Teaching My Children About Other Religions
I am a Roman Catholic
I am a Roman Catholic. That is my religion, and I am happy to say so, but it hasn't always been that way. I don't wear a badge stating my beliefs, but I do often pray a silent prayer of thanks, and turn to the Virgin Mary when I have big problems that require the rosary.
I was from a large Catholic family, born to a Protestant father and Jewish/Catholic mother who sought a religion to raise the large family they intended to have. I think Catholicism was the obvious choice, as my mother's closest relatives on her father's side were Catholic, and they were a big part of raising our large brood that grew to 11 children. The reasoning behind it does not really matter. I was baptized Theresa Eileen, and raised in the Catholic faith.
Gosh, that was easier than I thought it would be, because in this new wave of "don't offend anybody", it seems those of us brought up in traditional religions should just keep quiet, and be amongst ourselves. On the other hand, if you are of the new mega church religion, by all means stand on the rooftop and shout as loud as you can! I am not against mega church ministry. I believe if it gets you closer to God, then by all means But one time, I was told I was going to hell because as a Catholic I prayed the rosary. This on the heels of a good deed in serving lunch to a new tired mother. And just like that, the woman who was a former Catholic, and now born free again, spews hate. What church teaches hate?
I am actually going to thank Stephanie Nielsen for this article and courage to own my religion. Stephanie writes the ber popular NieNie dialogues, and she is a proud as can be follower of the book of Mormon. She does not hide her Mormon faith, nor does she shove it down your throat. She invites you to learn about it; if you are so inclined. I started reading NieNie, just a week or two before a tragic plane accident that nearly took the life of Stephanie and her husband who she calls Mr. Nielsen. Can you imagine? One day, she is a cute, fresh faced young wife and mother of four, and then the next day she is wrapped as a mummy fighting for her life, and bringing forth every ounce of faith she has in a higher power to keep her on this earth no matter the consequences, just to see her children grow? Who has that kind of faith?
People who own their religion have that kind of faith.
And I know, because it is my faith that got me through 13 pregnancies, only to see four children survive. It was my faith that had me carry one child to term, only to hold her for her entire life on earth, before God took her home again.
It is my faith that has taken me through a near death experience of a pulmonary embolism the day before I was to bury my own child. A few years prior to that, there was the out of control Mack truck meeting with my small sedan on a busy Los Angeles freeway. My pregnant 8 month belly, and one year old child in the back seat as we careened across four lanes before coming to rest at the center divider. Clearly God sent guardian angels to save us during all of those trying times.
As a young child sailing around the world on a 32 foot sailboat, it was my faith and inner dialogue with God that got me through the night and helped us survive storms we had no business sailing in. I felt his presence. I could not explain it, but I knew God was with me. Time and time again faith knocked at my door, and I totally took if for granted. I could not imagine being without my faith, and so it was hard to understand those who struggle through life without some belief.
Oh sure, there were obvious days that we were allowed to show we are Catholics, such as Christmas and Easter, and communions and baptisms. Not to mention of course the Sundays in church sitting, standing, kneeling, reciting the gospel, The Lord's Prayer, and committing to our Apostles Creed.
My faith was always there, but it seemed shrouded in a way, that one did not want to offend anyone who may believe differently. And then I realized that my friends outside of that mean spirited woman, were perfectly ok with me being a Catholic.
My kids have celebrated Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Passover, and sat Shiva. They have celebrated Muslim holidays with feasts to fill a table with no room to sit. They have mourned during Muslim passings, and sat through prayer services. All in the spirit of fellowship and love. No negative thoughts were passed amongst us. It was our mutual respect for one another and our religions that brought us together.
One year, I had Mormon Missionaries at my door. Very young men away from home for the very first time, so skinny from their poor dietary habits, it was the one thing I noticed. So, I told them. "I am a Catholic. I am not converting, but if you are hungry, I will feed you on Mondays ( which is their day of chores and such). And so it was, on Monday, they would come by and enjoy dinner, and sing or read to my kids. They would read their favorite passages, and another learning opportunity about a different religion was presented to my kids.
And now, here it is Christmas 2010. Still not always ok to say "Merry Christmas." But this year I am rebelling. In my simple childhood, I can remember joyful years of town centers proudly displaying Christmas trees and Santa in the window. City buildings all lit up, the Christmas pageants at school, and the carolers at the front door. The magical parade down main street, and boats full of lights in the harbor. The famous Hollywood parade, which was once called the "The Santa Claus Lane Parade."
Society has placed so much taboo and offense on "Merry Christmas", that you don't know what to say. And then I realized, it is those that own their religion that know exactly what to say. "Happy Hanukkah my friend." "Merry Christmas!" "Blessings of Ramadan!", and "Happy Kawanzaa!"
But what if you don't know their beliefs? Is it December 15th? "Merry Christmas" is perfectly acceptable in my opinion! They have the choice to return the greeting. You are simply stating the obvious. The holidays are upon us, and you are wishing your fellow-man good tidings. It also offers the opportunity to share your home and holiday with someone who does not celebrate. Invite them in. Isn't brotherhood what owning your religion is all about? In my opinion, there is no greater honor than that of being asked to join in another families celebration.
See this all through the eyes of a young innocent child. You see a head cover, they see a new friend. You see a cross, they see a friend. You see a Star of David, they see a friend. You see skin that is darker than yours, or eyes that are shaped different, and all your child sees is a friend.
Today, I own my religion, and I am decking the halls, and enjoying all good things that are Christmas! And on the 1st of December? I will wish all of my dear Jewish friends peace as they begin the celebration of the Festival of Lights. Happy Hanukkah!
This year I send greetings from my home to Utah to the beautiful miraculous Nielsen family. They survived the un-survivable, and they find joy in every day simplicities of love and life. Stephanie and I both wish in our heart of hearts for more children, but I know for sure the four I have were not supposed to be here, and in that I am so blessed. I am going to paraphrase something Stephanie said about her children. "I hope you enjoy your children as much as I enjoy mine. And if you don't...it is your fault!" Remember the baby I mentioned earlier in the article that went home to God on her first day of life? Her name was Stephanie. I see that as no coincidence, but merely a guardian angel leading me to a blog I needed to become a part of!
It is the mothers that are the peacemakers. Open your heart to one another, and do not shy away from one another based on your religion. Own it, share it, and pray for those with no faith at all.
by: Theresa Santoro
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