Comments on: Podcast: Parenting Beyond Belief

By: Lisa Vickery

Lisa Vickery — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 23:41:12 +0000

First, your honesty was so refreshing. I have so many thoughts, I don’t know where to begin. I’m a Christian. I grew up in church, although my parents didn’t go with me. When I was 13 I went through a period where I struggled with the existence of God. Every day for months, I would think about God and try to figure out for myself what I believed. I didn’t share my struggle with anyone. Since my parents didn’t go to church, I was not influenced to believe something simply because they did. Your podcast made me so thankful that I had that time so young and truly got to figure things out for myself. Love the podcasts!

By: Dominique

Dominique — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:09:44 +0000

The author was expressing his personal beliefs, not preaching that every parent should subscribe to humanist doctrines. This show was informative and presented strategies from which persons of ANY faith could benefit when faced difficult parenting situations. Nothing about this interview was judgemental or disrespectful. I will even go so far as to suggest that those vehemently opposed to show topics with which they do not agree are the ones being judgemental and closed-minded. BTW, it is very condescending to be “sad” for someone who is quite content with their belief system simply because it doesn’t match your own…

By: Michelle Ravenstone

Michelle Ravenstone — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:16:28 +0000

I came here to share this podcast link with some friends who I knew would be interested in the subject. I am a theist who attends a UU church and is homeschooling my two children. Thank you so much for introducing me to this author. With everything, I take what I want and leave the rest. I am saddened by some of the comments here…. I wanted to come here and tell you that I support you.
LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Even if they are not like you. It’s what Jesus taught.

By: Heather S.

Heather S. — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:37:10 +0000

I always enjoy Manic Mommies. It’s been a wonderful getaway from a job that can become repetitious. However, when I laugh out loud at my desk, people tend to stare.

At any rate, this show was a tough one for me. I am a devout believer. The honesty and candidness in the show was powerful. Thanks for sharing your personal faith issues, Kristin.

The difficult part for me is when it is indicated that you cannot raise a free thinking person if you are raising them in a particular faith. My daughters are young, but they are exposed to many beliefs. We make it clear why we believe what we believe, but most certainly hope to raise them with the independence and the confidence to find their faith in their own way. We are open-minded and non-judgmental…and we’re Christians.

I know the podcast will continue to be of the highest quality and a fabulous diversion from the daily grind. I just had to put my two cents out there about the possibility of being a person of faith and open-minded!

Thanks so much, gals!

By: Laura O'Shea

Laura O'Shea — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:20:08 +0000

Loved the show. Loved the honesty. Planning on getting the books. Keep up the great work.

By: Laura P

Laura P — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:00:05 +0000

I’m a little late here, but that show was interesting. Hats of to Kristen & Erin for tackling that one. Why don’t you interview the “other side” and have John Rosemond on the show. http://www.rosemond.com/About-John.html. His “Parenting by the Book” is one of the best “Parenting” books available today, but the best still remains “The Holy Bible”, which has sold more copies than both John’s & Dale’s combined. I can’t imagine 1 second of my life with out my precious God!

By: Christi Conran

Christi Conran — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 20:53:26 +0000

I actually can appreciate the podcast. Although I consider myself a Christian and was saddened for the pain I perceived at some points during the podcast I enjoyed it. I think it was a new challenge and it’s always good to be enlightened on other’s belief systems. It also offered me some good alternatives and jumping points for talking to my children about difficult issues (death). I can choose to do with these ideas what I wish as can others. I am by no means afraid of what this podcast means for the Manic Mommies and applaud them for being brave enough to help us gain a broader understanding of the world and others who we share it with.

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:08:38 +0000

OK, I get you. But I think that in order to accommodate all religions as you suggest, that would be impossible to do in one show. Even to have a second guest representing “raising your kids with religion” in general would cut down on the amount of time spent on each side, as it were, and thus would not do either side justice, in my opinion. This is obviously a very deep issue, and 30 min spent on one small aspect of this issue just scratches the surface, really. So perhaps this is one of a series? And even as a series, you’re still just scratching the surface of each religion or view.

By: Mrsmoore2004

Mrsmoore2004 — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:32:07 +0000

It’s not that my faith needs to be validated or that there needs to be a rebuttal. My concern is if the Manic Mommies are going to begin exploring religion and parenting, then all faiths need to be represented. I don’t expect the Manic Mommies or their show to be a source of spiritual growth for me. I don’t expect prayers, or scripture sharing, or faith testimonies. That’s not the kind of show I have grown to love and look forward to. So when they decided to take on this issue in a brave step to help us explore that part of ourselves and our parenting, I expected the same level of thoughtfulness I’ve seen in the past. To begin a dialogue about this issue by airing this show, but not allowing an equally successful expert who has found success in teaching their structured faith system to voice their opinion on air does run the risk of alienating some listeners. Because Dale McGowen is very biased towards secular humanism and an existence without a supreme being. Where was the voice that said, you can raise free thinkers in a home with a structured faith system? For 30 minutes we heard how wonderful it is to not teach your children your faith system in hopes to give them freedom to choose their own. The conclusion was in order to raise children who are, “open to the world” you must provide a cornucopia of religious experiences even if you feel as if you are forsaking you convictions about faith. Right now my 7 year old son has friends who are from Muslim homes, who parents are lesbians, or atheists. And I encourage it. I know it’s important for my son to be exposed to every religion and lifestyle and learn to respect people for their choices. But, he attends a Friday night fun activity that encourages faith exploration, he goes to a Bible study game on Sunday mornings and we talk often about God and faith at home. We also talk about other religions and my son is studying Greek Mythology this summer. He’s open to the world and I think that also makes him more open to God and His love. Because he is learning to love people as we (my husband and I) understand Jesus loved.

By: Robyn

Robyn — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 05:53:16 +0000

If there’s no heaven, then I’m not wasting my time on coupons anymore.