Not all christians are "fire and brimstone" type christians though, those are honestly few and far between.
B2B, im not at all a hard core christian, i rarely go to church, and wouldn't be ashamed to say, i dont even fully believe in god...but really, when it comes down to it...What is wrong with havnig faith in something? Regardless, we are going to die, and the inevitable will happen, regardless of what that is...we have absolutely no control over it.
Dont force your child to believe the way you do...just let her be, and she will become her own person...you are there to answer the questions along the way, or point out reference material if the questions are unanswerable. (what is god, what happens when you die, etc...)
I don't think that a full on cult-ish brainwashing will be possible in one weekend. She may find something in the church that she likes, but if you're serious about wanting her to make her own decisions on faith, that's not necessarily a bad thing.
I grew up in a similar household in terms of religion -- both of my parents gave up their faith long before I was born, I was never baptized, etc. -- and was already so cynical by 12 that no amount of church functions could have changed my mind.
BTB- I can see why you are so annoyed at your daughter attending Bible Camp…She might develop friendships with other girls who read the Bible instead of watching “the girls next door”…Boys who volunteer for community services instead of "getting high & playing X-Box"…Women who advocate responsible behavior…Men who believe in treating women with love & respect…
This goes against everything you stand for!
Those things are fine. I just don't want to wake up one day and realize I should have put a stop to something that ultimately led to her becoming a person like Angel Luv.
I think I'll probably let her go but I'm going to grill the out of her when she returns.
Is Angel Luv really a terrible person? I'd rather have a daughter end up a Christian Jesus Freak that is polite, nice and caring rather than an immoral, superficial person.
I don't agree with everything Angel Luv believes but there is nothing wrong with being strong in faith and strong in moral values.
I don't think she's a terrible person but I would consider myself and my child a failure if they turned out like that. Just because she isn't a murdering thug doesn't negate the ramification of people who are like that.
As a matter of fact you could easily argue that people like her account for more death and destruction than your typical "bad guy".
At 12 it's very difficult to brainwash today's kids. At worst (and I think it's improbable) she might come back with some new questions, and given what you wrote you told her so far, questions are not a bad thing.
I got sent to Bible-beater camp with hardcore southern baptists for 7 summers of my youth, hundreds of other retreats through the high school church youth group, and lots of adventures with Reverend Mom, and there were still a lot of us participating who knew that we weren't really going to , and were just there for the outdoor activities. It comes down to whether or not your kid's got a good head on her shoulders, and how you plan on debriefing once she gets back.
One trip like this is probably going to be a good learning experience. And, if it's free of alter-calls, feet-washing, shaming, games with analogies of damnation, etc., then it's really not a bad deal. I would check for any of the aforementioned activities upon her return, though, those are my personal red flags.
Before i became a Christian i never was a Critical thinker.
Its funny how people say that if you believe in the Bible you abandon common sense and rationality. When in fact i know of MANY teenagers and young people who never actually started to think about Truth,Philosophy,Culture until they became a Christian.
So the notion that once someone becomes a Christian THEY STOP thinking is totally false. I actually since i became A Christian never stop thinking. Critical thinking is one of the main strong points of Christianity.
I'm not in any way saying all Christians are like that. I'm talking about the hardcore warriors who's judgement is clouded by gods word.
well you cant really have it both ways. A TRUE Christian is someone who takes the words of Christ with heart. When Jesus said "Preach the Gospel".
That means we gotta do it.
You cant be a morally good Christian and yet not obey they commandments of Christ. According to the Bible. At first it sounds harsh but people dont realize the entire story of Salvation.
I can absolutely have it both ways just like the Christians do. A true Christian may be expected to think and do a certain way but not all do. Therefore I can assess my situation based on reality not the idea of their perfect world.
I can fear some and not rationally thinking others.
+1
Veronica is one of the kindest individuals that I know of. I also know there are numerous individuals which would stand up for character that Veronica embodies.
Really, what's your deal B2B? Christianity isn't soley defined by a Johnathan Edwards sermon. In most cases, church provides a healthy and proactive environment.
Honestly, I think you should grow up a little.
However, I do understand that you care deeply for your daughter, and you are attempting to look out for her best intrests. I admire that. There are many children, even with a present gardian, who don't recieve the attention they deserve.
I hope you are able to take the advice others have offered and come to a wise decision.
Depends on the church/minister. I would just guess that if they haven't tried to "brainwash" her by now, it's not going to happen on this retreat. A lot of churches nowadays are turning very far away from the "fire and brimstone, come to Jesus" message. The message they are sending now is one of God's love, and his acceptance of who they are, the way they are.
That being said, it's not entirely beyond the realm of possiblity that she will have a very real spiritual experience on this trip. That is known to happen.
I'm not a parent, but I'd likely let her go and then have a conversation before telling her that she has the right to question anything she doesn't understand, that she can call you to come get her if she ever feels uncomfortable and that you'll happily help her with whatever questions she might have afterward. This is the sort of disclaimer I always got when embarking on such events.
I had several encounters with Bible camps when I was a kid and they were mostly innocuous. Granted, I got sent home once for asking uncomfortable questions, but most of the other experience were fun and harmless. By and large most Christians do mean well -- even the loopy ones. And if they really crazy fundamentalist types, you'd have some indication by now.
In these sorts of things it is my experience very little time is spent on high-pressure faith, they are mostly about bonding and fellowship which is a good way for your daughter to learn about coming to terms with being in the company of religious people, even if she does not choose to follow their faith.
Really by 12 she should have some basic skepticism all built up. It's not like she's 5 where they introduce the brainwashing along with grape soda and nilla wafers after nap time.
don't do it. anyone that tells me they prefer that i'm not around while they're taking care of my kid is nuts.
sounds like a personal problem to me.
I said I would likely let her go and I never once said that Angel isn't a good intentioned person I just don't want my kids to end up so dependent on something other than themselves, especially religion or god. Just because she's dillusional and irrational doesn't mean I think she's an ugly person. Even though she is the epitome with whats wrong in this world I still don't think she's an evil soul. Mistaught, misguided, misled...on and on.
She's a complete loon but I'd be happy to do anything for her if she asked. I'd even let her babysit the kids. Its not as much of a personal attack as you think.
That was my initial thought.
Any chance you will tell us the church or denomination because that really has a lot to do with it. Some retreats for kids are more fun and community building and some are very controlled and geared toward one end result- altar call.
I'm not 100% certain but I just asked my other brother in law and he thinks its non-denominational.
I'm not sure what exactly that harbors but their aunt (the brothers wife for re s) believes the bible word for word verbatim and yeah I've touched on that with the kids before.
Why not do a little google search on it and see what comes up.
yea i was the typical high school "get drunk, get laid" mindset.
They should have no problem telling you exactly what is planned for the weekend- especially if you are allowing a 12 year old to go. Any hesitation to be forthright would raise concern for me- no matter the situation.
I think you should send her to this camp! This is in awesome! Maybe she could hang out with that kid with the rat tail!
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