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Expert: - 12/27/2007


Question
I am a Buddhist engaged to marry a devout Catholic. We often argue about how we will raise our children. Understandably,as a Catholic, he wants to raise our children in the Catholic Church. We both respect and value each others religion but we cannot seem to solve this problem. How do we raise our children Buddhist and Catholic?

Answer
Hi Ashley,

Thank you for asking me.

When you place water and oil together in a glass, they do not mix, but still can be contained in the same glass without any polution.  However, when you introduce another material into the mixture, say, a piece of bread, then you have got a problem.  The bread cannot survive intact and will dissolve in both the water and the oil.  Then both the oil and water will be soiled by the dissolved bread.

Your marriage is like the water and oil in the glass.  The bread, your children.  I really cannot offer you any satisfactory solution.  It is also a very sensitive issue.  Not only both of you have problems, but also be aware that the children will be exposed to contradicting beliefs.  

If only it involves water, oil and bread, then it is easy.  Leave the bread alone.  But can we??

Regards, justinchoo:-)

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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