What are the good things about the Catholic Church that don't depend on it being factually correct?

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Hi, all.

This may be difficult, but I'm going to ask you to imagine things from a different point of view for a moment.

As some of you may know from allusions I've made in my posts, my wife is Catholic; I'm an atheist. The Catholic Church is going to have some sort of involvement with any children I have.

Frankly, I don't believe that the teachings of the Catholic Church were handed down by God or anything like that. Still, I'm trying to figure out how I should approach this aspect of my future children's lives. With this in mind, I'd appreciate any answer you can give to this:

From the point of view of someone in my position, i.e. someone who doesn't believe in God, Christ or the divine authority or inspiration of the Catholic Church, what teachings, practices, or other things are there in the Church that I'd be able to identify as good or positive?

IOW, what reason would I have as an atheist to consider raising a child in the Church, as opposed to outside it, to be a good thing?

 

[gzusfrk]

Hi, all.

This may be difficult, but I'm going to ask you to imagine things from a different point of view for a moment.

As some of you may know from allusions I've made in my posts, my wife is Catholic; I'm an atheist. The Catholic Church is going to have some sort of involvement with any children I have.

Frankly, I don't believe that the teachings of the Catholic Church were handed down by God or anything like that. Still, I'm trying to figure out how I should approach this aspect of my future children's lives. With this in mind, I'd appreciate any answer you can give to this:

From the point of view of someone in my position, i.e. someone who doesn't believe in God, Christ or the divine authority or inspiration of the Catholic Church, what teachings, practices, or other things are there in the Church that I'd be able to identify as good or positive?

IOW, what reason would I have as an atheist to consider raising a child in the Church, as opposed to outside it, to be a good thing?

AS a christian,not catholic, there are some things about the catholic religion I dont agree with,but the base of there religion is Jesus,the base of the Jesus religion is to love one another.If it is represented like this, the way it should be.I dont see a problem. also as the father of the child you will have much impact on your childs life.so they will likley see your side.Of course they will see moms side to.

 

[England my lionheart]

Give them a choice and say they can question anything

 

[Inky]

From the point of view of someone in my position, i.e. someone who doesn't believe in God, Christ or the divine authority or inspiration of the Catholic Church, what teachings, practices, or other things are there in the Church that I'd be able to identify as good or positive?

From the perspective of a former church kid, Sunday schools, Vacation Bible Schools (cross between Sunday school and summer camp sorta), and youth groups are a nice place for parents to drop their kids off for a morning or afternoon and know that they're probably enjoying themselves with people their own age, learning social skills, and staying out of trouble.

 

[Madhuri]

From my experience, the Catholic church seems to focus on evil slightly less powerfully than protestant groups. They also put a great emphasis on the saints such as St. Frances and Bernadet (spelling?) who are great examples of kind, humble, and loving individuals. I think that this focus on positive qualities can be healthy and is something that seems to lack from many other denominations. Then again, the emphasis in one church may differ from another depending on the preacher. Everyone has a different perspective, even within the same institution. The best method is to allow your child to experience different belief systems but let them know that what they choose to believe is entirely up to them.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Thanks, all, but I put this in the Catholic DIR forum for a reason.

 

[Madhuri]

Do I count if I was baptised Catholic and attended a Catholic school and have a Christian priest for a father?

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Do I count if I was baptised Catholic and attended a Catholic school and have a Christian priest for a father?

[mod hat on]

It sounds like you'd know what you're talking about, but going by the forum rules, if you don't identify yourself as a Catholic, you're restricted to only asking respectful questions in the Catholic DIR.

[mod hat off]

 

[Madhuri]

Ooops, that is true.

 

[Mister Emu]

Catholic Church, what teachings, practices, or other things are there in the Church that I'd be able to identify as good or positive?

For one, the large charitable arm of the Catholic Church...

I would say a strong moral foundation... but I think you might dispute that the foundation possibly brought about by growing up in the Church is better than outside...

 

[Scott1]

From the point of view of someone in my position, i.e. someone who doesn't believe in God, Christ or the divine authority or inspiration of the Catholic Church, what teachings, practices, or other things are there in the Church that I'd be able to identify as good or positive?

IOW, what reason would I have as an atheist to consider raising a child in the Church, as opposed to outside it, to be a good thing?

Hiya old buddy... hope you are well!

As to your question, I believe there are many things that you will agree with... and many you will agree with the general "theme" or message of the teaching, even if presented in a way you don't 100% agree with.

As an example:
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1713
Man is obliged to follow the moral law, which urges him "to do what is good and avoid what is evil". This law makes itself heard in his conscience.

I am sure you may take issue with some that in their definition make reference to God:
#1805 Four virtues play a pivotal role and accordingly are called "cardinal"; all the others are grouped around them. They are: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.

... so while the "Catholic" teaching will make reference to Scripture and God as the foundation of the teaching, I doubt teaching a child virtue (habitual and firm disposition to do the good) would be difficult for you.

The main problem, in my opinion, is the day the child asks you to explain concepts like good and evil.... moral relativism is often more difficult to explain than why they should believe in some Jewish dude nailed to a cross.

Worse thing that could happen would be that your child will have a firm grasp of the basics of morality.... most of the "lofty" concepts (transubstantiation, heaven/hell, etc) will be tackled later in life closer to high school age... and by then, I'm sure you will have many chances to present your beliefs to the child.... or not. When my oldest was younger I was an atheist, and chose not to interfere with my wife's desire for her to go to Catholic school... now that she is 16 and not a church-goer, we've had some good talks... and I don't have to feel guilty that I didn't let her make up her own mind. She had the "typical" Catholic education and decided on her own that it is bunk... so I wouldn't worry to much that the "brainwashing" will be more effective than human reason... this place should prove that believers and non come from often very similar backrounds... you just gotta have "faith" that your child will make an educated, ADULT decision when the time comes.

Peace,
Scott

 

[Renji]

Hi. I think you should let your children choose. Better yet, discuss this with your wife. But anyway, have you attended mass or recollection with your wife? Just curious...

 

[Madhuri]

I can't help myself...

Earlier this year I was approached by two young Christian men from a protestant type group. We chatted for ages. At some point I asked what they thought of the different Christian denominations and one of them replied:

"Well I don't agree with the Catholics because they believe you also have to do good" (as opposed to only accepting Jesus as saviour)

So at least you know that doing or being good is important theme in Catholicism.

 

[Vile Atheist]

Hi, all.

This may be difficult, but I'm going to ask you to imagine things from a different point of view for a moment.

As some of you may know from allusions I've made in my posts, my wife is Catholic; I'm an atheist. The Catholic Church is going to have some sort of involvement with any children I have.

Frankly, I don't believe that the teachings of the Catholic Church were handed down by God or anything like that. Still, I'm trying to figure out how I should approach this aspect of my future children's lives. With this in mind, I'd appreciate any answer you can give to this:

From the point of view of someone in my position, i.e. someone who doesn't believe in God, Christ or the divine authority or inspiration of the Catholic Church, what teachings, practices, or other things are there in the Church that I'd be able to identify as good or positive?

IOW, what reason would I have as an atheist to consider raising a child in the Church, as opposed to outside it, to be a good thing?

Speaking as a former Roman Catholic...I'll try and think hard for you. But there is very little to go off of. I'll try and be as generous as I can.

The Roman Catholic Church is usually not as extreme as Protestant sects. It is highly ritualistic and symbolic (which I'm not sure if you can consider that "good"). There is a good sense of community with Roman Catholics. Uhhh....

It tries to emphasize the "sacredness of life". Oh, and I sure love their hymn "Lord of the Dance". Very catchy.

Edit: Oh and the Catholic Church tries to focus on doing good deeds. As my Catholic religion teacher put it "You can talk the talk, but you gotta walk the walk." And they accept evolution! (That's a biggie )

Double Edit: I realize I don't identify myself as Catholic. But I am baptized as a Catholic, have been educated in Catholic schools my entire life, got all relevant confirmations except marriage. My family still believes I am a Catholic as I have not told them of my atheism as I would be outcast and they'd hate me.

So realizing I'm not Catholic anymore, I hope the mods will find my posting to be acceptable.

 

[Madhuri]

Yes, they have good hymns!

 

[Vile Atheist]

Yes, they have good hymns!

*sings* Dance, then, wherever you may be! I am the Lord of the Dance, said He! And I'll lead you all wherever you may be and I'll lead you all in the dance, said He!

 

[monta]

Catholic Mass isn't as long as other masses, and your not expected to wave your arms about when singing.

Some of the prayers especially the ones the kids learn are quite pretty and learning them is a good mental exercise.

Raised catholic and this is all I can come up with. I think you should actually go talk to a priest about it

My family still believes I am a Catholic as I have not told them of my atheism as I would be outcast and they'd hate me.

So weird, I don't think my family would hate me if I committed genocide, they do still the atheism thought

 

[Vile Atheist]

So weird, I don't think my family would hate me if I committed genocide, they do still the atheism thought

I'm only 18 now, so I want to at least move out of the house before I incur the wrath of my family.

But I know this will eventually be a conflict that arises. I'll have to get married and perhaps I can do the whole charade in a Catholic Church...but I refuse to baptize my children. If they want to ask me/learn about Catholicism and decide on their own they want to be baptized, that's their decision. But I'm certainly not going to force a religion on my children simply to appease my family.

 

[monta]

I'm only 18 now, so I want to at least move out of the house before I incur the wrath of my family.

But I know this will eventually be a conflict that arises. I'll have to get married and perhaps I can do the whole charade in a Catholic Church...but I refuse to baptize my children. If they want to ask me/learn about Catholicism and decide on their own they want to be baptized, that's their decision. But I'm certainly not going to force a religion on my children simply to appease my family.

I have been telling my family since I was 10 and they still 'forget' or think it is a phase.

 

[Vile Atheist]

I have been telling my family since I was 10 and they still 'forget' or think it is a phase.

Sad how our families cannot accept it.