I was on my way to install a CD-RW for a friend of my wife, who's son is a friend of my grandson. I invited him to come along with me. On the way he began to question me about religion. This put me in a position I wasn't comfortable with. He is a step grandson, so I wasn't quite as free to reveal my true feelings.
His mother and dad are christains, to a degree I guess. They have stopped going to church because of a conflict between her step mother who attends the same church as she previously did. It's kind of complicated so I won't go into details. Same old story of human failings which overshadows christain principles.
Anyway, he asked several questions about religious beliefs and I basically said it was his decision to decide what he wanted to believe. He asked what religion did I beleive in and I said I didn't beleive any of them. I said there were many different ideas of what the truth is, depending on which religion you ask, but you have to decide on what you as an individual think is best for yourself. He seemed to accept that as OK with him.
I can't remember his exact questions, I wish I could but that is the way it goes with my old failing mind.
Thanks for the compliment, but I am old enough to be a great grandparent.
I don't like others telling me what I should beleive, so I give my children the opportunity to decide for themselves. I wish I had the knowledge to definitely say what is the true spiritual path to take, but I don't and I don't want to restrict their choice in life. Of course I do give counsel on some moral issues, like drugs, drunkedness, and other issues that can rob your life of happiness.
Big consideration for all of us who are parents, grandparents (great grandparents!). I have no idea what I'm going to tell my son when he gets older.
How do I know whether my beliefs have been programmed in to me or if they are really what I believe??? How do I pass this on to my son??? So I guess I feel the same way as you.
So, the way I see it is that we just enjoy our children for now. I hope that one day he'll have some answers for me (just as I have had some for my Mum).
Anyway, your grandson sounds like a real thinker. Children can teach us so much.
: I don't like others telling me what I should beleive, so I give my children the opportunity to decide for themselves.
Just as you and I discussed the other day, you've exactly mirrored my sentiments and the way I raised my children. The cycle of religious fanatacism has ended in my family, too.
