Two subjects are rarely discussed amicably in our house. Politics and religion.
I think The Man can be prone to quite bigoted and conservative views and he thinks I’m a wishy washy fence-sitter.
But we love each other regardless.
Anyway, last night we went THERE. Somehow we got onto the topic of religion and Easter.
I am not a religious person. (For the record, neither is The Man, however his views are more complex and not for me to share).
I do not believe in a higher being or words in an ancient book that have been interpreted differently by different people.
I do believe that people need something to believe in. What that may be is their business, and as long as it is not harming anyone, it is of no concern of mine. Even though my husband may think this is fence sitting, I like to think of it as good-will.
I believe in morality. Treating people with respect, kindness, generosity. Some might point out these are Christian values. I think it is simply valuing humanity.
Just call me Pollyanna.
When it comes to Easter, I believe in a holiday that comes around Autumn, a bunny that brings chocolate eggs to my children and time spent with family. I believe in this tradition.
This may seem hypocritical. Cashing in on a Christian holiday which has turned commercial. And maybe it is. I am no doubt a hypocrite twice over because I observe a similar tradition in December.
But what is religion if not tradition?
I believe this is time well spent with the people I love. I believe this is a time of magic for my children. I believe it is a time to show them how fortunate they are to have a family who cherish them and friends to share that joy with.
I also believe in evolution (in every sense of the word). Things change and adapt with time. Easter is not the same now as when I was young and I’m sure it will be different for my children’s children.
I can only hope that the values that I believe in, are passed on to my children and help form a foundation for their beliefs, whatever they may be.
I’d love to know what you believe in and what Easter means to you (if anything).
Please keep in mind the aforementioned values of respect and kindness, and be aware that any offensive or derogatory comments will be deleted.
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23 Responses to I believe in the Easter bunny
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I believe in much the same as you, especially he part about people needing something to believe in.
Rhianna recently posted..Making the Move for Making it Matter
Thanks Rhi. Happy Easter x
I believe that everybody has a right to their own minds and beliefs, and even though it may be different from our own, it’s ok. If one believes in God, you will know that He makes miracles happen so you don’t have to “force” others to believe in Him. Just be a good testimony of His word. That’s what I believe in
Have a happy Easter!
Ai Sakura recently posted..Handling Kids Eczema
I love your perspective Ai. Hope you have a wonderful Easter x
I believe in God, but, as I have written recently, not in the way that most Christians I know do. I believe in tolerance and love and, much like you, I take a more moral look to it than a high and mighty tone.
In our house, the Easter Bunny comes. We haven’t touched on the other meaning of the holiday yet. My husband is much like you in his beliefs and I think it’s important to share God with my children but also other religions in a learning way. Because, if being a parent has taught me anything, it’s that informed decisions are a must. I won’t tell them what they should believe and how they should live, as I was told when younger. I don’t even know if that makes sense!
Becky from BeckyandJames.com recently posted..Writing My 30 Before 30 List
Definitely makes sense Bec. I think it’s really important for the kids to know about all different kinds of believes. Hope you have a great Easter x
I love your beliefs about these holidays and would bave to say I fully concur. Last year at this time I wrote about the beauty of rituals and traditions regardless of your religious beliefs but based more on family values that will stay with our children for ever.Enjoy this time with your family as I certainly will
Thanks Martine. I hope you have a wonderful Easter too x
It is such a complicated subject and one I do avoid as much as possible (hubby is Christian and I am jewish but neither attend services).I believe in traditions and values and heritage, but do not subscribe to organized religion simply because of a feeling that I cannot subscribe 100% to any of them, including the one I was raised in. I think I am too liberal and open and most religions include some form of discrimination and separateness that i cannot support. In the case of easter for now we do the commercial side of things with an easter basket just for fun. Eventually we will discuss easter AND passover when I figure it all out for myself first.
Deb @ Home life simplified recently posted..When you find what you were not even looking for
It definitely isn’t cut & dried is it? Good luck with working out how to discuss it with the kids. I haven’t even contemplated how we will tackle the subject either. x
My husband believes in God. His parents are at Church every Sunday – and they join in all the Church events and charities. We also join in all the events and charities. But my husband hasn’t been to Church in a long time.
I don’t know if I believe in God, we have never really discussed it. My dad was brought up Church of England, and my mum was brought up Presbyterian. But neither go to Church for personal reasons. We never went to Church – except at school
I am bringing up my children to believe in God, because their Daddy and Grandparents do, and I think its good to give them the view of God, and when they are older, they can make their own decision.
As for the Easter Bunny!! Yes he exists. He is the one who gets up in the middle of the night and nibbles on the chocolate eggs in the fridge.. (it could also be me)
Yvette @ DTlilsquirts recently posted..Name Your Dummy $20 Voucher Giveaway
hehehe love that the Easter bunny lives in your fridge. He must be on time-share from mine
Thanks for sharing your family’s beliefs. I hope you have a great Easter x
I’ll be honest, I did struggle with this post a little. I get a little offended when people suggest that those of us with faith have it because we need something to believe in, because I don’t feel like that.
My faith is a real and living thing, and it is not based on a lack of anything in my life, as much as an honest belief that God is completely real.
Obviously easter is a huge time in our family. We don’t have the Easter bunny, but we do have an easter egg hunt, and we use the time to reflect on why this weekend is important.
Jess recently posted..Shine
Sorry to have made you uncomfortable, Jess. Offending anyone wasn’t my intention at all. I’m actually in awe of people who express faith like you do. I hope you & your family have a wonderful Easter x
I know you never meant it, and that’s why I felt Ok letting you know! I’m not really that offended.
Or if I was I’m completely over it now! Love you and your blog! Xxx
Jess recently posted..Shine
I believe in God and we see Easter as a time of remembering and being thankful for what it represents to me personally. I also believe it is a time to spend with family and to do some ‘traditions’ like an Easter Egg Hunt and eat too much homemade marshmallow.
B recently posted..Home: Cool Porch Furniture…
Yay for homemade marshmallow!!! Hope you have a wonderful Easter x
Great post Née. I grew up a Catholic but was allowed to make my own choices and decisions as I grew up. I don’t believe in God but I believe in Christian values of being good to one another, honesty, and kindness. I guess I am a hypocrite too, I observe the Easter & Christmas holiday traditions like you. To me they are a time to bring family together, celebrate each other and our lives. And seeing such simple joy on the kids’ faces at both times is priceless.
Lipgloss Mumma recently posted..I must be doing something right
The kids’ reactions really make it all the more special don’t they?
I’m with you. Easter to my family is all about a bunny and lots of chocolate and that suits us. I don’t really care what it is to each family as long as it makes them happy and doesn’t affect me. Saying that though I do love to read how people celebrate and interpret holidays differently.
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It’s interesting isn’t it, Ames? I love that so many people were happy to openly share their beliefs in the comments.
I am much the same as you. We celebrate both Easter and Christmas but not as Christians. To us it is all about family, joy and togetherness. I am really looking forward to this weekend!
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Hope you have a wonderful weekend with your family & beautiful new bub xx