. And everyone has a different beliefs and some people don't believe any of those things and that's OK.

The one thing I remember reading is that it's important to give a kid a firm grounding in reality and critical thinking.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Snowwalker

Sorry but if it's not your faith then it well not do you much good. Some nice people and a man in a funny robe, are not going to effect her as much as peer pressure. If it is not practiced in the home and by the two people that she cares the most about, Sunday school is nothing more then a social group on sunday mornings.

No one can "fix" your kid for you. She will believe what you do, and as you have said you do not believe in anything. That leave the door to her faith open to any religion.

You need to teach her, but I think you had better start studying real hard... A ten year muslum kid could argue you in circle, knows all the tricks. He/she has been training for years.

---

I'm not looking for her to be a Christian (or Islamic or atheist for that matter), i'm simply looking to expose her to something else in order to begin laying the groundwork for future lessons and experience. In the end, it is my hope that she chooses whatever makes her most happy. Whatever that may be has very little bearing on my life.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Snowwalker

Sorry but if it's not your faith then it well not do you much good. Some nice people and a man in a funny robe, are not going to effect her as much as peer pressure. If it is not practiced in the home and by the two people that she cares the most about, Sunday school is nothing more then a social group on sunday mornings.

No one can "fix" your kid for you. She will believe what you do, and as you have said you do not believe in anything. That leave the door to her faith open to any religion.

You need to teach her, but I think you had better start studying real hard... A ten year muslum kid could argue you in circle, knows all the tricks. He/she has been training for years.

---

Send me into the room with the kid. I'll have him believing in Flying Spaghetti Monster. ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Snowwalker

Sorry but if it's not your faith then it well not do you much good. Some nice people and a man in a funny robe, are not going to effect her as much as peer pressure. If it is not practiced in the home and by the two people that she cares the most about, Sunday school is nothing more then a social group on sunday mornings.

No one can "fix" your kid for you. She will believe what you do, and as you have said you do not believe in anything. That leave the door to her faith open to any religion.

You need to teach her, but I think you had better start studying real hard... A ten year muslum kid could argue you in circle, knows all the tricks. He/she has been training for years.

---

Put her into a group with a bunch of southern Baptists if you want another extreme.

OddMott, it is currently Ramadan, this may be why things are currently a little more Islamic. This is a time of reflection and prayer for Muslims, not really any different than Christmas for Christians but with no gifts.

Explain to her the differences but I see where you are going by not wanting to force her into anything while still being guarded that someone else may be pushing her into something.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Oddmott

I'm not looking for her to be a Christian (or Islamic or atheist for that matter), i'm simply looking to expose her to something else in order to begin laying the groundwork for future lessons and experience. In the end, it is my hope that she chooses whatever makes her most happy. Whatever that may be has very little bearing on my life.

---

What lessons do you want to teach her? She is already getting the lessons in the faith of Islum at school. When are you thinking of teaching her these "FUTURE" lessons? When she's older and in her teens? Just about the right time to rebel against her Infidel parents.

If you want her exposed to something that lays a foundation for her beliefs then just leave things as they are. I am sure that you will think she makes a lovely muslum wife.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Snowwalker

Sorry but if it's not your faith then it well not do you much good. Some nice people and a man in a funny robe, are not going to effect her as much as peer pressure. If it is not practiced in the home and by the two people that she cares the most about, Sunday school is nothing more then a social group on sunday mornings.

No one can "fix" your kid for you. She will believe what you do, and as you have said you do not believe in anything. That leave the door to her faith open to any religion.

You need to teach her, but I think you had better start studying real hard... A ten year muslum kid could argue you in circle, knows all the tricks. He/she has been training for years.

---

Couldn't agree with you more Snowwalker - on all points.

There's a phrase - "nature abhors a vacuum" and that goes for religious beliefs too.

You reap what you sow - and in the case of having sown nothing - what others sow.

"Whatever that may be has very little bearing on my life."

Really??? My kids are important to me and their choices have a huge bearing on my life. Whether they choose careers that force them to live in large cities, or move great distances away, whether they marry outside of our WASP culture, whether their choice of mates will result in a happy life for them, whether their lifestyles are conducive to a good upbringing for my grandkids - these all affect me.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by werner.reiche

You reap what you sow - and in the case of having sown nothing - what others sow.

---

I always get a kick out of how the religious automatically equate non-religion with "nothing".

Meh

Distaste for one horse dung religion is no justification for following another horse dung religion, imo.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Oddmott

I always get a kick out of how the religious automatically equate non-religion with "nothing".

Meh

Distaste for one horse dung religion is no justification for following another horse dung religion, imo.

---

You can call it "horse dung" religion all you want,but,the fact still remains that,as a good parent,we must recognize when children are in danger of radical indoctrination of any "horse dung" religion and act quickly to protect them from that. When teachers at the school fail to prevent what the OP has described,it's time to haul the kids out of there and put them back into the public system where there's a separation of church and state by law. I believe our public system is better than any private system that cowtows to religious radicals.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by trimmer21

You can call it "horse dung" religion all you want,but,the fact still remains that,as a good parent,we must recognize when children are in danger of radical indoctrination of any "horse dung" religion and act quickly to protect them from that. When teachers at the school fail to prevent what the OP has described,it's time to haul the kids out of there and put them back into the public system where there's a separation of church and state by law. I believe our public system is better than any private system that cowtows to religious radicals.

---

It used to be. There are numerous examples of the public system allowing Muslim prayer sessions on public school property.
http://savingourfuture.com/2013/08/toronto-school-defends-muslim-prayers-cafeteria/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/0..._n_896434.html

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by trimmer21

You can call it "horse dung" religion all you want,but,the fact still remains that,as a good parent,we must recognize when children are in danger of radical indoctrination of any "horse dung" religion and act quickly to protect them from that. When teachers at the school fail to prevent what the OP has described,it's time to haul the kids out of there and put them back into the public system where there's a separation of church and state by law. I believe our public system is better than any private system that cowtows to religious radicals.

---

I'm the OP. My daughter attends Robert Batemen PUBLIC SCHOOL.

The school doesn't teach any religion... however the majority of students in this area are now of Islamic faith... and they talk about it non-stop during the school day.

You could put her in the catholic system.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hunter John

You could put her in the catholic system.

---

You're a funny guy. lol

Who knows... maybe it'll come to such dire straits.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Oddmott

You're a funny guy. lol

Who knows... maybe it'll come to such dire straits.

---

If home schooling isn't an option,HunterJohn's suggestion shouldn't be discounted,entirely. It's not about your personal atheism. It's about teaching your kids that there's always more than one option. Please understand that I'm not condemning your parenting skills or your personal beliefs. Far be it for me to trifle with your feelings and sensibilities. Quite clearly,the Islamic children are being deeply indocrinated in their faith to the point where other children are being affected. To young impressionable minds,radicalization such as this is NEVER a good thing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Oddmott

I always get a kick out of how the religious automatically equate non-religion with "nothing".

Meh

Distaste for one horse dung religion is no justification for following another horse dung religion, imo.

---

Something will fill the vacuum...you're being pretty naïve if you think otherwise.

You've created a problem for your daughter and are now looking for a "quick-fix" workaround without even wanting to look at the root cause... and based on that I can tell you from this point, you're going to fail.

But some people seem to have a need to pee on the electric fence for themselves.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hunter John

You could put her in the catholic system.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Oddmott

You're a funny guy. lol

Who knows... maybe it'll come to such dire straits.

---

I believe they still have the muslims there too. In my area the Catholic system is seen by many to be the better funded, schools of better reputation.

I make sure to say enough off-colour comments about hijabs and terrorists that my kids know my beliefs... :silly: j/k

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Oddmott

Who knows... maybe it'll come to such dire straits.

---

Sometimes it's better to go with the lesser of two "evils". If you are not happy with the public school....

My son goes to a Catholic school, as did I. The other core values taught to the kids there are what is really important, even if you don't believe in the more religious aspects. I've even noticed that there are quite a few muslim families with kids in his school, likely for this very reason.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by werner.reiche

Something will fill the vacuum...you're being pretty naïve if you think otherwise.

You've created a problem for your daughter and are now looking for a "quick-fix" workaround without even wanting to look at the root cause... and based on that I can tell you from this point, you're going to fail.

But some people seem to have a need to pee on the electric fence for themselves.

---

Wow... read into a situation much?

As i stated in the OP, my daughter has questions. And I'm just looking for a way to answer them a little deeper than simply saying "different strokes for different folks".

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fishy Wishy

I believe they still have the muslims there too. In my area the Catholic system is seen by many to be the better funded, schools of better reputation.

I make sure to say enough off-colour comments about hijabs and terrorists that my kids know my beliefs... :silly: j/k

---

Yes muslims do attend Catholic schools but not likely in the numbers that would make Mott's daughter a minority and the fact they still do the lords prayer and talk about god that would give his daughter some balance I think.

Out Russell way, the catholic school (St Thomas Aquinas aka STA) are seen by many to be the better school. Many parents send their kids there for strictly non-religious reasons. Larger school, better academics, less discipline problems. Mine went to the public school (RHS) because that's where their friends were going. If it were up to me, they would have went to STA.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by terrym

It used to be. There are numerous examples of the public system allowing Muslim prayer sessions on public school property.
http://savingourfuture.com/2013/08/toronto-school-defends-muslim-prayers-cafeteria/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/0..._n_896434.html

---

Anyone is allowed to pray or not in this country, it is freedom of religion. The public school system does not have religion classes unless it is to study all religions and they are not to push any 1 religion but stress that all people are different in their beliefs.

I went to Catholic school, biggest pile of BS ever taught to a child. I was actually put into detention because I refused to give confession to some weirdo I had never met before, that is messed up.

Pray all you want at school, no matter what it is, just leave others alone.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Oddmott

You're a funny guy. lol

Who knows... maybe it'll come to such dire straits.

---

Yeah---go from the frying pan into the fire!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fox

Anyone is allowed to pray or not in this country, it is freedom of religion. The public school system does not have religion classes unless it is to study all religions and they are not to push any 1 religion but stress that all people are different in their beliefs.

I went to Catholic school, biggest pile of BS ever taught to a child. I was actually put into detention because I refused to give confession to some weirdo I had never met before, that is messed up.

Pray all you want at school, no matter what it is, just leave others alone.

---

Nope. Try and get permission to hold a prayer session inside a public school cafeteria for any other faith and let me know how that goes. I have no problem with faiths exercising their beliefs but not in a public school. That is why they have houses of worship and homes.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by terrym

Nope. Try and get permission to hold a prayer session inside a public school cafeteria for any other faith and let me know how that goes. I have no problem with faiths exercising their beliefs but not in a public school. That is why they have houses of worship and homes.

---

But how can the kids pray 5 times a day then?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by terrym

Nope. Try and get permission to hold a prayer session inside a public school cafeteria for any other faith and let me know how that goes. I have no problem with faiths exercising their beliefs but not in a public school. That is why they have houses of worship and homes.

---

1 ] Are we talking only about elementary schools? Cuz, about that i know nothing... but if you're talking about schools in general, every college and university i've had any first hand (Algonquin, Trent, Fleming, Carleton, Ryerson & Humber) knowledge of has prayer and meeting rooms set aside for ALL beliefs.

2 ] If you want attendance, and you're pulling from an area with specific faith bases... and one of those faiths mandates that daytime prayer MUST happen... you're going to have prayer areas for those students. ON public schools are run as a business. They need students and will take them wherever they can get them.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Oddmott

Long story short... my daughter (5 yrs) attends a public school in Ottawa south, in which she's a white minority. Her school does a pretty good job of educating the students about all the major faiths and doesn't really pander to any one... however, they do a terrible job of cracking down on the Islamic tendency to recruit through social pressure.

When i visit her class (took the pup in last week) i hear a disturbing amount of "Allah this" or "allah that" from the students. And it's rare for a teacher to speak out against it in any way.

As a result, my daughter is often speaking that way at home, lamenting that she doesn't know Arabic and wondering why I/we don't believe in Allah, and who is the God guy who's trying to hurt Allah?

I'm an athiest, but was raised a Catholic (the prudes who outlaw all sorts of fun) and periodically attended a Salem Evangelical Missionary (the crazies who just make up whatever version of Christianity they feel like following this week) church near my house to be in their seasonal plays and concerts.

My experience has been sort of at the extremes of Christianity you could say. But I'm feeling more and more that it's important to somehow combat the religious overtures that are already shaping my kid's mind, by at least offering some sort of balance point.

I'm asking for suggestions of a more middle of the road approach to Christian church that I could take her to, to experience prayer, sermon, hymns, etc. Obviously, for a 5 yr old, shorter services are better than some of the 1+ hr ones.

So.... suggestions?

---

Oddmott,

My family was involved with the United Church of Canada. I think if you look into it, it might be a good middle of the road approach for the Christian faith. They focus more on a person's relationship with God than actually making sure you are on "the straight and narrow". They are inclusive (from recollection they were the first church to welcome homosexuals into their church). They don't pressure you to be at church every Sunday (which is why a lot of farmers are United). There is no requirement to even be a member of the Church to worship there. It might be something to look into.

Dyth

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fox

Anyone is allowed to pray or not in this country, it is freedom of religion. The public school system does not have religion classes unless it is to study all religions and they are not to push any 1 religion but stress that all people are different in their beliefs.

I went to Catholic school, biggest pile of BS ever taught to a child. I was actually put into detention because I refused to give confession to some weirdo I had never met before, that is messed up.

Pray all you want at school, no matter what it is, just leave others alone.

---

When a classroom or gym is set aside for muslim prayers and the boys are at the front and the girls are forced to pray at the back of the room and if a girl has her period she is not allowed in the room at all. This is sharia law and has no place in the public school system

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hunter John

When a classroom or gym is set aside for muslim prayers and the boys are at the front and the girls are forced to pray at the back of the room and if a girl has her period she is not allowed in the room at all. This is sharia law and has no place in the public school system

---

When and where do they set aside the gym for prayers?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Oddmott

Long story short... my daughter (5 yrs) attends a public school in Ottawa south, in which she's a white minority. Her school does a pretty good job of educating the students about all the major faiths and doesn't really pander to any one... however, they do a terrible job of cracking down on the Islamic tendency to recruit through social pressure.

When i visit her class (took the pup in last week) i hear a disturbing amount of "Allah this" or "allah that" from the students. And it's rare for a teacher to speak out against it in any way.

As a result, my daughter is often speaking that way at home, lamenting that she doesn't know Arabic and wondering why I/we don't believe in Allah, and who is the God guy who's trying to hurt Allah?

I'm an athiest, but was raised a Catholic (the prudes who outlaw all sorts of fun) and periodically attended a Salem Evangelical Missionary (the crazies who just make up whatever version of Christianity they feel like following this week) church near my house to be in their seasonal plays and concerts.

My experience has been sort of at the extremes of Christianity you could say. But I'm feeling more and more that it's important to somehow combat the religious overtures that are already shaping my kid's mind, by at least offering some sort of balance point.

I'm asking for suggestions of a more middle of the road approach to Christian church that I could take her to, to experience prayer, sermon, hymns, etc. Obviously, for a 5 yr old, shorter services are better than some of the 1+ hr ones.

So.... suggestions?

---

I grow up with the "Allah" in school and it hasn't done anything to me but not believing in anything.
I also went to the Catholic lessons twice a week for a year or so and went to the church with my grand parents and again it hasn't done anything to me but not believing in anything either.

Now, going to church did teach me the spiritual aspect of life, somewhat the respect of other but most of it to listen, stay seat and shut up. Even today when I have to go to church for a confirmation or else, I do enjoy listening to a priest, lots of good thing come from those man.... So I do understand what you are trying to do and it's not a bad idea but you are going to have to be involve too.

Btw, I don't think this forum is the greatest place for your request.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fox

When and where do they set aside the gym for prayers?

---

Cafeteria , Gym Whatever.
http://savingourfuture.com/2013/08/t...ers-cafeteria/

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hunter John

Cafeteria , Gym Whatever.
http://savingourfuture.com/2013/08/t...ers-cafeteria/

---

The last information on this school is from 2012

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Oddmott

I'm an athiest, but was raised a Catholic

---

We share this commonality. Growing up in my neighbourhood in the Soo you either went to catholic school or public school and nothing else in-between. I believed in God until my early teens when questions I asked could not be answered and science seemed to make more sense then religion.

I personally wouldn't think too much about it as I believe that my own kids (twin 7 year old girls) will likely form their own opinions in the same way I did when they're old enough....

If you want to, you could let her know about all the religions and gods that all the people over various centuries have believed in and that at the end of the day it's just best to do more good then bad and playing pretend on Sundays is a waste of time... ;-)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fox

The last information on this school is from 2012

---

So what, The fact that Sharia law is being practiced in public schools is disgusting even more so now that Merry Christmas has been replaced with happy holidays and the freakin Christmas tree is a holiday tree.
I get it Fox, U are a good guy and I agree people can practice any religion they wish and pray to whichever god they want to but not in public school.

You know my church M.
research it.

Theres Aethiest, Agnostics, and much more.
Personally I like what both FM and Trimmer, Jeff Bondar have had to say.

At the end of the day, your child needs to get to a point where she can decide for herself what is right for her or isn't.

I know my best friend attends service on sundays at the one near Ottawa U, they are really accepting of the kids and that is why he goes to that specific one. Just informing you. As far as what you do with it all up to you..

I always tell my wife that to me hunting and fishing are my church, learn to appreciate nature and her bounty...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by seabast

Btw, I don't think this forum is the greatest place for your request.

---

It's the perfect place. I got a few helpful answers... and let the dogs out to play. You gotta let them bark and snarl once in a while... or else they get bitey.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JBen

You know my church M.
research it.

Theres Aethiest, Agnostics, and much more.
Personally I like what both FM and Trimmer, Jeff Bondar have had to say.

At the end of the day, your child needs to get to a point where she can decide for herself what is right for her or isn't.

---

Yeah... but your a hedonistic heathen. ;-)

I don't want my 5 yr old getting into all your sacrificing, dancing by the fire and crazed orgies. She could barely handle watching star wars.

Text me the next time you have a crazed orgy after sacrificing a goat though... the bride and I may stop by! :joker:

You might find Mosab Hassan Yousef's book "Son of Hamas" or Nabeel Qureshi's book interesting.

Pm sent

Let's look at some facts - there is a God - and when you research and study then you come to the conclusion that Jesus is Who He said He is - which then points to the bible and a direction how you should live - then you join a church that teaches and follows the bible - all of it not just the parts that you like -

Now I know that some of you will take issue with what I just said - but let me tell you something - I was raised that way and my children and grandchildren were also and seeing the results I would have it no other way - we all live very peaceful, secure and rewarding lives and don't have the problems so many families have - families that don't even know why they exist on this earth - so if someone were to ask me what they should do when it comes to seeking a way of live - I would say start reading and studying the New Testament with a open mind and see what happens -

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JoePa

Let's look at some facts - there is a God - and when you research and study then you come to the conclusion that Jesus is Who He said He is - which then points to the bible and a direction how you should live - then you join a church that teaches and follows the bible - all of it not just the parts that you like -

Now I know that some of you will take issue with what I just said - but let me tell you something - I was raised that way and my children and grandchildren were also and seeing the results I would have it no other way - we all live very peaceful, secure and rewarding lives and don't have the problems so many families have - families that don't even know why they exist on this earth - so if someone were to ask me what they should do when it comes to seeking a way of live - I would say start reading and studying the New Testament with a open mind and see what happens -

---

No offence JoePa, personally I couldn't careless what people believe in as long as they don't hurt others. Having said that, someone from every religion could copy and paste what you just said and make it apply to them, it's like reading a horoscope. Lets not forget the thousands of lives the catholic church has taken over the years...

Just because you believe in it doesn't make it better then someone else's religion.

I'm glad certain values were instilled in me at a catholic school but it's not to say those same values couldn't have been taught in a different context....

When I went to public school we actually had religious classes where we were taught the basics of each religion. Students were free to ask any questions they had that were not covered. We also had Chrismas Holidays and a week off for Easter....

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_the_Universe

The guiding rules of the church are variations on the Golden Rule:

• Do not hurt yourself.
• Do not hurt anyone else.

Sounds good to me. Why can't we all just get along.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by PaulR;908259

The guiding rules of the church are variations on the [URL="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethic_of_reciprocity"

Golden Rule[/URL]:

• Do not hurt yourself.
• Do not hurt anyone else.

Sounds good to me. Why can't we all just get along.

---

So suicide bombings and beheading, drowning and burning infidels likely wouldn't qualify right? Hey wait a minute..........

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by terrym

So suicide bombings and beheading, drowning and burning infidels likely wouldn't qualify right? Hey wait a minute..........

---

I guess it is hard to believe that these things are not actually part of the religion, it is part of the wacko thinking.

Thanks Mott for bringing up Star Wars, I need to watch it again, you do know there is a church of Star Wars right?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jediism

The big mistake people make is they judge a religion by those that don't practice it - look a Christianity - if you follow the teachings of Jesus none of these bad things would happen - the problem is there are people who profess to be Christians but don't live it as it should be - the main question is what does that religion teach - then judge the religion by that - you wouldn't judge a university by those that flunked out would you - this can be said of any religion -

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JoePa

The big mistake people make is they judge a religion by those that don't practice it - look a Christianity - if you follow the teachings of Jesus none of these bad things would happen - the problem is there are people who profess to be Christians but don't live it as it should be - the main question is what does that religion teach - then judge the religion by that - you wouldn't judge a university by those that flunked out would you - this can be said of any religion -

---

For once I agree, there are good and bad in every group and people can use religion to brainwash fence sitters as well.

There are bad athiests, bad christians, bad muslims, bad jews, etc. You can also twist any teachings into one that justifies atrocities if that is what you really want to do, it has been done with all the major religions at one point in time or another.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Oddmott

Yeah... but your a hedonistic heathen. ;-)

I don't want my 5 yr old getting into all your sacrificing, dancing by the fire and crazed orgies. She could barely handle watching star wars.

Text me the next time you have a crazed orgy after sacrificing a goat though... the bride and I may stop by! :joker:

---

Lol!!!
Anytime your driving through the region, send me a note. Cant guarantee I'll have a chicken I can sacrifice for the smoker, but am sure I can raise some spirits..So long as you are ok with them on ice.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JoePa

The big mistake people make is they judge a religion by those that don't practice it - look a Christianity - if you follow the teachings of Jesus none of these bad things would happen - the problem is there are people who profess to be Christians but don't live it as it should be - the main question is what does that religion teach - then judge the religion by that - you wouldn't judge a university by those that flunked out would you - this can be said of any religion -

---

.................................................. .......

and they judge churches by their denomination...

I go to the Baptist church . Most folks would go eek.......! There are all kinds of Baptist churches - some rigid / preaching the gospel but skewing the scriptures and some not.
For example , Jesus never said anything about not drinking ; he said getting /being out of control is wrong.

Many would say, "Oh , the United Church is too liberal."
One of favourite churches is the United Church up the street. They still preach the gospel there .

( Sorry , but it is raining again.) :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Trilynx

.... to me hunting and fishing are my church, learn to appreciate nature and her bounty...

---

x2

sure, expose your kid to other religions. don't forget to give her a bit of a history lesson: Europe's dark ages and today IS come to mind!
show her the similarities. If you keep it in context and perspective of your daughter's age, then even a kid will realize sooner or later that it doesn't matter what's called, but that people will exploit any mass-religion for their own benefit.
Thinking independently and not to follow anyone's BS paroles is what our children should learn!
It might not have been the opportunity you were looking for, but after all it is a good one.
...and for the summer and the fall, I wouldn't spend Sundays behind church doors ;-)