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

[midwifeinthemaking]

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

I hear the positives that belief has brought to your life, and that's wonderful to hear. But do you accept - truly believe, that is - that others can find a route to the same fundamental inner peace without theism?

@Myneighboursdomyheadin

“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?

I'm not an expert in this I'm afraid, as I've only reached the age of 4 with my child! At the moment, it's more, 'we need to make sure we are kind and listen to God so that we can be with him forever in heaven, otherwise we wont be with him". Pretty sure she hasn't got the concept of death yet

@SquirtleSquad

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

I am interested in this too, in the main hoping that you are really thinking this through - what would communicating this message to a child actually look like, and how are they likely to feel?

I’m also a bit worried about your suggestion of expecting gay Christians not to ‘act out’ their ‘sins’. Is this what you will say to your child?

Interesting point about not having the opportunity to understand Christianity. I went to church for much longer than you have been going. Whilst I don’t pretend to be a theologian, I have an understanding of the bible, enough to know a 2,000 year old book won’t mention IVF I wonder if I am not meant to be saved? Ah well.

Another one: would you consider same sex or interfaith relationships sinful? If your daughter found happiness within one, would you show her acceptance?

Is it the Vineyard church?

What do you think about abortion?

What about the death penalty?

If you believe people shouldn’t have sex before marriage, does a civil rather than religious marriage count?

Are you dating?

Ah, so you use the “be kind” for now. Then in ten years time if she questions your beliefs she isn’t independent, she’s not “being kind”

Very clever. Much harder for her that way.

@Myneighboursdomyheadin

Ah, so you use the “be kind” for now. Then in ten years time if she questions your beliefs she isn’t independent, she’s not “being kind”

Very clever. Much harder for her that way.

Or next week when she snatches another kid’s toy or refuses to do something you tell her, she’ll know that she’s not kind and out on her own?

Can you just decide to believe one day?

@GoldenEvilHoor, in my experience, no. You can try to kid yourself that you believe, but ultimately, your rational mind will win out.

As a midwife how would you respond to a gay couple seeking your services ? Do you think it's ok for a gay couple to raise a child ?

@TitusPullo

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.

This is a personal choice, and standards differ hugely within churches. Women and men are sexual beings - I wouldn't want to cause men to sin from lustful thoughts etc. I also think my clothing has just become more 'modest' just from being a mum! And yes! Love reading around it, just finished Sapiens.

I’m Jewish. So yes, I reject Jesus.
I also live a moral life. I give a lot to charity, I’m active in many religious organisations that help people. I have a decent value system and good morals. By most people’s judgement I’m a pretty good person. I work on myself to try not to be envious, or to gossip, or to hate others. I aspire to be a better person most of the time.
Am I still going to hell according to your beliefs?

@YukoandHiro

I hear the positives that belief has brought to your life, and that's wonderful to hear. But do you accept - truly believe, that is - that others can find a route to the same fundamental inner peace without theism?

I'm not sure! But I thought I had peace until I found my faith...and this is completely different

I don’t want you to lose your faith OP. I know how desolate it leaves people. But the impact on other people is a problem.:(

@YukoandHiro

Another one: would you consider same sex or interfaith relationships sinful? If your daughter found happiness within one, would you show her acceptance?

I will always love her. I am not to judge her choices in life, and I will make that clear. I will raise her to understand the Bible though

“- I wouldn't want to cause men to sin from lustful thoughts etc”

:(

If she is attacked one day, whilst wearing clothes you disapprove of, will you tell her she caused the man to sin from lustful thoughts?

Do you believe in online dating? And would you only date a fellow Christian?

@Myneighboursdomyheadin

“- I wouldn't want to cause men to sin from lustful thoughts etc”

:(

If she is attacked one day, whilst wearing clothes you disapprove of, will you tell her she caused the man to sin from lustful thoughts?

If she is attacked, that is not a thought. That is a completely wrong action

regarding your daughter and hell. Do you not think she should be kind, because she wants to be kind, because she takes pleasure in seeing others happy... rather than because of a veiled threat?

If you take some parts of the Bible literally (e.g. you oppose same sex marriage) then why aren't you taking all parts of the Bible literally?

@Talkwhilstyouwalk

Do you believe in online dating? And would you only date a fellow Christian?

I'm not an expert about the bible and this sort of dating, but I use it with caution. Thankfully there are quite specific criteria.

"I wouldn't want to cause men to sin from lustful thoughts etc. "

Do you not think that is one step away form victim blaming? "If she wasn't wearing a short skirt, she wouldn't have been reaped, she was clearly asking for it"

Are you raising your daughter to consider the thoughts, feelings and actions of men above and before her own?

@00100001

regarding your daughter and hell. Do you not think she should be kind, because she wants to be kind, because she takes pleasure in seeing others happy... rather than because of a veiled threat?

If you take some parts of the Bible literally (e.g. you oppose same sex marriage) then why aren't you taking all parts of the Bible literally?

I don’t take the Bible literally, but I do believe everything in the Bible as true. Yes absolutely! I would love for her to have that instinct. But we are inherently selfish beings, and at times, having god in the back of your mind can be helpful to rain-check your actions etc.

To me this thread shows evangelical Christianity to a tee. A veneer of #bekind and faithful and Jesus will save you, covering over layer after layer of judgement, sin, homophobia, sexism. Be nice but don’t be gay, dress modestly otherwise your rapist can’t be held accountable for their actions, believe or you are going to hell. ‘‘Twas ever thus.

Women dressing more modestly helps men not to sin!?