What would you do?? if...?
You should go because of your child, and because it means a lot to your partner, but you should not participate in the ceremonies because it doesn't mean anything to you. If anybody asks, just say that you are there to support your partner but that you don't believe in celebrating saints (don't say worshiping because it could lead to a discussion). Leave it at that. You don't have to elaborate. When non-christians go to a christian church, they don't have to participate in the sacrament because it has no meaning to them, it is the same thing. If it has no meaning to you, just be there to support those you care about. Show them that there is no judgement, just love and support, but stand firm for what you believe.
God bless.
Reply:---Is Catholic---
I think you knew about your husband and his family's beliefs when you married him. Regardless, you do have some unease about the situation.
(Personally, I think your husband is terribly lucky to have a family like his.)
The thing that you are going to have to get used to is that Catholicism doesn't distinguish between living people and people in heaven. Protestantism pretty much considers people in the ground to be in the ground. Catholicism relies upon the understanding of the Mystical Body of Christ so that those who have passed are very much alive.
The trick to getting your head around the whole concept is to think of the Saint as a dear family member and the day is spent remembering and paying homage to the good things that the person has done. It is also important to remember that this Saint is alive in heaven and can help you out just as you could turn to them when they were on earth.
Let me also suggest to you that "belief" is not something that is held individually and personally. The philosopher Plato wrote against that 2300+ years ago. Belief is only true if it meshes with reality and as such belief is something that is cooperate. It doesn't matter what you personally think, but rather what is true.
I say this because I have an inkling that your belief in God might be skewed. God is three persons of one substance, yet you write as if there are 3 Gods. This is not surprising because the understanding of the Trinity is so poorly taught now days.
Let me also suggest that since, as you have stated, you are without religion right now, that you spend that time looking into the Catholic Faith and see if there is anything that you actually have a problem with logical or if it is only temperamental feelings that you have.
Use these resources
http://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium... very nice and easy over view
http://www.scripturecatholic.com How the Bible supports the Catholic Faith.
Reply:I think you knew this about him when you met him.
So long as he understands you dont believe what could fresh flowers and candles hurt?
Reply:In your describing this situation, the biblical story of the young men who were offered meat sacrified to an idol came to mind. I don't think I would attend if I were you. This is idolatry and the bible says not to have anything to do with it. You don't have to get into a big argument or get defensive, etc. Just say it makes you uncomfortable and you're sorry, you can't join in.
That's what I would do, anyway.
Reply:First of all, you say that you "only believe in praying to God, the Holy Spirit, and the Son Jesus."
Well, so do we Catholics. We don't pray to Mary or the saints. We ask them to pray for us. There's a difference. It's the same as if you ask someone in your family to pray for you.
Also, while they might be having a Mass on the occasion of the feast day of a particular saint, rest assured that they are not WORSHIPPING the saint.
They are just honoring him or her -- just as you and your family would honor someone in your family at a retirement party, or a 50th wedding anniversary party, or something like that.
Before closing the doors on going to a Catholic religious celebration, I think you should make sure that you really know what Catholicism teaches or doesn't teach.
Because from what I've seen in your message, it seems like you have some serious misconceptions about Catholicism.
If you have any questions about it, feel free to PM me. I'd be glad to help.
Reply:Both my husband and I are atheist but his parents are big time Irish Catholics, very devout.
We have attended celebratory masses with them, and I can completely understand how you feel - I felt it was hypocritical going into a church, going through the motions and I htought it was insulting to my in-laws beliefs. I would have been happier to not participate.
However, they were delighted that I had made the effort; they wanted a family celebration and that was what was important, not where it took place. It was about them, and not about me or how I felt.
I think you should go, enjoy the fact that the family are all together and realise that you are probably making your partner's parents (and your partner) vey happy.
Reply:Jesus ate dinner with tax collectors and prostitutes. What's so bad then about breaking bread with idolaters?
Reply:To keep peace in the family-I would go. Just pray before you leave, ask God to keep you safe from the idols. Look for a way to get out of situation permantly, later when You have the time. Maybe you can move away.
Reply:I would go anyways. We are supposed to be one church and one body in unity with Christ. And, God is not going to "get you" for trying to keep peace.
Although, if you are ever looking for a church for the both of you to attend, you may want to look into an Anglican church, it's pretty inclusive of both Catholic and Protestant ways, though it is a Protestant church.
Reply:for u my frnd... i should say this words from the BIBLE makes the sense...
2 Kings 5: 18 But may the LORD forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to bow down and he is leaning on my arm and I bow there also—when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD forgive your servant for this."
but onething i've to insist that u should not leave this things by your heart.... go on tell ur partner... why your are loving CHRIST... what HE has done for u... tell him.. what is wrong and right... do not speak by mere words of mouth... but the words of the SAVIOUR from the BIBLE...
If you really seek ur partner to see the real Christ... plz, make time for daily prayer... prayer is the only thing for u to speak with SAVIOUR the LORD CHRIST... behold u both in CHRIST... read BIBLE everyday... pray and thank CHRIST for day-to-day LIFE...
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