Sunday School

[Lemur]

About the "you are either with us or against us", I must say I struggle to figure out what make you come to that conclusion after reading what I wrote.

If I'm misunderstanding you, I'm very sorry, but you have repeatedly expressed the view that having any religion at all means either believing every tenet or being a "cafeteria" believer, picking and choosing. And yet the vast majority of religious people I know (myself included) have their own distinct worldview, and approach religion for a variety of reasons, needs and purposes. Your expressed opinions about the religious sell them all short, and force them into caricature. To quote one of my favorite authors, Gene Wolfe, "I am a Catholic, a mass-attending, sacrament-taking, confessing Catholic; and now you know a great deal less about my beliefs than you think you do."

Oh, and I have no doubt that you wont be some religious nutcase-parent, however, you have to admit that sunday school is kind of, well... Narrow-minded, when it comes to accept a non-religious world view.

Hmm. Depends on the Sunday School, frankly. I attended a CS Sunday School for most of my childhood, and then promptly dropped the religion like a hot rock. I do appreciate getting a solid grounding in the Bible, however, as it's the single-most referenced and important work of literature in the English language (King James, obviously). If you know your Shakespeare and you know your KIng James Bible, there aren't many allusions or references that will pass you by.

If the child finds god, let it be on his/her own.

Well, this is where I'm a weirdo, 'cause for me Sunday School is not primarily about finding God.

I would scout the place out first, to find out what sort of people they are.

Already done. I assure you, they're lovely people. Small congregation, other kids for my kids to play with, etc.

[Family tradition is] not really relevant. This should be a matter of conciense, not tradition.

Actually, this is a huge consideration for me. I want my kids to be aware of our family's traditions, and Episcopalianism is a biggie. In fact, if I had to tick off three characteristics that run through my family for the past century plus, it would be: (1) Professional work in the arts (grandpa was a pro writer, grandma is a pro stained glass maker, uncle is a sculptor, etc.), (2) military/police/intel service, and (3) the Episcopal Church. I do not expect them to "find God" in a Sunday school. That's a much more personal journey. I do expect them to learn the Christian traditions, stories, text and thought that our family has been a part of for centuries.

I think you need to consider what kind of Christians, and people, you want your children to grow up to be; and decide based on that.

I don't necessarily expect them to be Christians at all. That's their journey, and they'll find it for themselves. I do expect them to have a solid grounding in the Christian tradition, whether they choose to follow it or not.