FabSwingers.com forum: Catholic church in Ireland

By *ubal1 OP Man
over a year ago

Newry Down

Although I was brought up in the Catholic faith, and was educated NY the Christian Brothers, it is decades since I attended any form of worship or any ceremonies that involved this organisations. It is no longer of any relevance to me.

The extraordinary power and influence that the catholic church exerted over Irish citizens in the 20th century has been eroded by societal changes and a plethora of abuse scandals.

I would not profess to be spiritual, but I have a humanistic concern for the welfare of my fellow human beings.

Does the catholic church have any relevance in your life, and if not, why not?

How do you fill the void formerly occupied by faith and worship?

This Sunday morning, my principal concern is getting out into my gardens, and later going for a relaxing walk in a local forest.

I am mystified why I allowed my personality to have been contaminated by an organisation that is corrupt, greedy, abusive and now almost entirely irrelevant in Ireland.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It has relevance for all of us in this country I think. I hold no reverence for the organisation though. The fall out from years of not just the individual horrendous abuse people suffered but also the larger scale abuse of power impacts all of Irish society still, and definitely shapes alot of discussion and mindsets. Some for the positive I think the huge support for things like the 34th and 36th ammendments came not just from it being the right thing but the backlash my generation and the ones following feel about the way things used to be.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The only thing the Catholic chur h is to me is an object of hate. Its a closeted institution rooted in the middle ages that refuses to take its head out of that era.

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By *osmicGateMan
over a year ago

louth

So maybe we should all become protestants or Muslims seeing as we have no faith in Catholicism.. Or do we need religion at all to be able to live our lives?

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By *ilthyNightsCouple
over a year ago

East / North, Cork

I don't genuinely HATE much. But I genuinely hate the Catholic Church. I would cross the road not to walk past a priest as I feel an unpleasant urge towards violence.

There is nothing in this world capable of such evil than a horny repressed zealot who is handed power and 1on1 access to children.

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By *ilthyNightsCouple
over a year ago

East / North, Cork

"So maybe we should all become protestants or Muslims seeing as we have no faith in Catholicism.. Or do we need religion at all to be able to live our lives? "

Of course we don't need religion to live our lives. Why on earth would we?

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By *ealitybitesMan
over a year ago

Belfast

I no longer think of it as a void or give it much thought anymore.

I was never a victim and despite attending a CBS any issues I had were always without fail with lay teachers.

I was a regular church goer and an altar boy. Some might argue I still am

I felt betrayed when all the scandals and coverups emerged and I turned my back on it all in a fit of anger that lasted for a few years but it's of no significance now.

I will say though that like most scandals there were a significant number of people jumping on the bandwagon as soon as financial compensation was discussed.

I know of 2 families who made accusations and were seeking redress.

One of these was dismissed due to lack of evidence and they jokingly told others in the pub that it was worth a go anyway.

The other settled out of court and it was later discovered to be a complete fabrication and they were made give it all back.

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By *ealitybitesMan
over a year ago

Belfast

"I no longer think of it as a void or give it much thought anymore.

I was never a victim and despite attending a CBS any issues I had were always without fail with lay teachers.

I was a regular church goer and an altar boy. Some might argue I still am

I felt betrayed when all the scandals and coverups emerged and I turned my back on it all in a fit of anger that lasted for a few years but it's of no significance now.

I will say though that like most scandals there were a significant number of people jumping on the bandwagon as soon as financial compensation was discussed.

I know of 2 families who made accusations and were seeking redress.

One of these was dismissed due to lack of evidence and they jokingly told others in the pub that it was worth a go anyway.

The other settled out of court and it was later discovered to be a complete fabrication and they were made give it all back. "

And just to add, no I don't believe we need religion as it has been the root of a lot of evils.

I no longer have any interest and know very few who do.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"So maybe we should all become protestants or Muslims seeing as we have no faith in Catholicism.. Or do we need religion at all to be able to live our lives? "

Nothing is, stopping people from following the institutional religions. I don't believe there's a need for them especially when you consider the misery they've inflicted. I'd see myself as a humanitarian... Treat people as you'd expect to be treated.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Religion isn't the root of all evil its just a handy tool for it

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By *ilthyNightsCouple
over a year ago

East / North, Cork

"Religion isn't the root of all evil its just a handy tool for it"

It generates evil. The power that people give to these guys, and the unquestioning faith in them. Power corrupts. Sexual repression added to the mix over decades leads to a warped views of sexuality and abuse.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I was hugely faithful as a child, to the point where I wanted to be a nun. I don't think that belief has done anything but fuck me up. I hate the automatic guilt and shame that comes with being raised Catholic. I think it's a poison.

Embarrassingly it took reading The Da Vinci Code at 15 for me to realise there was a different path. I haven't looked back.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Religion isn't the root of all evil its just a handy tool for it

The same can be said of any institution that has power...

It attracts people capable of such horrendous actions.

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By *ilthyNightsCouple
over a year ago

East / North, Cork

"I was hugely faithful as a child, to the point where I wanted to be a nun. I don't think that belief has done anything but fuck me up. I hate the automatic guilt and shame that comes with being raised Catholic. I think it's a poison.

Embarrassingly it took reading The Da Vinci Code at 15 for me to realise there was a different path. I haven't looked back. "

MrsF is the same. This idea that we are shameful and have to always be apologising for ourselves. And having to to what the priest says to make up for how crap we are. It's so unhealthy and they get to the kids so young that it's like an instinct thats SO hard to shake off.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"So maybe we should all become protestants or Muslims seeing as we have no faith in Catholicism.. Or do we need religion at all to be able to live our lives? "

What a ridiculous notion. Why would you invest yourself in any other monolithic religion when you've given up on Catholicism?

And no, we don't need religion. We need human empathy, which is available in abundance without the influence of some voyeuristic God.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You are of course right about the specific toxic mix of the sexual repression leading to the type of abuse also, wouldnt argue that I just dont believe religion is the root of evil. That's still just people

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Embarrassingly it took reading The Da Vinci Code at 15 for me to realise there was a different path. I haven't looked back.

I'm so sorry to hear that about Mrs F. I think the Church is awful. Tiny children being made to feel like their every minor indiscretion is being watched by a vengeful spirit. It's an absolute blight on this country.

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By *ardyboy54321Man
over a year ago

Fermanagh

That would be an ecumenical matter!"

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By *ilthyNightsCouple
over a year ago

East / North, Cork

"Religion isn't the root of all evil its just a handy tool for it

The same can be said of any institution that has power...

It attracts people capable of such horrendous actions.

I would argue that it does attract such people, but that it also turns people that way.

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By *oghunter33Woman
over a year ago

on the hill NordWest of

Most schools in Ireland are still denominational or even run by the church. So the said institution gets still into the heads of Irish children from early age on and tons of hours of precious school time is wasted to 'prepare' them for communion and confirmation.

Wouldn't it be time to revise the whole school system and turn it into a secular 21st century model Finland style?

Probably too adventurous for any political party in Ireland...

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By *anther81Man
over a year ago

Drogheda

Religion of any sort is messed up in my opinion. Institutions, weird celibacy etc.

I think there are elements that are interesting from a why certain people believe a certain thing from the different religions.

The church had great power in Ireland I think before we all got a lot more educated as a people.

Unfortunately or fortunately I think the Catholic Church has shaped us as a people the way we act the “ah sure” or the “jaysus Christ”. I wonder how different we would be for better or worse if it was never there and what would have filled the void.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

All those that hate the church, do you allow your children to celebrate communion at 8, confirmation at 12 etc.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"All those that hate the church, do you allow your children to celebrate communion at 8, confirmation at 12 etc. "

No.

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By *aid backMan
over a year ago

by a lake with my rod out

My problem isn't just with the Catholic church it's organised religion they all use control to wield their power. It goes against everything I believe in

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"All those that hate the church, do you allow your children to celebrate communion at 8, confirmation at 12 etc.

No. "

And for those that do.. do you think its acceptable for the pressure the kids and the parents feel to do it in what is for a lot of them their only option for a place of education.

It's not hypocrisy by the parents it's evidence of their disdain

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By *ilthyNightsCouple
over a year ago

East / North, Cork

"All those that hate the church, do you allow your children to celebrate communion at 8, confirmation at 12 etc. "

Absolutely not... And just imagine all the extra time my kids have not having to study all the myths and ruin Sundays dressing up to spend the day apologising for themselves.

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By *ealitybitesMan
over a year ago

Belfast

"All those that hate the church, do you allow your children to celebrate communion at 8, confirmation at 12 etc. "

I did but that was 15-20 years ago and my opinions have changed since. My grandkids attend a non denominational school.

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By *rakesterlingMan
over a year ago

Dublin

I am not a practicing religious person, but I am not faithless either. Call me an agnostic.

One thing I concluded on the subject is that one must differentiate between religion, and the religious institution, aka the Church, as an organisation that is riding on its wave.

If not religion, human kind will find another 'drug for the masses' to try exert control over it.

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By *ilthyNightsCouple
over a year ago

East / North, Cork

"I am not a practicing religious person, but I am not faithless either. Call me an agnostic.

One thing I concluded on the subject is that one must differentiate between religion, and the religious institution, aka the Church, as an organisation that is riding on its wave.

If not religion, human kind will find another 'drug for the masses' to try exert control over it. "

The issue with that is that (in the Catholic example) Christianity demands obedience. Its there in the bible. Someone has to translate the texts into a modern context so they know how to live within the rules in the present day. That man is the pope who is God's represention in earth. He is able to create rules for example that you MUST attend mass. In this example I'm not sure how it's possible to separate the religion and the organisaion if God representation on earth mandates that you must be involved in the organisation. They have you by the balls if you buy into the religion bit unfortunately. I know people who are scared not to attend mass weekly.

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By *im tim timMan
over a year ago

"I am not a practicing religious person, but I am not faithless either. Call me an agnostic.

One thing I concluded on the subject is that one must differentiate between religion, and the religious institution, aka the Church, as an organisation that is riding on its wave.

If not religion, human kind will find another 'drug for the masses' to try exert control over it.

and what about the mother and baby homes.the one in tuam comes to mind..

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By *ilthyNightsCouple
over a year ago

East / North, Cork

Don't EVEN. I can't even think about it

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By *oghunter33Woman
over a year ago

on the hill NordWest of

"All those that hate the church, do you allow your children to celebrate communion at 8, confirmation at 12 etc.

No.

And for those that do.. do you think its acceptable for the pressure the kids and the parents feel to do it in what is for a lot of them their only option for a place of education.

It's not hypocrisy by the parents it's evidence of their disdain "

Nowadays most catholic schools do accept children of different religious background but in return you have to accept that your kid is going to have a denominational education.

As I said further up the school system should be detangled from the church but there doesn't even seem to be a spark of intention to do so. Shows you they're still having a lot of power.

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By *adboyandgirlCouple
over a year ago

Louth/M1

Religion, school education, media... is all a propaganda trail to make you believe in what they preach... Only as you get older or wiser, generally both... do you realise how they tried to dupe you... obviously they succeed with many... the only way to live is through your own thoughts.... The institution's lie, deceive and con you till you wake up.. We should in theory get better and stronger from life experiences... but we don't. History is manipulated... generally by the winner!

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By *rakesterlingMan
over a year ago

Dublin

"I am not a practicing religious person, but I am not faithless either. Call me an agnostic.

One thing I concluded on the subject is that one must differentiate between religion, and the religious institution, aka the Church, as an organisation that is riding on its wave.

If not religion, human kind will find another 'drug for the masses' to try exert control over it.

OK, I see the conundrum. I'd say that there are more flavours to Christianity then catholic. The Bible is translated, and rewritten/reproduced. Interpretations are offered and given.

In my life I had an opportunity to read several versions of the Bible, as well as the one Kuran. Even within the domain of Catholicism, I was surprised to see the amount of difference from one end of the world to the other.

So, Christianity is not exactly an original work, it seems to be rather derivative from prior religions, as is Islam, in my opinion, just another branch of Christianity...

There was that Zeitgeist movie that was pretty interesting to watch.

At the end of the day, as I said, I am agnostic, but will I turn my back to the concept of being kind, sharing, loving, helpful? No.

Will I let someone tell me that I have to sacrifice my life for God and go kill others? Errmmm... NO.

So the Church can go... Auto copulate

and I will continue living by a certain set of principles that are pretty universal, which, coincidentally, have been covered by every major religion.

Tounge in cheek here, but how many of us here have called God 'in vain' while having that Earth shattering orgasm?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness."

His Holiness The Dalai Lama

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By *he rover returnedWoman
over a year ago

xxx

I view organised religion as toxic at its core but spirituality is entirely different. You can be spiritual and not religious. Humanity, gratitude, humility and kindness are key components in this.

I fill the void of organised religion by practicing all of the above and by been fully present when I'm engaging with something. Also I run, to Quote Faithless "This is my church"

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By *osmicGateMan
over a year ago

louth

"So maybe we should all become protestants or Muslims seeing as we have no faith in Catholicism.. Or do we need religion at all to be able to live our lives?

Of course we don't need religion to live our lives. Why on earth would we? "

Well then what's the point in being religious at all.. Religion is for people who don't know how to live their lives without it..

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By *aid backMan
over a year ago

by a lake with my rod out

Religion is like a cock , it's ok to have one but don't force it on anyone

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By *oghunter33Woman
over a year ago

on the hill NordWest of

"Religion is like a cock , it's ok to have one but don't force it on anyone"

And what if you don't have a cock?

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By *ilthyNightsCouple
over a year ago

East / North, Cork

"So maybe we should all become protestants or Muslims seeing as we have no faith in Catholicism.. Or do we need religion at all to be able to live our lives?

Of course we don't need religion to live our lives. Why on earth would we?

Well then what's the point in being religious at all.. Religion is for people who don't know how to live their lives without it.. "

Historical cultural norms here in Ireland have made it VERY hard to step away because as you say, in the past people haven't really known how to live otherwise. I think we have the pervasive free media and modern telecommunications to thank as they have allowed many new ideas in, and shown that there are other ways to live entirely without religious interfere.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"So maybe we should all become protestants or Muslims seeing as we have no faith in Catholicism.. Or do we need religion at all to be able to live our lives?

Of course we don't need religion to live our lives. Why on earth would we?

Well then what's the point in being religious at all.. Religion is for people who don't know how to live their lives without it.. "

Being Catholic etc is a title only.. You can be Christian without the institutionalised religion.. Not wanting to cause harm to others, the that that's around us is being closer to whatever entity you believe in than for example a celebate man telling not to have sex before marriage. A good heart is as good a religion as any.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Religion is like a cock , it's ok to have one but don't force it on anyone

And what if you don't have a cock?

You cant be shoving your Fanny in people's faces either

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By *osmicGateMan
over a year ago

louth

"Religion is like a cock , it's ok to have one but don't force it on anyone

And what if you don't have a cock?

You cant be shoving your Fanny in people's faces either"

Unless they like it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Religion is like a cock , it's ok to have one but don't force it on anyone

And what if you don't have a cock?

I have one here that Im doing nothing with if you want to borrow it

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By *iktikiCouple
over a year ago

cork

Religion isn’t the problem it’s the assholes who run it that are the problem the same can be said for many institutions in the world

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By *ilthyNightsCouple
over a year ago

East / North, Cork

"Religion isn’t the problem it’s the assholes who run it that are the problem the same can be said for many institutions in the world "

But when you are required to have absolute obedience to one person who has a direct line to God as his representative on earth.. then that asshole MAKES the religion a problem.

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By *ustBoWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in Co. Down

I agree with this I don't follow any religion as such and I don't feel the need to .I don't think we need to go to church or mass in order to live a good life.

But I also won't knock anyone who does . I have seen where people faith has helped them through the toughest times in their lives.I have met some amazing priests who have helped these people through these times .

I don't think anyone could say the Catholic or in fact any religion is all good and yes the Catholic church held too much power for too long but that has definitely lessened in recent times and now people won't turn a blind eye like they did before and that can only be a good thing. The abuse and greed was inexcusable and vile and was allowed to happen for too long without any repercussions.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I knew at my first confession that it wasn't for me.

It didn't make sense when I was told if I didn't have anything to confess just to make some stuff up...

I continued through the system and if asked now I would say I'm a Catholic who genuinely doesn't believe in God.

I was raised Catholic and some of it sticks wether You like it or not

I genuinely don't believe in anything spiritual.

The basis of all religions is good and should be taught to children without the religion bit.

Be good to each other.

Think of others before yourself.....

Most of it is just common sense and what a lot of us non believers call Karma but in fairness the bible (i cant speak for other holy books) doe have it in a format

that is easy to teach to children.

Like I said strip that out, fuck off the Dogma and all the money making shite....

There is a test for would be Atheists which is still hard to do if you've had a religious upbringing

You have to denounce God, and dare him to take away all your friends, money, everything you hold dear

You have to do it out loud

Even for me who 110% doesn't believe in anything spiritual its hard to do

Like I said some of it sticks wether you like it or not

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By *ilthyNightsCouple
over a year ago

East / North, Cork

"I knew at my first confession that it wasn't for me.

It didn't make sense when I was told if I didn't have anything to confess just to make some stuff up...

I continued through the system and if asked now I would say I'm a Catholic who genuinely doesn't believe in God.

I was raised Catholic and some of it sticks wether You like it or not

I genuinely don't believe in anything spiritual.

The basis of all religions is good and should be taught to children without the religion bit.

Be good to each other.

Think of others before yourself.....

Most of it is just common sense and what a lot of us non believers call Karma but in fairness the bible (i cant speak for other holy books) doe have it in a format

that is easy to teach to children.

Like I said strip that out, fuck off the Dogma and all the money making shite....

There is a test for would be Atheists which is still hard to do if you've had a religious upbringing

You have to denounce God, and dare him to take away all your friends, money, everything you hold dear

You have to do it out loud

Even for me who 110% doesn't believe in anything spiritual its hard to do

Like I said some of it sticks wether you like it or not"

There are A LOT like you. It's demonstration that policies of the Catholic Church work. The control of reproduction and the attempted ban on contraception, and even the abortion stance is all a result of this policy. If you get em young then you keep em, and if you you force them to have loads of kids then you are going to have a lot of followers to keep the donations rolling for generations to come.

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By *oghunter33Woman
over a year ago

on the hill NordWest of

You can't even formally defect from the Catholic church. Once you joined up to the club you can't leave it (Hotel California is everywhere). When you're baptising your kids you make a life sentence decision for them that is very hard to reverse.

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By *affa31Woman
over a year ago

Galway

"You can't even formally defect from the Catholic church. Once you joined up to the club you can't leave it (Hotel California is everywhere). When you're baptising your kids you make a life sentence decision for them that is very hard to reverse.

It’s incredibly frustrating and makes it even more important that people who don’t want to be part of the Catholic Church and non practising Catholic’s do not mark themselves as Catholic on this years census.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You could get yourself ex communicated

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The Catholic churches rule in Ireland is over. People still get baptised and go through communion and confirmation etc...but no one even knows what it means and it's used more for a party and get together than anything else.

Our country was held back by the church and even though this might seem stupid but ditching Catholicism will make a united Ireland more realistic.

Personally I believe in a God and I take what I see as good from Catholicism. I try to treat others like I would like to be etc...but I don't follow Catholicism and my understanding of it would be minimal.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I actually remember feeling embarrassed and almost ashamed when going into a church as a child and not knowing the prayers and songs or when to stand a kneel but now as an adult I would have no issue attending a church function and just sitting there ignorantly but respectfully for the reason I'm there.

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By *he rover returnedWoman
over a year ago

xxx

This is the truth and most do it for family or school reasons not because they truly believe what their doing

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By *ay_Gatsby_D4Man
over a year ago

City Centre, Dublin

I went to a Christian brothers school and grew up in an area where life revolved around the parish and attending mass was a big thing.

I now only attend mass for funerals, weddings, christenings and Xmas day the odd time.

I can see why people have turned away from the church and the church definitely has to take a good look at itself.

However I definitely think that people deep down are missing the spiritual guidance that churches previously provided. The rise of self help books, lifestyle coaches, the 100s of wellness advocates on social media are all trying to fill the void.

I think on a deep subconscious level, people want to be part of a community and be part of something bigger then themselves but that’s hard to find

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By *ealitybitesMan
over a year ago

Belfast

"I went to a Christian brothers school and grew up in an area where life revolved around the parish and attending mass was a big thing.

I now only attend mass for funerals, weddings, christenings and Xmas day the odd time.

I can see why people have turned away from the church and the church definitely has to take a good look at itself.

I think on a deep subconscious level, people want to be part of a community and be part of something bigger then themselves but that’s hard to find"

That may be true in general but speaking from a personal perspective I tend to go the opposite direction.

I've done all the community groups, youth club committees, charity organisations and fund raising teams as well as being active in the Catholic church in numerous lay positions and every one of them left me with a bad taste in my mouth after a period of time due to internal politics and power struggles.

Therefore I gave them all up to focus on me and that means a small circle of family and friends and people I actually enjoy spending time with and no desire to be part of the bigger picture.

My focus on all those communities were what created the voids in my life because it was all about others and never about me.

I don't have those voids any longer.

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By *ay_Gatsby_D4Man
over a year ago

City Centre, Dublin

Yeah I can see what you’re coming from

I don’t think a lot of people appreciate the time and effort the assorted groups, meetings etc take. The worst thing is the people who don’t/won’t do it, always think they know the way it should be done

Furthermore people assume that sort of thing is that person’s “job” to a certain extent. “Sure why would I go and help out that’s such and such’s thing.” You find that 10% of the community does 90% of the work.

I remember a story where a gay parishioner began to give out communion and this caused uproar over from a prominent family in the parish.

“Joe Bloggs can’t give out communion, he’s gay and it’s a sin, bad example etc, etc”

“Will you do it instead?”

“No”

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By *ilfeaterMan
over a year ago

limerick

Thank fuck this perverted evil cult is in its dying days.

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By *inkywife1981Couple
over a year ago

A town near you

I'm pretty you can just stop attending Mass and other church functions such as weddings and funerals etc. Its not the mafia

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By *affa31Woman
over a year ago

Galway

I'm pretty you can just stop attending Mass and other church functions such as weddings and funerals etc. Its not the mafia"

You can stop being a practising Catholic but you can no longer apply to have your defection removed from the church register. You used to be able to but the church removed the option in 2011. Frustrating given that I did not choose to join in the first place.

Remember that the church uses the numbers of registered catholics to justify their control over the educational system.

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By *ilthyNightsCouple
over a year ago

East / North, Cork

[Removed by poster at 18/04/21 17:22:27]

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By *ilthyNightsCouple
over a year ago

East / North, Cork

I'm pretty you can just stop attending Mass and other church functions such as weddings and funerals etc. Its not the mafia"

True, but you can't actually formally leave. There used to be a process but so many people left that they closed the option. It's important because the number of followers "on the books" gives them more influence than they would have if they let everyone leave who wished to do so. They love to threaten excommunication, but in reality they need the members more than the members need them.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It cracks me up the influence that they have over some people.

The reasons people wont take communion for one.

My Mam who wasn't baptised or ever part of the church, takes communion whenever she is in a church, just for the craic

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Sorry for the double post, I meant to post this earlier and forgot

I used to frequent probably one of Irelands most notorious clubs The Asylum Sackville Place Dublin.

It was a proper den of den of iniquity

Drugs sold openly, sex, violence You name it the Asylum had it all.

A friend of mine went dressed as a priest one night, black slacks, black shirt and collar.

Spent the night searching out the most fucked up people he could find an told them "I hope to see You at Mass tomorrow"

Every one of them replied "I will be there Father"

Sums up 1990s Ireland for me

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Interesting phrase ‘ the void formerly occupied by faith’ because with politics and stances becoming more divided and extreme it would seem that void is being replaced with a zealous religious belief in other things: politics, globalisation as a universally good thing, Teslas...

I worry about it.

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By *oo32Man
over a year ago

tipperary

We had a religion teacher a (christian brother) that went on live at 3 and proclaimed the world was going to end,his classes were all fire and hell and sins...

He always said that people dint understand the evil that's in the world

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"All those that hate the church, do you allow your children to celebrate communion at 8, confirmation at 12 etc.

Absolutely not... And just imagine all the extra time my kids have not having to study all the myths and ruin Sundays dressing up to spend the day apologising for themselves. "

Is Religious Education still part of school curriculum? Also can a parent ask for their child to be excused from RE classes?. Im not looking for an argument, just genuinely wanting to know.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Is Religious Education still part of school curriculum? Also can a parent ask for their child to be excused from RE classes?. Im not looking for an argument, just genuinely wanting to know."
it is still part of it and yes. Parents can ask. My children didn't get any religious classes but they still feel excluded. Specially when i5 came for first communion preps. Parties and stuff its sad thay some families still do that just for the social show off. Presents and money.

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By *ilthyNightsCouple
over a year ago

East / North, Cork

If kids go to a denominational school that uses class time to do religious instruction (which most do) then there is the facility to opt out. Unfortunately there is often no alternative provided so the child has to sit at the back of the class or similar.

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By *ord Willy McFuck-BucketMan
over a year ago

newcastle

As God doesn't exist, I couldn't give a fuck about religion, well someone had to say it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"If kids go to a denominational school that uses class time to do religious instruction (which most do) then there is the facility to opt out. Unfortunately there is often no alternative provided so the child has to sit at the back of the class or similar. "

Thankfully the our school has a nice program prepared for children not attending religion classes. Replaced by art or reading club.. We've seen the community has grown in the last year or two which is a great sign of progress..

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By *ilthyNightsCouple
over a year ago

East / North, Cork

Thats awesome. Progress hopefully

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By *dfabMan
over a year ago

Dunboyne

Very interesting thread and, I have to say, considering it's about religion in Ireland, I'm very impressed that it didn't descend into drivel.

A great read.

Personally I'm one of the sycophants I think is the term.

Yes I'm letting my kids do their communion and confirmation, as otherwise they'll feel weird with their friends.

We don't go to mass except for weddings/funerals/christening/etc and Christmas as their part of school choir.

That's as far as it goes.

Personally I always questioned the existence of a god and was one of those people priests weren't fond of allowing to speak in school as a result of the awkward questions I would ask.

When I attended boarding school as a teen and one priest tried getting his hand down the back of my trousers, I was glad I'd always questioned this "devout faith" bullshit, as I had the confidence to loudly question what he was doing, in a packed, quiet study hall.

Let's say any trust I might have had then disappeared.

Yes I know that's an individual and not an institution but I dread to think what would have gone on had I been one of the true believers of my parents era who thought the priests could do no wrong.

Having gotten a little spiritual of late, I fully agree with the loving yourself and close friends and family stuff and spending time with them being more important.

Love the Dalai Lama quote above and others references to just being a good person.

Keep it up Fabbers

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My youngest son asked me at the age of ten if I had fallen for all the "god in the sky " crap. I told him it was beaten into me and I was never asked my opinion on it. He told me that if I didn't mind he wished to forgo the confirmation because he didn't want to be any part of it. And so it was that he was the only child in school who did not make his confo. I'm very proud of him. He turned out to be a mature kind well rounded young man.

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By *dfabMan
over a year ago

Dunboyne

"My youngest son asked me at the age of ten if I had fallen for all the "god in the sky " crap. I told him it was beaten into me and I was never asked my opinion on it. He told me that if I didn't mind he wished to forgo the confirmation because he didn't want to be any part of it. And so it was that he was the only child in school who did not make his confo. I'm very proud of him. He turned out to be a mature kind well rounded young man. "

Good parenting

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