General Chat

The couple who took their child to be christened in the local church have not been there since their wedding, as far as I know, and it made me wonder why this 'fashion' is condoned by the church. All the congregation were given cards so we could follow the service and respond in the appropriate places and I am sure half the people did not really think about the responses they were making. It all seemed quite hypocritical to me and sad too. I don't suppose the child will go to the church any more till she gets married. What do others think?

I guess that the majority would say 'No time' and same goes for the god-parents. Seems people these days are forever rushing here, there and everywhere and all 'basics' have gone. Never ceases to amaze me - the number of people who go for a day out .... to Bluewater shopping centre ! I dont know about all industries but there was a time when the banks campaigned for NOT working on a Saturday and it seems that time eventually came, but like so many things has now gone into reverse. Shops open all day, all night ..... where did Life go ? I cant say that I am particularly religious and I suppose that I could attend church if I really put my mind to it - but seems that Church isnt what it used to be either. I can also remember a time when the local vicar or priest would go round his parish and have a cuppa with Mrs X and the family and a general chat but now even that does not appear to be on his list of duties. There are fewer churches now but even those that are able to keep going probably rely on a 'Songs of Praise' visit by the BBC. I do visit Europe very regularly and I have to say that it is amazing to see even in France, for example, the number of churches that have closed, yet judging by the recent millions who were concerned at the passing of the Pope then catholicism is not dead. Further - how refreshing to go into towns and villages and find that shops close at midday on a Saturday until the following Monday, and try to find a restaurant that is open after 10 p.m - the way things were here not so long ago. And the christening ? You are right - What is the point unless christianity is to be taught, firstly in the home and then seriously in schools.

It doesn't happen in our church. Parents wanting to have their child baptised have to demonstrate some commitment and faith. Increasingly we are baptising young adults who have made the decision for themselve (we have a baptistry in the church). Bob

Our church will only baptize people who are able to make their own free choice. Babies have a dedication service that the whole congregation join in.

re ''I can also remember a time when the local vicar or priest would go round his parish and have a cuppa with Mrs X and the family and a general chat but now even that does not appear to be on his list of duties.' When my better half was in pastoral charge (and was part-time), he visited someone nearly every day, because he wanted to - either in their homes, or residential home, or hospital; and he is a non-stipendiary minister - does it for love, not money! Joy

Wendy I stand corrected. It's the same here my wife (the warden) tells me.

we are having our daughter christened this august and then our wedding follows right after it. i do not attend the church but the vicar has allowed me to be married there and get my daughter christened. i am scottish,divorced and catholic getting married in the C of E. the vicar knows fine well i do not attend the church but i do attend the toddler group which is in the churchs hall. i also go on the days out with them during the holidays. BUT just becasue i may not go to church or chapel does not mean i do not believe the same as people who go every week or even every day. to me its what i believe counts more than actually turning up at church and looking like i do. i do not mean to sound offensive but that is my take on this matter. if my daughter wishes to attend church when she is older then that is up to her but i will not force her to . my mum never forced me to as she knows i have my believes and i dont need to prove it to anyone annie

Annie, You are very like your daddys mum in that respect - she was the most lovely lady - a very devout Catholic but she used to say - ' You can believe in your own heart - you dont need a special building' We each have our own faith or our own take of the faith. I was brought up in the Church of Scotland - my mother was RC. Annie and her brother - their daddy is RC - and I respected his wishes that our children would be brought up in his faith. They attended Mass every week, they were not forced to go - they were individuals with minds of their own. Neither attend Mass now - but they can follow it and know the responses - My precious grand-daughter will be allowed to make her own choices when she is old enough - just like her mummy and uncle. Children learn by example -

Joy, I wish your husband lived near to my Mother. A friend of her's Mother was a devout church goer until she broke her hip when she was 95 (5 years ago) Her Vicar, who lives nearby, didn't once visit her even though she lives a three minute walk from the church. My Mother (the atheist) visits a couple of times a week during her lunch break and her friend, also 100 years old, visits when she can. I suppose the Vicars more interested in saving lost souls than tending his own flock.

That is absolutely awful, Janet. I am sorry. Christopher visited the well, the sick, those with faith, those without. Sounds like the vicar you're talking about needs a pastoral kick somewhere!! Joy

Oh Mike, that made me laugh, how'd you know my Mother's the local p****head :-)))) Actually, my Mother had a reading from a medium once who told her her guardian angel was a Nun. My Mother (the cynic)was incredulous until it was explained that its a learning experience for the guardian angel too! I wonder if that explains why my Mother, after having a general anasthetic (spelling) came round singing Ave Maria?

Like Wendy's, our Church will only baptize people who are old enough to choose. Mike, You're wrong. Children are not innocent. The bible, the Word of God says 'All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.' Children are born with a human nature, and a human nature is a sinful nature. Martin Luther says that man was given free choice, and Adam exercised this choice for us, and we as children of Adam, have Adam's nature. David

Mike: Consider this: Do you have to teach a child to do wrong. Of course not! Do you have to teach them to tell lies? Of course not! It is built in to their nature. I can remember a mother saying how horrified she was that her five year old had told his first lie. My reaction was, although I didn't say, was 'What a backward Child.' My children could tell lies before they could talk. There is NONE that is righteous, NO NOT ONE. David