I guess I really don’t then. I’m doing some more bibilical studies and trying to continue to be more in touch with my faith. I have a tough time wrapping my mind around that Catholicism is the only path for your soul to be saved. I don’t see why it’s wrong to accept that there are many different paths to God and niether are better nor worse than Catholicism.
I encourage you to continue reading the Bible, but I also suggest you pick up a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church because this will spell out
exacly what the Church teaches about everything.
You should also read about the doctrine “Outside of the Church, there is no Salvation.” This doctrine is not black and white, and much has been written about it. I recommend a book entitled
Salvation Outside the Church?: Tracing the History of the Catholic Response by Francis A. Sullivan. If you really want a full explanation of this doctrine, then you should read this book. It is available from amazon.
I know that we’re from completely different cultures.I’m perfectly fine with his culture being passed down and the children being Muslim. Both of us would have to compromise. Will I miss sizzling up bacon or cooking spare ribs with him and our children? Yeah, I would. But they’re going to learn how to properly drink and enjoy both wine and beer with dinner.
What about situations when your cultures collide? Whose culture takes precedence? What if your daughter asks a question and you and your husband have different beliefs?
I find it difficult to see how both cultures, religions and traditions can co-exist. Don’t forget that you’ll also have to deal with in-laws; they’ll also have an influence over your children and they may be more religious than your boyfriend.
Furthermore, why should you have to give up bacon or pork? Why should you have to celebrate the Muslim holidays etc when you’re not a Muslim?
Also, what language will your children learn and speak at home? Don’t be suprised if you’re boyfriend wants them to speak his language at home. Also, will you have to go through a Muslim wedding ceremony and learn his language?
**How important is my faith? I fight for my God, my country and my family. That has been my motto since I signed up for the Army.
**I’ve picked out some Muslim names; I’ve found them to be beautiful and easy to pronounce. They have Christian equivalence.
Modesty travels all boundaries. Probably to certain community parties they would adorn more Muslim-style garb, but for the most part, just dress like normal kids in the US.
He is extremely vocal against headscarfs, saying that girls should CHOOSE whether they want to wear it or not, I’d like to keep that perspective. If i have a daughter that wants to wear the hijab, then good for her. If she doesn’t, so what? There are muslim women in the US that don’t wear hijabs [headscarfs] and live perfectly normal lives.
Honestly ask yourself whether you consider yourself Catholic, or do you just call yourself “Catholic” because that is your childhood faith? To be a Catholic is to believe in what the Church teaches. It also means having a mature relationship with Christ through the ministry of his Church.
How often do you attend Mass? How often do go to Confession? Can you honestly say you believe in the Creeds and doctrines of the faith?
You owe it to yourself and your future children to fully explore and learn about the faith. Afterall, you will be responsible for the spiritual well-being of your children. I suggest you begin reading, and listening to Catholic Answers. Leave no stone unturned, and no questions unanswered. You have to ask yourself who and what you want to be in the long run?
My mother is apprehensive
I think this whole thing will be causing your mother considerable stress. However, it is your life to live and you have to do what you think is right. I think you should talk to your mother about this and she what she really feels. It is good to get everything out in the open before you get married or have children. Your mother may have totally different ideas about how she wants you to raise her future grandchildren, and this may cause friction in the future. It would be better to establish the ground rules sooner rather than later.
I have no confidence in raising my children Catholic. I really don’t. I’m a cradle-born Catholic with lots of conflicting misinformation that I’ve received throughout my life. Do I have large gaps in my faith that need to be filled? Yes, I’m admiting that. Am I trying to fill those gaps? Yes I am. And so far what I’ve learned from my Catholic bible studies and religious classes hasn’t really changed me all that much.
This is the most important thing you have shared with us. You need to establish once and for all where you stand spiritually. It sounds as if you haven’t had a pleasant experience with religion, and perhaps you should re-examine your beliefs carefully. As I said previously, you should really read the Catechism and the Bible. Start with the Gospels. And don’t forget to pray.
Don’t let your mother cloud your judgement. She is only one out of a billion Catholics worldwide. You should learn about the faith from the official sources - Catechism, Bible, Papal Encyclicals etc. Catholic Answers and EWTN are also great resources. I think you should meet with a priest and discuss all this. I wouldn’t visit your family priest; I would go to another parish, to a priest who doesn’t know you, or your family.
