OT - Anyone out there a Pentecostal or have knowledge of that religion?
I am an agnostic and my FH is an atheist. BM was raised Jewish, but then was saved and became born again.
My SD6 was never raised with religion as BM and FH decided that she could choose once she got older.
Since the separation, BM has expressed her desire to introduce religion to my SD6.
FH agreed that BM could introduce SD to bible stories within the home, but church would be held off for at least a year.
So...BM lets us know that once she is 'allowed' to take SD to church, that she would like to go to a Pentecostal church. From what I've been reading, it sounds and looks (youtube) a little over the top (coming from a non-religious viewpoint that is).
I'm wondering what kind of things happen in a Pentecostal Children's program. Do they encourage speaking in tongues and dancing/shaking/rolling around on the ground stuff? Or is it more just learning the bible and singing cute Jesus songs?
Any help would be appreciated. I admit, I am ignorant to this religion and as an outsider it kinda looks scary. Not that it is scary, but I'm sure any Pentecostal can agree that as an outsider it does all look a little 'different'.
Thanks in advance for any experiences/stories etc.
- Everyones Interest's blog
- Log in or register to post comments
Comments
It depends on
if you're talking more old-school pentecostal or more Assemblies of God pentecostal. They can be pretty different. I was raised strict Southern Baptist!
i will PM
you...this is too much of a hot topic to put my opinion out there on this one!
I would appreciate it Sia!
I need all the help I can get with this one!
I am not one but have had
I am not one but have had some exposure to them over the years but not the children's activities. I can help a little with comments about the adult side though if you have questions.
I'm a religious fanatic...
Well...ok. I should change that. I am fanatic about the study of World religion. I'm a Unitarian considering a religious history Masters at the Unitarian Universalist Seminary in Chicago.
So though I know this is a hot topic as Sia said, I don't mind sharing my thoughts out LOUD. It's one of my favorite topics.
We have many evangelical/charismatic/Pennecostal type churches here (though they call themselves non-denominational in OH) and I attended for the experience while church shopping before finding the UU church.
It was...well.. Fire and brimstone, original sin, children will be going to hell without being saved. The bible belt is very much a part of Ohio, and NE Ohio in particular where I am- is it's very own bible belt. I'm literally surrounded.
At this church I visited, where my sons had attended daycare and chapel once a week, there was lots of testifying in the adult service, and I could really see where they provide some much needed relief through diehard Christianity. There were many disabled and down and out in attendance. They came to feel salvation and the preacher gave them that. As far as the children's service...well...I didn't go back to visit again because of what my sons filled me in on. Lots of the devil will get you if you don't watch out you are SINNERS and headed for hell if you don't claim Jesus today. My sons filled me in on some of the phrases and I was appalled at what I allowed them to listen to while I was in the kleenexes handy pulpit passing out forgiveness and redemption section . I know that at some of the services they speak in tongues.
In many different churches, Depending on what part of the country you live in, SD could be facing some tough messages that your atheist husband may have justified concerns regarding what SD is being told. Even though he's atheist, he may want to take an active part in choosing another church he can take her to for a more balanced message.
Religion is very tough to co parent. But in most cases, the court docs have this covered. Ask him to dig out his custody/parenting agreement and revisit what it says there regarding religious upbringing.
Goodluck!
I differ on that one
My girls and I went to an Assembly of God church for several years. The children's programs were standard Bible teaching/Sunday school curriculum with lots of activities, etc. You could contact the church and speak to the children's ministry director. I am sure they would be happy to share the Sunday school teaching materials. Or maybe they have a web site with that info.
Sorry Lizzie- I'm not as familiar with Assembly of God.
We have one of those here too, but didn't know that one was Pentecostal.
I sent a PM regarding different churches, b/c I only know a bit about the ones in my region- and I did mention that all denominations vary by region as well as congregational culture.
Was trying not to generalize as it's really not possible to do anyway.
PS just re-read that part about BM raised Jewish!
I would greatly suggest that your DH look for a reformed Jewish synagogue and offer a compromise there. Reformed Judaism is a very open, nurturing, spiritual practice. And may be the perfect way to introduce SD to a religious practice that BM cannot possibly argue with since it's her own heritage.
Just a suggestion. Also in my opinion highly more Atheist/Agnostic user friendly than the BM's church of choice.
Thanks Sita Tara!
You reaffirmed my apprehension regarding the Pentecostal Church.
The divorce was severed from the corollary issues, so while the divorce is going through FH and BM are still working out the details of their agreement. That is why this has all come up. They have joint legal custody, so this has to be a mutual decision.
Regarding BM being raised Jewish. It isn't an option to take SD to a synagogue b/c BM was SAVED and is very into Jesus.
She used to go to a hard-core Pentecostal Church, but we are in Canada so I don't know if they are as 'hard-core' as some of the things I've seen on the Internet from the deep American South. BM has found a Pentecostal Church that she describes as 'not as bad as the old one'.
BM has also said that she is looking into Presbyterian Churches which seem a 'safer' option.
I guess my concern is the whole 'You're going to burn in hell if you don't accept Jesus'. I think that is scary for a child when one parent (and Stepmom and potential half siblings) are not religious.
I remember as a child, my cousin was raised Catholic. He used to tell me I was going to hell and will burn with the devil for all eternity. It scared the shit outta' me and I used to cry to my Mom and keep myself up at nights worrying about it.
Anyway...thanks for writing. I'm sorry your sons had to go through that. It is my worst fear for my SD!
i was just
gettin ready to PM you when I read Sitas post about it....... she says everything i was gonna say, just a lot nicer.
so im rasied pentecost and
so im rasied pentecost and yes we do premote speakin in tounges because it is a sign of the holy ghost (god three in one father spirt son) coming apon you and no its not a bad thing its a thing to take much pride in because that is a prayer or message of healing or a message to the church tounges is a way of speaking to the unbeliever and away of commuincaton between just you and God. no its just not rolling on the floor and screaming just for the heck of it. its a way of worshiping God. and i sudjust that if someone you know wants to go you let them because its better to believe in something and find out its fake then going to hell over something that you didnt believe.
but god is real if you read revlations (last book of the bible)it will tell you of ending times which is apon us.