Comments on: Teach Faith to Children So They Can Find Their Own Prayer

By: Mark Greene

Mark Greene — Thu, 12 May 2016 19:38:59 +0000

Thanks for the article, Bill. I’m not a religious man, but I do consider myself to be a spiritual man.
When you talk about faith as an indication of humility I will say that I have met many people of faith who are truly humble. In most cases, I met these people as they were in the process of rendering service, to the poor, the unwell or victims of disasters.
People who render service are simply remarkable in that way. Whether they render service to their community, their neighbors or even their children, their humility is learned through their service. But service is also performed by many who are not religious. And they are equally touched by that same grace.
You don’t need religion in order to side step the trap of self praise.
Additionally, I have met many people of faith are anything but humble. They are judgmental, contemptuous and they do great damage in the world.

By: Jo

Jo — Thu, 12 May 2016 19:35:47 +0000

In reply to Bill Peebles. When you offend someone by accident an apology is reasonable, even if you didn't even consider the fact that it might be offensive. Unless, of course, you don't mind that you accidentally offended someone.

By: Carl Wilke

Carl Wilke — Wed, 11 May 2016 04:57:16 +0000

I love the simplicity that you brought to this complex subject. Having a heart that can recognize and appreciate beauty while being humble enough to give thanks…is enough. Thanks for the reminder to keep this in perspective. Peace to you, Bill.

By: Adam G.

Adam G. — Tue, 10 May 2016 15:47:37 +0000

Thanks for your explanation of how you are doing what you are doing.

I’m struggling with some of this as a parent. I was raised Jewish, and I am Jewish,and my wife is Jewish and my son is Jewish too– but what does it mean? I don’t eat kosher, I rarely go to synagogue, I don’t celebrate or keep Shabbat. I don’t wear a kippah. Yet, yet, yet…. somehow I want my son to have a religion he can hang his hat on– a shelf from which to explore his own faith (if he has it) My heritage is Jewish, so that’s what he’s getting
Anyway, thanks for explaining what it is that you are doing.

By: Dave

Dave — Tue, 10 May 2016 13:08:15 +0000

In reply to John.

My thoughts exactly. And for a cherry on top, the cited passage is riddled with smug self satisfaction. Se la vie.

It was an otherwise engaging read, despite my atheism. I was willing to roll my eyes at the kids indignation when their friend said he didn’t go to church, but claiming atheism is the path to a narcissistic mastrubatory existence is laughable (I say as I narcissistically spew my opinion into the Internet as if it will make a difference, it won’t, but before anyone calls me on it, you’re doing it too).

Anyways, I agree with John, you had a nice piece here without needing to bring us “un-faithed” into it.

By: Bill Peebles

Bill Peebles — Mon, 09 May 2016 23:52:52 +0000

In reply to John. I suppose you could find that between the lines of this piece, but I certainly didn't put them in on purpose. No offense was intended, or, honestly, even considered. Consequently, I'll offer no apologies.

By: Tim

Tim — Mon, 09 May 2016 22:21:32 +0000

Good thoughts Bill. I have many thoughts on this subject. I don’t always go to chuch, sometimes I can’t get out of bed to go. I can’t stand the judgmental dirty looks of the overly pieous ones; the subdivision dewellers who think I don’t belong in “their” church. I’m sickened when I hear people slam me for having a beer at a ballgame while the same gluton slurps down a 64oz coke full of sugar. I teach my kids faith, I also teach them to respect and love others. My kids have won multiple awards at school for moral focus, academics and the “be nice award”. Faith without works is dead, works without love is false piety. I teach my kids all people are equal, no matter their background, beliefs or ect, ext and ect. I don’t care about people of “no-faith” disrespecting me, but people of my faith trashing me because I don’t pass their “baptist sniff test” does. There’s many good things about my church, and a few negative. I try to keep that in mind. Nice writing. Hope we meet up some day!

By: Anordinarydad

Anordinarydad — Mon, 09 May 2016 21:48:25 +0000

Beautiful writing as always Bill. And you handle the idea wonderfully. Good thoughts to mull over for parents of every faith background.

By: John

John — Mon, 09 May 2016 17:32:39 +0000

Honestly, I stopped reading right here: “My question for those unfaithed – for lack of a better word – has always been, “To whom do you give thanks?” In this crazy, selfish world, it is easy to become the center of everything.

Giving thanks changes that. It is an admission of vulnerability, of need, of humility. The joy of giving thanks, outwardly, overwhelms the vague smugness of self-praise. ”

Ok, cool, you have faith. Why denigrate those of us that are Atheist with the stereotypical suggestion that we believe we’re the center of everything and only offer the ‘smugness of self-praise”?

I’ll never understand that. You can honor and share your faith without trashing those of us that don’t as selfish and smug. You could have had a powerful, lovely piece here about you and your kids, but you chose, right in the middle, to turn it into a “we’re better than non-believers” piece.

Next time, maybe keep it about you and your kids and your shared faith and leave the non-believers out of it.

By: Larry

Larry — Mon, 09 May 2016 16:55:27 +0000

Lovely piece, Bill.
Defining, explaining, reasoning behind faith is not so simple in the complicated world we live in.