Both of my grandfathers were country preachers of the Holiness/Pentecostal faith. I lived with my maternal grandparents until I was in 6th grade, and my parents lived in another state, so I went to church regularly. I was terrified in church because it seemed to me that my quiet, gentle grandparents, who rarely spoke, went crazy! The people "shouted," which meant they got up and jumped around in a kind of trance while shouting things like "Praise the Lord" and Hallelujah!" These were simple folk, poor Appalachian ("hillbilly") farmers who lived on the edge of ruin, plowed with mules, and had great skill with tools.
My parents, both offspring of preachers, were party animals, and not religious at all. My dad's boss was a JW and started a "study" with my parents when I was 9 years old. When I was 15, I started "publishing." I was the only JW in the entire family, extended family included. I loved being "different," and felt self-righteous and superior. Yes, I was SO stupid! I left the JW's at age 32, young enough to start over.
My second husband and I joined the Episcopal Church. He had graduated from a prestigious Episcopal college. One of his colleagues at work invited us to the church.
Personally, I've had enough of religion. Nevertheless, I admit that I feel better after attending church, on the rare occasions I choose to go.
I have taken my granddaughter to church, and will take my great granddaughter as well. As far as I'm concerned, exposure to religious people and religious beliefs constitute part of one's education in Western culture. It also gives the child some background to choose whether or not they want to be church-affiliated.
Although I am no longer religious, I value my church experiences, all of them. They fill certain gaps in understanding and knowledge.
