Against my best judgement, Ravi went to vacation bible school at a Baptist church every morning this week. I felt sorry for him. He feels like he doesn't get to do "normal" things. As a Hindu family, doing these activities can only make it more difficult to raise a child the way I wanted. Ravi wants to read the bible. I have one, so I let him read it. He would read it somewhere else, if not at home, so I thought it was best to let him read under my wing. We don't have a week long Hindu Heritage School in our city, and I think that Hindu's everywhere outside of India are making a grave mistake to not incorporate at least one week of Hindu Education School every summer! Sunday, all three kids will attend a program, from 9:30 am till 6:00 pm. One day is just not enough! It isn't at the temple, but it is a program for Hindu children. Since it is outside, it sounds fun. If you can't hold their attention, it won't matter anyway. Temple Sunday School is great. I like the regular times. But what about the summer? All the Hindu's will be invited by their friends, and what about the weak moms like me, who feel sorry for their kids for not being involved in something like Vacation Bible School like me. Jyotsna
1 comment:
I was raised with no religion. When I was a girl, I was curious about Sunday School, as a neighbor and some classmates went. My mother allowed me to go with them on occasion, just to satisfy my curiousity. I found after a few times going that it was boring and I didn't care much for it. Perhaps Ravi just needs the opportunity to find how well he connects with the teachings.
This is also an opportunity for you to teach him about how Jesus was a sage and ascetic. Tell him about the sorts of lessons Jesus taught that are universal in all religions. He certainly never taught hell and damnation for those who didn't believe in him as Lord and Savior.
For me personally, my son will be raised as a Buddhist, since that is what my husband is. We'll celebrate the Christian holidays secularily, and I have no qualms about taking him to the ashram I sometimes attend once he's bigger. Ultimately, a spiritual path is an individual choice, no matter the influence we have as parents. We just have to hope that our influence makes an impact. Plus kids go through a long phase of just wanting to belong and be the same as everyone else. Once Ravi's in college, he will likely strive to be different.
Hang in there, Mama! Ravi has your gentle, loving guidance everyday and that WILL have an impact on him. He's not going to turn into a Bible thumper. :)
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