I'm a born-again christian single parent - AMA

[midwifeinthemaking]

Just that really - would love to answer any questions, dispel myths etc.

@Talkwhilstyouwalk

Do you believe in science as well? How do you feel about IVF and sperm/egg donation?

Personally, I believe that science and religion can go hand in hand, and that God created science. IVF is something I think you would really need to pray about as there's nothing specific about it in the bible (I don't think!). As it's not something I've had to think about, im not clued up!

@GrettaGreen

If you start a relationship (or are currently in one) will you refrain from sex outside of marriage?

I anticipate to yes

@AlexaShutUp

Do you believe that non-Christians will end up in hell?

I'm not 100% certain to be honest! My gut is that anyone who hasn't heard of christianity/too young to understand/mentally incapable of understanding would be in heaven, and that only those who have chosen to reject God would end up there. I don't however believe that hell is a literal pit of fire - i see it more as somewhere without God, where people are still able to make a choice to leave if they choose to follow God. But I need to do more reading!

@AlexaShutUp

Do you believe that non-Christians will end up in hell?

I'm not 100% certain to be honest! My gut is that anyone who hasn't heard of christianity/too young to understand/mentally incapable of understanding would be in heaven, and that only those who have chosen to reject God would end up there. I don't however believe that hell is a literal pit of fire - i see it more as somewhere without God, where people are still able to make a choice to leave if they choose to follow God. But I need to do more reading!

“ only those who have chosen to reject God would end up there”

You forgot the cheery exclamation mark on that one.
So will you explain to your child that if your child “rejects God”, then it’s off to hell?

Do you think that church should be able to hold same-sex weddings if the clergy/congregation are in favour of doing so? Would you support your church being able to do so? And if not, do you think that lesbian and gay people should be celibate for their whole lives?

Thank you for answering, OP.

Can I also ask, do you believe that you're "right" while atheists and people of other faiths are "wrong"? If so, does it ever concern you that that's quite an arrogant point of view?

I'm not saying this to have a go btw. I went to church for a while myself, but this was the absolute sticking point for me.

@Myneighboursdomyheadin

“ only those who have chosen to reject God would end up there”

You forgot the cheery exclamation mark on that one.
So will you explain to your child that if your child “rejects God”, then it’s off to hell?

Yes. In an age-appropriate manner.

@GoldenEvilHoor

Have you been judged for being a single parent? Do you worry that your child may be judged in the future because you are a single parent?

Yes, but I've only received outward judgemental comments from those that I know are not christian. I've had acknowledgement that my decision was sinful, but have never felt judged. I am sure that she will be judged, as will everyone else in the world face judgement from others in some form. I hope to teach her resilience in order to not take un-godly judgement to heart.

You've mentioned "sin" a few times. Do you talk to your children in these terms?

“Yes. In an age-appropriate manner.”

What’s your idea of age-appropriate?what’s ok to say at different ages? Can you give examples?

@DaisyWaldron

Do you think that church should be able to hold same-sex weddings if the clergy/congregation are in favour of doing so? Would you support your church being able to do so? And if not, do you think that lesbian and gay people should be celibate for their whole lives?

No I don't believe they should. My church has never permitted them I don't think (not sure if they have been asked though). I'm not one to judge their actions - if they are christians, then I would expect them to read and understand what actions constitute sin, and not act those out. As I do with many areas of my life too.

Also, you talked about people "rejecting God". Would you consider it a rejection if someone simply couldn't believe in a god? Ie, do you see believing as an active choice that people make...almost like fake it till you make it?

Did you have a moment when you found Jesus? Like it hit you, just dawned on you and you became ecstatic?

OP I find it interesting that you disagreed the church was sexist but have said you have started to dress more modestly. Why did you feel the need to do that?

Do you ever read/listen to non-Christian sources about Christianity? Read around the subject as it were.

Do you have people praying right now that those asking questions on this thread will be inspired by it to become born again Christians too?

@AlexaShutUp

Thank you for answering, OP.

Can I also ask, do you believe that you're "right" while atheists and people of other faiths are "wrong"? If so, does it ever concern you that that's quite an arrogant point of view?

I'm not saying this to have a go btw. I went to church for a while myself, but this was the absolute sticking point for me.

I believe that christianity is the only true faith, so yes I believe other faiths are wrong. I also think there are a lot of people who have not had the opportunity to truly understand the religion, and the bible, and thus may 'choose' to follow atheism etc. I don't see it as arrogant; I don't feel superior. I feel thankful for sure that I have found my faith, and wish others could too.

I'd also like to hear these age appropriate ways of telling your children they're damned to hell if they reject Christianity please OP

@AlexaShutUp

Also, you talked about people "rejecting God". Would you consider it a rejection if someone simply couldn't believe in a god? Ie, do you see believing as an active choice that people make...almost like fake it till you make it?

I'm not sure on that one!

Sorry, OP, I have a lot of questions but it's a topic that interests me.

How do you feel about Christians who reject your very literal reading of the bible? E.g. those who think it's ok to be Christian and in a gay relationship? Do you consider them to be Christian? Or are they on a path to hell?

@sweetnessnfight

Did you have a moment when you found Jesus? Like it hit you, just dawned on you and you became ecstatic?

No. But there have certainly been one-off moments which have for sure strengthened my faith

Do you think the Pope will go to hell?

@AlexaShutUp

You've mentioned "sin" a few times. Do you talk to your children in these terms?

Yes, but linking it to words and phrases she understands.