Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 5/31/2008

Question
My 6-yr old (soon to be 7) who is currently in the First Grade goes to a Catholic School.  He has been baptized.  As a Private / Catholic School student of course he is learning the Catholic teachings which is what both his father and I practice.  I found this Summer Program very close to home that is a Baptist Summer Program.  The morning is Baptist Bible and the afternoon is all activity and sports, the price is RIGHT and it is CLOSE BY!!  I'm a little concerned that the Baptist Bible teachings might confuse my 6 yr old from what he is learing at his Catholic school.  Is it very different?  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Mary,

Thank you for this great question.  I am sorry fro my late response.  Obviously, being a Baptist Pastor, I may be leaning in one particular direction for you and your family  :).  We have similar summer outreach programs for kids, and we do have some catholic families that enrole their children in our programs.

Most Baptist churches emphasize Bible stories and truths to children.  The chatechism taught by most Catholics to young children have more to do with traditions and rituals held dear by the Roman Church.  Most Catholic parents that I know do not have a problem with their children learning Bible stories.

I think that it would be a great experience for your child this summer.  If there are differences, you can explain them as they come up.  This will help your child grow tremendously as a person.

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don