I do know that Kitten2 spent a whole year at school studying the religions of the world. They had Buddhist monks in to visit and talk (they even visited them at their monastary and planted bulbs in the Fall as a present). They had a Jewish Rabbi in, and a serious Christian leader (and Episcoplain, not a fundie), and even a Wiccan. The odd part is how little we really KNOW about these religions. For instance, Kitten2 really liked the Buddhists, but they told her they were never allowed to touch women. She was like, "even if I needed CPR???" and then said, "forget your stupid religion". She came away pretty much an atheist. Because they did include some wonderful writings by atheists, she got a clear picture of why being an atheist is a good thing. She felt they were the most honest of the lot. I think she's kind of hanging on to being an agnostic now...
Still, live anywhere your son can meet a REAL Native American shaman (certain mind altering substances are part of some Native religions, so be warned)? I mean, really go and talk to the people. See how it influences their lives and such. If you just get your information from books and such, you will get a real warped view. I found the more I exposed the girls to REAL religion, and then of course shared my beliefs, the more they just gravitated toward a skeptic belief system. That's because I know it is right, and true. I have (no kidding here) faith in it.
Plus, the kids is going to go through stages. What I would say is focus him on college. Even a community college, where I dare say he can get financial aide. Hey, it isn't based on grades anymore, it's based on need. And don't worry about the home schooling, they'll let him in as it is pretty common these days. I started out at a community college, living in a rented room paying for everything myself. I get kind of thin from not eating much besides Raman noodles! But even community college was such a wonderful eye opener. Have your wife take him to the local community college for the day. Talk to people there(they usually are open all summer). Heck, have him take a test about what he might be good at (I have to say my test came up with "minister" as one of my top choices!). Get him to feel enpowered about himself and not something outside of himself.
But, good for you, as you have made your moral choices and your family choices clear. You don't like that stuff, and he should know that. A family that always says, "whatever you want honey, why should I stifle you" doesn't have a parent...and kids want parents.
good luck!!!
Still, live anywhere your son can meet a REAL Native American shaman (certain mind altering substances are part of some Native religions, so be warned)? I mean, really go and talk to the people. See how it influences their lives and such. If you just get your information from books and such, you will get a real warped view. I found the more I exposed the girls to REAL religion, and then of course shared my beliefs, the more they just gravitated toward a skeptic belief system. That's because I know it is right, and true. I have (no kidding here) faith in it.
Plus, the kids is going to go through stages. What I would say is focus him on college. Even a community college, where I dare say he can get financial aide. Hey, it isn't based on grades anymore, it's based on need. And don't worry about the home schooling, they'll let him in as it is pretty common these days. I started out at a community college, living in a rented room paying for everything myself. I get kind of thin from not eating much besides Raman noodles! But even community college was such a wonderful eye opener. Have your wife take him to the local community college for the day. Talk to people there(they usually are open all summer). Heck, have him take a test about what he might be good at (I have to say my test came up with "minister" as one of my top choices!). Get him to feel enpowered about himself and not something outside of himself.
But, good for you, as you have made your moral choices and your family choices clear. You don't like that stuff, and he should know that. A family that always says, "whatever you want honey, why should I stifle you" doesn't have a parent...and kids want parents.
good luck!!!
