This spring, Mark started to develop a fondness for places of worship. In Ottawa, he seemed to be interested in churches—he pointed at them when we walked by, so I took him inside a few times. Notre Dame Cathedral, in front of “Maman” the spider, seems to be his favourite.
I did visit a few churches with him in Mexico last winter but he didn’t care much back then. I’m not sure why he likes churches now. The colourful stained glass windows, the high ceilings, the atmosphere…?
There are many churches in Nantes and Mark’s goal is apparently to visit them all. He sees the church towers from afar and doesn’t stop whining until we actually step in. Once inside, he takes any brave soul volunteering by the hand—my mom, my grand-mother—and tours around, making appreciative sounds.
“I haven’t stepped into a church since your mom’s Communion!” my atheist grand-mother laughed.
“Is he Baptized?” one of the church’s ladies asked as Mark was trying to peek inside the confession box. I explained that we weren’t religious but that he was enjoying visiting churches. “Oh, that’s the spirit of Jesus living inside him,” she the church lady nodded appreciatively.
Honestly, I hope not. If we lived in the Bible Belt, I could make a quick buck off Mark by claiming he is a reincarnation, but I doubt “Saint Mark” dances to Bob Marley.
More seriously, I always try to keep an open mind. I don’t believe in a higher power, I’m not religious and neither is Feng but if Mark shows interest in a religion, no matter which one, I don’t have a problem with that.
Your perspective sound like mine – to each his own. I have an incredibly atheist member of my family. He said he hates people who are religious, they are always trying to ‘ram their opinions down his throat’, yet he does the same thing with his atheist views. I tried to explain this to him and he said ‘but I am right, and they are wrong.’ Of course people with religion don’t believe that. So to each his own, in my opinion. The buildings are beautiful, so I can see why Mark loves them!
I hate proselytism but I find religions fascinating… I just don’t believe but I don’t see anything wrong in believing!
Churches and cathedrals are some of the most powerful, incredible, and beautiful buildings! So maybe Mark won’t be a religious person after all, just an architect… 😉
Good point!
Looks like Mark has had a haircut. I guess you’ve all been to get haircuts, haha.
What kind of pose is that in the picture of Mark stand alone in front of the chairs? It looks very saintly to me, haha.
Oh yes… I enjoyed my haircut, him, not so much 😆
Haha, ohhh church ladies. So full of wisdom 😉
Love the pic of Mark and Feng!
The guys look nice in picture without the sound and silliness 😆
That’s the spirit ! My husband and I feel the same. Even though i am Christian and my husband is not, we want to support our kids in whatever they decide to join (except dangerous cults !). I love the look and mosaics in churches !
That’s the best way to raise kids, I think.
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