Jul
25
2008
The issues of religious choice and different concepts of God can be a major foundation upon which you build the structure of your family. Without clear and wise mutual decisions in those areas, however, it will be extremely difficult to raise your family without tension. But these decisions, important as they are, also require sound considerations in a number of practical ways. An interfaith family must deal with church or synagogue membership, religious school attendance, and the recognition of religious holidays and rituals. Continue Reading »
Jul
25
2008
The special circumstances of the interfaith family make consideration of religious ideas and practices a particularly complex issue. Growing up with parents of different religious backgrounds, or perhaps with parents who still have divergent views, a child must also deal with a variety of situations that can be obstructive or perplexing. For example, the child must be prepared to deal with the attitudes and responses of family, friends, and neighbors toward him or her. It is the duty of good parents to provide that preparation. Parents must discuss with their children how to react to questions and comments about their mixed religious heritage. Continue Reading »
Jul
25
2008
In the course of everyday life, the interfaith parent and child run into all types of circumstances that are peculiar to their lifestyle. It is difficult to predict the future for any family, but we can generalize about some common situations that interfaith families face. Along with the observations that we have already discussed, there are other specific tips that parents of different religions may wish to discuss with each other.
- Be careful not to provide a cloudy or ill-defined set of moral values. Be specific and unequivocally clear about what you believe.
- Do you think that God has a special purpose in bringing you together as a couple? If so, be candid about what that purpose is. Tell your child explicitly about your reasons for being together. For example, you might say to your child: “God helped us find each other so that we could have you, and also so that we could bring together people of different religions.”
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