Buddha and Jesus

explaining to a child...

Published on December 15, 2005 By KarmaGirl In Life Journals

Our household is very...well..odd when it comes to religion. I am very open minded to religion and don't believe in one single religion. My husband attends the "church of the racing gods" on Sunday during drag racing season, but that is as far as it goes for anything organized.

I've never liked "churches", other than the social aspects. I find religion to be too personal to need such an organized outlet, so it's not shocking that we don't attend one. But, that makes it hard for my daughter to learn anything about Christianity, especially since I am not "christian".

Some people assume that, since I'm not christian, jewish, etc. that I am atheist, which is very far from the truth. I don't believe that you have to proclaim a religion to be spiritual, and I don't believe that going to organized church services will bring a person any closer to "god".

The other day, I made a comment at home about "Jesus". My daughter asked who Jesus was, and I said: "You know, Jesus Christ." She was quiet a moment and then said: "that's a bad word Daddy says." So, it pretty much dawned on me that I needed to start talking more about religions since it looks like she is currently void of any religious "knowledge".

I started trying to tell her the historical facts of the lives of Jesus and of Buddha, since both were real men and there is proof that both lived. So we chatted about it awhile and talked about the differences and similarities and and why Christianity is a "religion" and Buddhism is a "philosophy".

The conversation ended this way: My daughter asked: "how come Jesus seems more popular?" My husband (who is a real wise ass) said: "Because he had a better public relations firm."

I just couldn't recover from that one......

Comments

Moderateman

on Dec 15, 2005

One of my license plate holders say " I ain't religious I just love GOD" that pretty much sums it up how I feel.

Dr Guy

on Dec 15, 2005

You are right! You do have a very funny house! ! I love your Husband's church, and his answer!

Good luck with the education. And only allow your husband in the classroom during recess so as not to confuse the girl!

KarmaGirl

on Dec 15, 2005

And only allow your husband in the classroom during recess so as not to confuse the girl!

Yes, I think I learned that lesson with that one. Luckily, my daughter is smart enough to know when he's saying something "silly". But, it's too darn difficult to talk about serious issues when he says things like that. Unfortunately, he also has a knack for catching me off guard with his comments.

crimson

on Dec 15, 2005

hehehe.

It's difficult talking about religion and spirituality with my daughter, but the answers and questions that come up after a discussion are definitely interesting. It doesn't usually happen right away, but often, weeks later, Kole will say or ask something out of the blue that obviously shows she was listening and has been mulling it over.

I don't believe that you have to proclaim a religion to be spiritual, and I don't believe that going to organized church services will bring a person any closer to "god".

my feelings, too.

MasonM

on Dec 15, 2005

It sounds to me like you did a great job talking to her, in spite of the hubby's parting shot

JillUser

on Dec 15, 2005

Dealing with religion with kids is always an interesting journey. We don't attend church but did put both kids in a christian preschool so they could get exposure to christianity. We want to allow them to form their own opinions and religious relationships rather than being "born" into a certain religion.

My younger one was initially under the impression that Jesus was his teacher's dad because she talked about loving him so much. He had just turned 4 at the time and his impressions were fascinating for me. He still sings songs about Jesus from time to time and he talks about God often.

stevendedalus

on Dec 15, 2005

stevendedalus

on Dec 15, 2005

One of my license plate holders say " I ain't religious I just love GOD" that pretty much sums it up how I feel.

Quaint and very brave.

Luckily, my daughter is smart enough to know when he's saying something "silly". But, it's too darn difficult to talk about serious issues when he says things like that.

Your husband must watch "I Love Raymond" I suspect.

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