On the subject of Faith... | Autism PDD
1) Were your beliefs tested dramatically after the diagnosis? (yes/no)
no
2) Do you still struggle with your faith or beliefs? (yes/no)
no
3) Do you feel like you now rely on your faith or beliefs to "get you through"? (yes/no)
no
[QUOTE=Hope2] Not to start a debate or anything about religion, but I was just curious-
Regardless of what religion or beliefs you have:
1) Were your beliefs tested dramatically after the diagnosis? (yes/no)
2) Do you still struggle with your faith or beliefs? (yes/no)
3) Do you feel like you now rely on your faith or beliefs to "get you through"? (yes/no)
TY I am just curious what people think about this in reference to their child's diagnosis.
1- no, actually brought me closer
2- no, I ask why a lot, but it does not shake my Faith
3- yes, more than ever
Not to start a debate or anything about religion, but I was just curious-Regardless of what religion or beliefs you have:
1) Were your beliefs tested dramatically after the diagnosis? (yes/no)
2) Do you still struggle with your faith or beliefs? (yes/no)
3) Do you feel like you now rely on your faith or beliefs to "get you through"? (yes/no)
TY I am just curious what people think about this in reference to their child's diagnosis.
Lets try not to bring up a specific religion or belief/ philosophy/ whatever, tho.religious, but believe in more than just the intellectual/emotional/
physical aspects of our world.
1) Were your beliefs tested dramatically after the diagnosis? (yes/no)
No, I just accepted it (which may be an expression of my beliefs in itself)
2) Do you still struggle with your faith or beliefs? (yes/no)
No, My faith is a pretty holistic part of the way I live.
3) Do you feel like you now rely on your faith or beliefs to "get you
through"? (yes/no)
I think I always have
I don't think you should take this off the board, BTW. One can always
pick and choose which threads to post in or not. I love that this board
has been successful in supporting all sorts of different viewpoints. It
seems to be a very rare thing.
[QUOTE=sunflowers]1) Were your beliefs tested dramatically after the diagnosis?
No.
2) Do you still struggle with your faith or beliefs?
No.
3) Do you feel like you now rely on your faith or beliefs to "get you through"? Always did and still do now.
I can't say I've ever had a 'why me' moment. If that thought ever even creeps anywhere near my mind, I shout back at myself, "Why the hell not me?" After all, I tell myself this isn't supposed to be heaven, heaven comes after life. Life is perfect in heaven, not here on earth. This time is supposed to be for me to learn about myself and humanity, learn about forgiveness, learn things through love and pain...
I love my life even with all of its pain and hurt at times.
[/QUOTE]
My feelings, exactly. Although, in many ways, autism feels like it fits perfectly into my life. Not that life is perfect. But life is perfectly unfolding. Having an autistic child makes me trust even more that G-d knows what He's up to, strangely enough. I feel even more connected to people, to G-d, to life, for having the mystery of autism around every day. Autism keeps me connected to life and living.
I can't say that religion plays much of a part in these feelings. We are practising Jews, but that is more of a community/social thing for us. I'm talking about a spiritual presence, not a religious figure.
[QUOTE=Hope2]
Regardless of what religion or beliefs you have:
1) Were your beliefs tested dramatically after the diagnosis? (yes/no)
2) Do you still struggle with your faith or beliefs? (yes/no)
3) Do you feel like you now rely on your faith or beliefs to "get you through"? (yes/no)
[/QUOTE]
1) Definitely YES
2) YES & NO....
3) YES & NO >>> YES, I NOW RELY on my faith[full-stop]. NO, I DO NOT RELY on my faith TO GET THROUGH.... because life with autism is NOT ABOUT "getting through". If so, then it would be a very sad and defeated life. >>>> YES, I DO RELY on my faith to get through the trials coz He's the ONLY SURE FRIEND you can RELY ON
1. Not with the first child Yes with the second 2. Most definetly especially with two boys who are different. 3. Sometimes with the first I was okay with it with the second it has thrown me for a loop so I think it is a definete yes and no. 2) Do you still struggle with your faith or beliefs? NO 3) Do you feel like you now rely on your faith or beliefs to "get you through"? NO Edited to add: I do believe in God. No, No, No This type of question really should not be on the board. I have a problem with it as there is a lot I have to say in this realm that might offend. It has actually been one of the reasons (not the only) why I have not been on the board much of late. [QUOTE=fred]Cam! Elaborate - vent on a seperate thread. We miss you and want you back![/QUOTE] Thanks fred. I appreciate the kind words, but the vent on this particular subject is antithetical to the message that we spread here...love, acceptance and kindness. It would do no good and stir up a pot of sh*t that I don't think is appropriate here. I usually don't censor myself, but this time... I am such a big mouth and tell every single thing to the dismay of my dh who would rather had root canal surgery than to express his feelings.. This board allows us the freedom to voice our thoughts and feelings as well as the many different insights of others and hope it never changes:) GREAT TOPIC!!! 1) Were your beliefs tested dramatically after the diagnosis? (yes/no) YES HUGELY - I was a very active part of the church and serving in the church YES VERY MUCH SO - after taking 15 years to even have my son and then doign everything right and having him come out like this? YOU BET Yes AND No. I think God is holdign me as I hang on to the end of my rope, but I feel like he deserted me as well. http://www.autism-pdd.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15669&am p;KW=spiritual 1. NO 2. NO 3. Sometimes... Regarding my faith, it was strengthened. Was it tested? On a daily basis. Did it strengthen my faith in the long-run? You bet! Everytime we hit a dead end, we prayed about it, and a huge door was opened. EVERY SINGLE TIME! We have always prayed on a daily basis for our kids and grandkids--I recommend it highly. What a feeling of relief to know that I'm not in charge of someone else's recovery--only my part. Ya Know, IMHO... IF THE TITLE OF THE THREAD HAS THE WORD "FAITH" IN IT AND YOU DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT RELIGION...DON'T OPEN THE THREAD. IT'S NOT LIKE IT WAS HIDDEN UNDER ANOTHER TITLE. MY FAITH HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH ME BEING THE PARENT OF A ASD CHILD. IT IS WHO I AM. YOU MAY BE A TEXAN OR A DAD VS. A MOM. MY FAITH TO ME IS EQUAL TO THOSE THINGS. DON'T OPEN THE THREAD OR RESPOND 5+ TIMES IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE TOPIC [QUOTE=Payne's Mom]Why all of a sudden has religion popped up on this board? I have no problem with people speaking about their faith, but religion is different. Yes, faith and religion are seperate. [/QUOTE] I keep wanting to quote you, but by the time I get there you have posted something just as pertinent
I have faith. I even consider myself to be Spiritual. this is not Religion either. Religion is a specific type of Dogma. Religion, sects...this is what creates factions. This contructs walls. This board is not meant for this purpose. No one is condemning anyone's religion! I have not seen that done once! It is simply being proposed as a matter of courtesy that religion not be a topic on a board meant to be about autism supports. The nun's comment that "God was trying to get my attention" by making my child be born so early and so ill sounded like it was punishment for me being self-absorbed or non-religious. I am not Catholic, but was spent gobs of time at church, choir practice, youth group, handbell practice, etc until I left for college. The irony of this nun's comment was, instead of giving me pause - like, gosh - maybe I wasn't living my life the right way - it made me want to say that any god (yes, small g) that would punish my one pound infant because of something I did ain't nobody I'd ever have any desire to praise. Send me to hell baby, and save me a front row seat if THAT'S the guy running the show. Cole got fungal sepsis (survival rate for adults with this is less than 10%) when he was only a pound. I'll skip the crash cart and re-intubation stuff and say this instead. The nasty medicine he had to receive for 4 weeks solid had the side effect of collapsing his veins. As a result, he had to have at least one IV started per day for a month. Do you know how those hurt??? And he was so tiny that they had to use a black light to locate his veins. It took 20 minutes of repeated digging with the needle to find a vein that didn't collapse. They made us leave the NICU for the IV sticks, but I had ample opportunity to see my intubated fetus cry and scream with total silence. Even at age 6, you can still count 50 some needle scars. So I've already had my taste-test of hell, and now with this sprinkling of autism as a sweetener, I know what to expect. Anyway, we live in New Orleans, so at least I'll be familiar with the climate! So I've already had my taste-test of hell, and now with this sprinkling of autism as a sweetener, I know what to expect. Anyway, we live in New Orleans, so at least I'll be familiar with the climate! Don't you see what you're doing? You are excluding those people who want to talk about their faith and this board is supposed to be a safe place for all of us to discuss issues that are important to us. Faithishope is saying only that. It's not too much to ask that you not put those of us down who wish to talk about this. There are topics on here I know I wouldn't have anything to contribute to, those that don't apply to my situation and those that I don't have an interest in. I simply choose not to get into those topics. Why aren't you willing to give others that same courtesy. That is why these boards get a bad rap, IMHO. LeAnne, Cole sounds like he went through the MILL. Poor little guy. Makes me glad, once again, I did NOT have to know what Tuhina endured. Even if I AM spending the rest of her childhood making up for imagined horrors! Every topic has the potential to be uncomfortable, diagreeable, or otherwise...unlikeable by someone. someone will always take offense at anything even if it is something as trivial as a favorite color ("What do you mean yours is purple? mine is red. Get it right"). The last part is a piece of it though. "Get it right." With religion many people believe there is a "right" and a "wrong." You may not, but you can see from the way some people responded to me that others do (I think someone said that "The Word" was meant to "hurt..." Not very nice now is it?) This is a particularly contentious subject. I also put Politics in there. I don't see anyone up in arms about that. Isn't that curious? these are two very emotionally charged issues and they can only do more harm than good and serve to separate people on the board. In addition, many people (myself included) have suffered religious persecution. I used to get bullied for being a Jew growing up...a lot...and it came with bruises. I think if you look into your heart of hearts you get what I mean here even if you stand on the side of freedom of speech there should still be separation of church and state. Camusa, Well, isn't that nice - now this post comes down to swearing at each other. So the differences we all have in religious beliefs come down to this. Instead of just skipping over the posts you don't like you turn these boards (yet again) into one of hostility and intollerance. Unbelievable and a real shame. I've been a member of these forums/boards for almost 3 years now. I don't post as often as a lot of you, but I've seen posts such as this turn a lot of good people away. Nice going. [/QUOTE] Yeah...I was swearing up a storm there. Now you are simply being contentious. FaithisHope...Warmth and Energy to you. Bring the love...the love is always good and welcomed with open arms. Peace out... Karrie Yes, please! Let's all go back to the warm and fuzzies! I know after reading this thread I need a hug. AMEN - Does anyone know how to move this over to the Hang out with Friends forum?LeAnne,
[QUOTE=Faithishope]On all the political topics on this site (and there are MANY) I have NEVER seen you (or anyone) get up in arms about it. I greatly dislike politics, so I just don't open the threads. I opened them today, to see if there was any distaste or dislike presented by some, but there was nary a negative word on those. [/QUOTE] This is semantic BS in an effort to lend credence to your cause. It is weak and simply contentious. It holds no sway. The point I made stands. Do as you like. I have work to finish and then home to go...be well ALL. Camusa, Well, isn't that nice - now this post comes down to swearing at each other. So the differences we all have in religious beliefs come down to this. Instead of just skipping over the posts you don't like you turn these boards (yet again) into one of hostility and intollerance. Unbelievable and a real shame. I've been a member of these forums/boards for almost 3 years now. I don't post as often as a lot of you, but I've seen posts such as this turn a lot of good people away. Nice going. Hope (thread starter), did post a disclaimer in her original post to deter debate. For some faith does not equal religion, for others faith is their religion, and for some, God is their source of faith. I think that's how it was all misconstrued. Camusa made a point that maybe TOPIC ISSUES of religion, faith, philosophy, and whatever else be posted under "Hangout with Friends". However, if someone brings up a personal belief in any other thread and you disagree with them, you can just leave it alone because it is their personal viewpoint and they are not starting a thread on it! I've made this mistake before, and I regret it. We can't take everything personally or politicize it. Here is one of Camusa's earlier threads that he posted under "Hangout with Friends" to make this thread more balanced since many feel that it was not intended to be. http://www.autism-pdd.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15719&am p;am p;am p;KW=camusa&PN=0&TPN=1 Here was a thread started by Tzoya under "Parents of Autistic Children" and no one seemed offended by that one even though it was way more personal and detailed. http://www.autism-pdd.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15669&am p;KW=spiritual I have no "cause" I am out of this one. I bring only the love. Sorry if I got caught up in it all. You all are great on this board. Thanks! Yellow!!! Leslier!! Don't see you that often....just wanted to say HEY!!!!!! Karrie Autumn...I have definitely stopped arguing this point as has everyone else. There have been many kind PM exchanges in the background even between myself and some of the people who I had disagreements with in here...I like that it worked out this way. I will however briefly answer you...my signature and even my screen name are not me foisting anything...they are a representation of myself that I choose to share. It is the same as "FaithisHope" as a screen name and many others who chose to sign as they do or their avatar or their screen name. I am hoping that you can see it that way. If someone kindly wishes me "blessings" or says that I am in their "prayers" as long as it is not a pity type of reaction...I love this. This means they are thinking of me kindly and wish me and mine well. I will take that any day...it is the same as spreading "the love." So, in conclusion...I am foisting nothing. I would never begrudge another the same. If someone had a cross as part of their avatar...cool by me! If someone had an inverted pentagram...well...that might make me leery, but hey...to each their own. PS-Buddhism is not my only religion, as I said...well...it is part of who I am and in no way a sum total. It is more the philosophy of being one with everyone that I enjoy...with no exclusions. Whatever gets you through the day as long as nobody gets hurt. I am very hopeful that we can leave this here. Warmth and Energy. Much love to all...and I do mean all. 1) Were your beliefs tested dramatically after the diagnosis? no I figure I got the boys I got cause I was the best thing for them, and really they were the best for me. THey were born the way they were meant to be, and I was meant to be their mother, for whatever greater reason I don't know yet. If anything it made my faith stronger. I think of those little guys as my little miracles that they are even here. I am a bit confused about Cam since EVERY SINGLE POST Cam's 'religion' is foisted upon EVERYONE in EVERY forum! (it is 'budda boy' and 'dali llama' etc...know what i mean?) this confuses me! This board is not meant for this purpose. No one is condemning anyone's religion! I have not seen that done once! It is simply being proposed as a matter of courtesy that religion not be a topic on a board meant to be about autism supports. I think many of the above statements actually illustrate very nicely one of the points that I think Camusa is trying to make, a phenomenon which happens more often than not in discussing emotionally-charged topics such as religion (or politics), and which is occurring in this thread. That is the unfortunate intertwining which happens in people's minds about "faith" and "religion". The title of this thread is "On the subject of Faith...", not "On the subject of Religion...". Yet, reading through the 7 pages of these posts, including the above comments, it is apparent that the thread is deviating from the original poster's questions into a discussion from religious points of view that causes knee-jerk reactions and the potential to ultimately deteriorate into a mud-slinging contest over who/who is not religious and which stance is "right." Faith, by definition, is "1) confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea or thing; 2) Belief not based on logical proof or material evidence..." See, Webster's New College Dictionary. Those are the first two definitions listed - belief and trust in God and religious convictions are part of Webster's 4th definition. Although a certain amount of faith is necessary in order to practice a particular religion, or to maintain religious beliefs, being a member of a particular religion is not a necessary criterion for someone to have faith. Whether your personal truth is my personal truth or not is irrelevant. The fact that we each hold our own confident belief in our own personal truth defines both of us as "having faith." Although the original poster’s intent to avoid specific beliefs/religions, etc. was clearly stated in her opening statement, those same individual specific beliefs/religions, etc. have begun to color the manner in which responses are made to posters that do not hold similar beliefs, and to others who point out those colorations. Every religion espouses that it is the "right" religion – that’s part of it’s belief system, and it establishes a point of view on the part of the faithful in that religion that every other religion out there is "wrong." It colors everything that faithful person might think, feel, say, or do – often without them even being conscious of it until someone makes a statement or even subtly hints at something different from those beliefs, and then they feel attacked and honorbound to defend their thoughts and actions rather than risk disturbance of their belief system. This does not make that faithful person wrong, nor does it make the person who does not hold those same beliefs wrong, except in the eyes of that particular religion. It simply just “is.” Unfortunately, most who hold deep religious convictions are not able to simply agree to disagree – it is not within their ability to so because their convictions lead them to try and defend the “rightness” of their position. And thus is created the deterioration in discussion until it goes down in flames. To answer the original poster’s questions….1) No. 2) No. 3) I cannot answer this question without bias, considering that my faith/belief system is intertwined in who I am, how I think, and therefore the decisions I make, although I will state I don’t believe it’s done in order to simply “just get through.” 1 No(I truly believe all my children were sent by God,and fit his plan for me) 2 yes( Its human nature to question and doubt) 3 yes(The older I get the more I need my relationship with God) I have been through alot in My 45 years,If I don't believe in God ,or an after life,then I have to think that my son Who passed away is just buried in the ground,and not waiting at the gates of heaven,with open arms for me . I am not shy about my beliefs,but I respect all other posters views as well. God bless,Linda Hope wrote: Regardless of what religion or beliefs you have: I haven't been here in a while, but will answer these questions. 1. No, but did ask, WHY ME?? 2. NO 3. YES, to have FAITH is to HOPE I'm not perfect, I've had plenty of pity parties mostly in the beginning. To go through anything that causes heartache, pain and disappointment is not wished upon anyone. You learn something about yourself and find out even if it seemed to be the worst of times, you become stronger and wiser in the end. Life teaches us all different things and through hope there is faith, that better days are to come and they come at different times. I choose to look around at what I do have and not what I don't have for I know what I go through is a test and its up to me how I react and do within that moment that weighs my outcome to the situation. I don't have all the answers, but have gone through enough to know, that I'm not gonna give up on better days. I do it for myself, my family, and my son to show them endurance and preservance. JOY No No, AND No....And I am a person of faith too..lol Autism did not rock me...but there have been a few other things in my life that have. Cam, I have a question for you. I'm just curious of course. Why would it offend you if someone here has religous belief? Or anger you? I'm not saying that is what you feel or think...it's just the impression that I get. I never got to read the post you deleted so I really don't know what your beliefs are. I do think that regardless of your beliefs that you should be intitled to your opinion...even if negative. I don't even think regardless of your post that you should have deleted it....I think as people in general we should "own it". Karrie No, no, and no. And I did almost slap a nun once. When Cole was delivered by emergency c section 14 weeks early, it was absolutely horrendous and terrifying. When he managed to climb from one pound to five pounds (4 months in the hospital), we got to bring him home. After another few months, I could stroll him and his battery operated heart monitor on walks around the neighborhood. The first spring day we went strolling, a nun from the local church came over and started asking about the monitor, how little he was, etc. Up until she crossed my path, it was the single happiest day I had had in 7 months. When I told her he was a second trimester baby, instead of the typical "God's little miracle" comment, the smug little _itch said "Maybe God was trying to get your attention." To my parents' credit, I did not bitch-slap her nor tell her to go to hell. But I really wanted to. Just because somebody has lots of faith doesn't make them a nice person. Everyone on this board has just delighted me with their compassion - you guys are the ones I have faith in! LeAnne, I'm just curious - what particularly about that comment offended you? I guess I mean - in what way did you take that? I can see how it could be offensive, but wondered how you, in particular, took it. I went to Catholic school and was taught by nuns a good deal of the time. I only met one I liked a lot! Not all of them were particularly Christian, let me tell you. Since I've been an adult though - I have met lots of kind nuns. Apparently they were never teachers! I wrote earlier that I felt my son was the catalyst that forced me to change from a self-absorbed person who totally disliked children to someone who now loves being his SAHM and loves children.
Separation...that is what this leads to. Exclusion. Alienation. It makes people not want to come to this board. There is a "hangout" section and perhaps it is appropriate there. Again, most forums I have been to do not allow such discussion...PERIOD (perhaps I need to make some really big, red-lettered, capitalized posts to get my point across). It makes for a lot of anger and it erects barriers...you just mentioned one-"IF THE TITLE OF THE THREAD HAS THE WORD "FAITH" IN IT AND YOU DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT RELIGION...DON'T OPEN THE THREAD" THIS IS A BARRIER TO THOSE WHO WANT TO JOIN IN A CONVERSATION! Ahem...talk religion on the religious forums. Politics on the political. There are many things I would love to discuss here that I keep to myself or bring to an appropriate place because...this is not just MY forum. It is for everyone and we all need to be mindful of that which may or may not make another person feel excluded. Silly me I still cannot get the quote box thing to work. Anyone? To answer the questions 1) no, 2) no, 3) certainly Ya Know, IMHO... IF THE TITLE OF THE THREAD HAS THE WORD "FAITH" IN IT AND YOU DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT RELIGION...DON'T OPEN THE THREAD. IT'S NOT LIKE IT WAS HIDDEN UNDER ANOTHER TITLE. MY FAITH HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH ME BEING THE PARENT OF A ASD CHILD. IT IS WHO I AM. YOU MAY BE A TEXAN OR A DAD VS. A MOM. MY FAITH TO ME IS EQUAL TO THOSE THINGS. DON'T OPEN THE THREAD OR RESPOND 5+ TIMES IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE TOPIC [/QUOTE] Thanks!! ETA Oops guess I need a little practice as it didn't come out exactly as I wanted. Silly me I still cannot get the quote box thing to work. Anyone? To answer the questions 1) no, 2) no, 3) certainly Leslie [QUOTE=sunflowers]I had a nonreligious friend once who was so overwhelmed by the emphasis on Christianity here in the U.S. that each December she and her family fled for vacation out of the country. I remember she used to say she felt like an outsider peering in through a window watching everybody celebrate Christmas. Yes...separatist and devisive. This is what I was trying to express (ineffectively). I have received a myriad of PMs in support of my feelings. One noted that a friend of hers is more frightened to tell people that she is an athiest than to disclose the fact that she is gay. Even on my DVD forum politics and religion are absolute no-nos. The mods remove the posts as soon as they go up. They erect walls between people where they have no place to be. We are here to discuss a very important issue...our children. We can have some fun here. We also try and make it safe here and it is NOT safe when the aforementioned topics are spoken about. I dunno ... are we goign to respond differently to one another, in other threads, based on how we feel about what we have posted here? I have no faith. I do have deeply personal beliefs in how we were created, and why. They are mine, alone. I can understand why a person of faith might want the thoughts of others on how autism in their family influenced their faith. It is not liek we are compelled to respond to every thread, though. And I realize that many may take the nature of the faith as implicit, but I do not see a specific faith mentioned here. Carry on!
1) Were your beliefs tested dramatically after the diagnosis? NO
2) sometimes
3) sometimes
I was just curious. Thats why i tried to use wording that could refer to any belief, philosophy, whatever. But I didn't mean to offend anyone. There are so many different beliefs and religions and I respect that completely. Sometimes I share my personal preference, but that is just to say "Hey I categorize myself as ____" the same as I would tell a group, "I have brown hair", you know? Anyway it can be pulled down, I was just curious :)
Hope - I don't think many people would be offended by your question. I'm not sure why Cam disapproves of it, but I don't think you should feel inhibited by asking questions or making comments, including issues of faith, etc (and I'm not a religous person, in case my three 'no' answers didn't make that clear ;).
No.
2) Do you still struggle with your faith or beliefs?
No.
3) Do you feel like you now rely on your faith or beliefs to "get you through"? Always did and still do now.
I can't say I've ever had a 'why me' moment. If that thought ever even creeps anywhere near my mind, I shout back at myself, "Why the hell not me?" After all, I tell myself this isn't supposed to be heaven, heaven comes after life. Life is perfect in heaven, not here on earth. This time is supposed to be for me to learn about myself and humanity, learn about forgiveness, learn things through love and pain...
I love my life even with all of its pain and hurt at times.
As a person who attends church on a regular basis, I am not offended by others views. Just thought cam should know I would not judge or dislike you because you have a different point of view. I know strong words can hurt, but sometimes they need to be said.
2) Do you still struggle with your faith or beliefs? (yes/no)
3) Do you feel like you now rely on your faith or beliefs to "get you through"? (yes/no)
Not having any carries me through it because I do take some strange
comfort from the fact that I feel that we are utterly meaningless in/to the
universe. In the realm of the universe my perceived and real struggles
mean nothing. Any meaning I derive from my own life and situation will
be for my own purpose only.
Not meaning to offend anyone with my godless views, I am in full support
of anyone believing whatever feels right and true to them.
I'm sorry that you feel that way about yourself. I am capable of reading, but I was expecting more of a topic of faith not religion. IE Faith in medications working, faith in doctors being competent, faith in your ability to be a good parent, faith that the schools will work with you and not let you down. Not get on your knees and pray to someone kind of a deal. Which to be honest I really dislike the fact that you are yelling at some of us...we actually post worthy information and links....why are you forcing your religion into a educational forum is the question?
I can sympathize. I live in Florida. They say that hurricanes, etc are because of the hellions that live here too.
I wouldn't have allowed someone to say something like that to me....especially if I were religious...saying that my God has something to do with torturing a soul in a small child in such a way not to be able to be fully functional and torturing with the science of it all.
Camusa, I'm glad that you have opened up a bit about how you feel. And it's perfectly understandable for nonreligious people to feel alienated when so many people follow some religion or believe in God. But this faith thread is just one out of hundreds of threads to participate in. How is it that one thread about faith out of the hundreds that aren't about faith at all make you still feel alienated and excluded?
You have to know that just because people follow a religion and you don't doesn't mean they reject you.
Even within this web site forums are distinguished - diet, chelation, RDI, ABA, and some might not find all these subjects acceptable to them. So we end up picking and choosing which forums to participate in. But I'm sure people who belong to these different ways of thinking as well as these various forums are still accepting and friendly with others who don't share their passions or interests.
I thought Hangout was for off-topic discussions, in other words, about topics unrelated to ASD. I thought the reason this faith thread showed up here in the general forum is because it is about how faith and ASD might relate together to some people.
of curiousity. I tend to not post & often don't even read the postings that
I do not agree with or am uncomfortable with. I had a few things to add
here & I sincerely hope this board can just get back to why we are all
here--for our children & autism.
I kind of hope this topic gets closed (not removed), it's kind of gone off-
topic, and it appears w/ no end in sight. I have to say, I would prefer the
topics of religion & politics be left out of this forum altogether. There are
enough controversial AUTISM topics we can dispute...like mercury, ABA,
diets, chelation, etc. I don't think we need to throw religion & politics
into the mix--they are just way too emotional & heavy.
I will add--there has not been, since I've been on here, a topic about
politics (other than brief blurbs, nothing controversial or dividing), but I
do think the two can often go hand in hand, at least w/ how strongly one
may feel on the topic. I also don't think the original poster intended
anything like this to happen regarding religion, but it was just a question
she came up with. So, hopefully no permanent harm done, and everyone
will stick around here.
Hi Karrie.
I feel so badly that you and your baby had to go through that.
I hope you are enjoying him immensely now, however. Each time you look at him, watch him do anything, even the littlest of things, must make you cry with joy.
He sounds like a very special little boy to have endured so much. Very special indeed!!!
2) Do you still struggle with your faith or beliefs? no
3) Do you feel like you now rely on your faith or beliefs to "get you through"? yes, I always have though. I've been through some crazy stuff through the years.
Autism Supports not Religion. Faith is part of who I am - faith not religion. I have faith that one day Payne will be a successful adult. I don't tell you that I go to a small space in my house and think quietly about how to help him achieve that. I even dream it - do you need to know that though? Is that something that should be posted in a autism forum - no. If I really wanted to discuss my religion or beliefs I would find a "safe" religious forum.
I really wish someone would remove this thread. I feel that i did my best to post an innocent inquiry which was not intended to point out any specific religion or belief. I had no agenda for the post. If I could, I would have never even posted it. If it was against the rules to post simple poll which was not supposed to specify any particular viewpoint or belief, then it should have been taken down. I know for a fact that MOST of us have better things to do than fight on a computer. All of us are very busy people under a lot of stress. I really want this poll taken down for that reason. I apologize for posting the topic at all, as it was obviously not well thought out. I am only human, I am not perfect, and I had no intention whatsoever nor did I feel at all at the time of posting it that this thread would cause such an uproar.
Regardless of what religion or beliefs you have:
1) Were your beliefs tested dramatically after the diagnosis? (yes/no)
2) Do you still struggle with your faith or beliefs? (yes/no)
3) Do you feel like you now rely on your faith or beliefs to "get you through"? (yes/no)
TY I am just curious what people think about this in reference to their child's diagnosis. Lets try not to bring up a specific religion or belief/ philosophy/ whatever, tho.
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1. no. my faith wasn't tested.
2. no, i don't struggle with my faith or beliefs
3. yes, i rely on my faith.
If you get offended by the faith, religion, or spirituality of another person, you need to grow a thicker skin. This is the farthest thing from "offensive" I think I've ever seen. STOP TRYING TO CENSOR HARMLESS DISCUSSION. This is a forum, for (God's, Jah's, Jehovah's, Allah's, Buddha's, etc) sake...if we can't discuss things HERE, then where?
2) Do you still struggle with your faith or beliefs? (yes/no) Yes
3) Do you feel like you now rely on your faith or beliefs to "get you through"? (yes/no) Yes and No
I am agnostic. I was agnostic before I had my son. It's weird because I grew up in the church, but I just never believed in the word. It wasn't until I was grown that I was able to speak up for myself. I then told my relatives (one who is a pastor) that I was not a Christian. My beliefs are geared more towards Buddhism, even though I am not a Buddhist. I believe that there is a higher power/entity/being, but I don't believe in the teachings of the bible. I am still searching, but in the meantime I am ok with who I am. I am proud of myself for standing up for what I believe. I have been called all types of names from "so called" Christians which is very disturbing. No matter what one's religion is, there must be respect for others. I firmly believe that.
But if one is not a particularly religious person (and I'm not saying Cam is or is not), I can understand how it would be hard to live here in the U.S. We are supposed to have a separation of church and state and the government is not supposed to practice a particular religion per se. Yet our coins mention 'God', Christmas is celebrated everywhere, people everywhere say "Merry Christmas" to you in December despite not knowing if you are athiest or agnostic or of a different religion than Christianity. There are many examples of how our country has truly not separated church and state. Now, I know lots of people say our country was founded on christian ideology so it's not right to sever christianity from our government. But our forefathers were concerned that some people might feel religion is being forced on them or that they are not free to follow a different religion or no religion at all. That's why they developed the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses.
I think our forefathers had the best of intentions. And they were right - on an individual level also we should all be very careful not to make anyone feel we are preaching, selling, or trying to spread our personal religious views.
Some people blame religion for many of the worlds problems and the reason why men go astray or become violent. I can imagine how absolutely frustrating it may be for them to still see religious symbols, signs, inuendos, etc...everywhere they go. It's impossible to escape it.
I understand that some may not like or even hate religion(s). I understand they have every right to express that also. I personally would not think any less of anyone who thinks differently in this regard from me.
Cam, you have clearly come across as a devoted father. Venting about your anti-religious views won't take away from the impression that people on this board have of you as an obviously devoted dad.
I am sorry for the rambling.HI,IM PATTY. MY DAUGHTER IS KERRY AND SHE IS 10.AFTER CHANGING SCHOOLS FOUR TIMES WE HAVE A NAME ASPERGERES.I HAVE FYBERMYALGIA ANS STRESS MAKES THE PAIN MUCH WORSE SO IM HOPEING NOW THAT WE HAVE A NAME SOME OF THIS NIGHTMARE MIGHT GET BETTER.MY DAUGHTER HAS ALWAYS BEEN IN PRIVATE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL WHICH WAS THE WORSE PLACE FOR HER AND FROM WHAT I GATHER UNLESS SHE HAS BEEN IN PUBLIC SCHOOL FOR ONE YEAR IS NOT ENTITLED TO MCKAY PROGRAM.SHE IS VERY SMART SO SHE WOULD HAVE TO BE IN A REGULAR CLASSROOM,THERE IS NO REAL HELP UNTILL 6TH GRADE.IM CHECKING OUT A PRIVATE SCHOOL THAT MAY BE ASKING 20.000 A YEAR WHICH WE CANT AFFORD.I WOULD HOME SCHOOL BUT THE PAIN IM IN IS TOO MUCH. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANYMORE INFORMATION?READING THE LAST LADYS POST ABOUT FAITH.I GET WEARY BUT I KNOW GOD WORKS ALL THINGS OUT FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM. MY E MAIL johnandpatty@christianfamilyevents.org thanks
1) Were your beliefs tested dramatically after the diagnosis? (yes/no)
2) Do you still struggle with your faith or beliefs? (yes/no)
3) Do you feel like you now rely on your faith or beliefs to "get you through"? (yes/no)
It seems to be only when lines of politeness and courtesy are crossed that people get angry or offended. It just doesn't even have to go there. But when it does, it usually stems from some deep-rooted frustrations.
For example, when the nun imposes her personal view of religion on someone else's life, not just privately, but now publicly to LeAnne's face.
And similarly when a nonreligious person scoffs someone else's more religious rationalization of their life, not privately to their husband at home, but publicly.
I just wish we could leave religion and politics out of it.
ETA - I think that it's easier to offend someone even accidentally when speaking about either subject. It's safer to just avoid it.
I felt that God forced me to change through my son. I dislike the phrase "teaching me a lesson" because it has some punitive connotations. I like to think that God made me see beyond just my own ambitions and aspirations, recognize what a remarkable human being my 3 yo is, and appreciate my relationship with my son more than anything in the world.
I do not mean to offend anyone with this comment by implying God must be doing the same with every parent here also. This view I expressed is truly, solely about the way I see my own life, thats all.
LeAnne, I can certainly see how what that nun said to you must have hurt you. That comment also sounds so...well, punitive too. It sounds like the nun was saying you're not living the right way and so God had to give you a wakeup call. That's very hurtful and especially because she didn't know you at all.
I don't think people feel their kids were sent to "teach them a lesson". What I think is that SOME people feel that there is a special reason they are dealing with a special needs child. This can apply to someone weather you are religious or not. It's very sad and unfortunate that kids with disabilities are abused - but perhaps many would not abused if their parents saw them as truly unique, special, and on this earth for a reason JUST LIKE every other child is. If the parents think of their child as simply a burden or a constant stress and could care less about how the child feels or treats the child as if they aren't 100% human and entitled to such rights, I think this may end up in the parents being abusive to the child. I do NOT think that a special needs child being abused negates the fact that special needs children are sent to people for a special purpose or reason. Parents who are effectively loving, raising, and caring for disabled children in a way that allows them to reach their full potential may also be learning things about themselves and other people that they wouldn't have otherwise known or seen. So in some ways I suppose it teaches important life lessons about acceptance, love, determination, ect. I could attribute that weather I was religious or not.
No to all 3. And I am not offended by the questions. For me it is just part of life. Stuff happens. People are different. I have never thought to ask why? Does any one ask why they have a healthy body or a good life with lots of wealth? Like some how we are ENTITLED to a "good" life. My kids are who they are.Life is just life- it is not perfect. Just look around you. I love my kids and thats all I know. I don't believe the whole "God gives special kids to special people" there are children out there with with disabillities who are abused daily. My kids aren't angels sent to teach me a lesson, Liz
HPC go to the post that you wish to quote and click the quote tab at the top - you can limit what you quote by going into the post to delete what you want, but make sure you don't take away the [Quote] boxes. Good luck!
HPC go to the post that you wish to quote and click the quote tab at
the top - you can limit what you quote by going into the post to delete
what you want, but make sure you don't take away the [Quote] boxes. Good luck!
I'm with Payne's Mom.
If one isn't religious, the U.S. can be a difficult place to live in, especially around Christmas.
This is why I think overt displays of a particular religion by public institutions and government organizations are not permitted - out of respect to the diversity of people in this country.
But at the same time I feel we need to let religious persons the right to freely express or discuss their views too. Denying them the right to talk about how they feel stifles freedom of speech. If one has very strong feelings for or against religion expression, the risk of offending can be avoided by simply aligning oneself with only those people who share their views or avoiding discussions that go against one's position.
If one isn't religious, the U.S. can be a difficult place to live in, especially around Christmas.
This is why I think overt displays of a particular religion by public institutions and government organizations are not permitted - out of respect to the diversity of people in this country.
But at the same time I feel we need to let religious persons the right to freely express or discuss their views too. Denying them the right to talk about how they feel stifles freedom of speech.
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