Child invited to attend friend's house of worship - Page 2

[USAmma]

Thanks so much for all your answers!

I agree that my kids would need critical thinking skills before they were to attend another church or house of worship. They are very much aware of different beliefs. Some of their school and neighborhood friends go to church and we have talked about why they go and why we don't. We are careful not to put any faith down, just to explain that people pray in different ways, they go to xyz church to pray, we stay home and pray or go to the temple.

I also remember going to churches with friends. Sometimes I felt awkward and other times it was fun. Mostly I just felt lost because I didn't know what was going on.

As it turns out the sleepover was cancelled. I decided before that happened not to let her go to this girl's church just because I don't know what church it is and what the environment was like there. I am more open to some churches than others, becuase some don't pressure people like others do.

[VisionaryMom]

Originally Posted by zinemama

It would really depend on the religion/denomination. If it was a group that made a point of praying for "unbelievers" and proclaiming its way to be the only way or did a lot of preaching about hellfire and damnation, I'd pass. Otherwise, I wouldn't have a problem with it.

Totally agree. I grew up hearing about "burning in hell" and that people who were gay, women who spoke out/wore pants/didn't cower before their husbands, and anyone else who dared step out of line would go to hell. And, of course, that the Bible prohibits interracial coupling. I won't allow my children to be exposed to that at a young age, but to be honest, I wouldn't allow them to spend the night with a family I thought believed that way.

[KJoslyn78]

It would highly depend on the family/church/etc. One that pushs others to convert to their religion/denomination would be a BIG no-go on my list. than again - i likely wouldn't allow my child to send the night in a situation like that either.

Also - i dont think my worry would be so much with the family she is attending church with, but other people my children may encounter/interact with.

[meemee]

glad that you came to a decision that you didnt have to use ultimately.

for me a lot depends on the child and personality.

where my dd is concerned i would let her go coz she is v. curious. we also have a fellowship we go to which is a combination of hindu/christian group. my dd has a v. strong sense of who god is to her. to the extent of politely arguing with our fellowship elders. as well as logically exchanging ideas with a jehovah's witness who was kind enough to talk to her.

before she went i would explain to her what to expect - basic outline if i didnt know. i know if anyone says service she wont go as she knows they are boring because at our fellowship she finds it boring. and then i would let her go. mainly coz it would open up dialogue with me and we could explore our faiths more openly.

we've come real close to her going a few times. however they were always canceled at the last minute.

[Ellien C]

I would do what my mom did and encourage her to go. I'm pretty comfortable in a variety of worship formats and I generally understand the basic rules - when I can take communion, when and what needs to be covered, when and where.

I don't worry too much about the affects of a single church service on my kid, but "vacation bible school" or a faith-based sleep-away camp is another matter.

[stayinghome]

I'm totally cool with it. We're UU and what better way to learn about religious diversity then to experience other religions first hand?

[choli]

As another poster said, if I trust the family enough to have my DD sleep over, I trust them to take her to a service without trying to convert her.

Afterwards, it would be great fodder for a discussion...I try to allow my kids to have many diverse experiences and to come in contact with many different beliefs and lifestyles.