Adoption Services
I try not to discuss religion with people, because I know it's a personal topic based on subjective knowledge of one's own denomination. Religion far too often starts many heated debates, which in my mind ruins perfectly peaceful discussions. It's not my wish or intention to start arguments. My purpose is simple: discuss the problems organized religion causes in terms of Bible interpretation, and how that influences family dynamics. For instance, where in the Bible does God say the taking of another woman's baby (the fruit of a woman's womb) is a good deed? I ask this because I read a blog last night, http://donva.blogspot.com/2007/11/orthodox-adoption-service.html, written by an orthodox Christian adoptive dad, and although I admire his dedication to the boy he has in his life, I have to wonder how the church explains "What God puts together, let no man put asunder", as it relates to biological family and heritage. It wasn't so long ago that the daughters of God-fearing parents would be banished from their communities if they became pregnant before marriage. Historically speaking, huge offenses have taken place through the hands of holy-people, so I'm perplexed how readings from the bible become interpreted to serve some people, but not others. After all, isn't the bible mostly about God's Law, and how we are to treat others as we would want ourselves to be treated?
To give perspective on my own opinion, keep in mind I was raised Catholic. That means I was sent to church, because that's what parents do; they send their kids to church. My parents didn't need to attend weekly services because my mother served her time working as a Catholic School teacher during the week, and my dad's job required him to work many weekends. I'm sure they felt like they were doing their job as "good Catholics" by making sure their children went to learn about God at their grandmother's church.
The problem was, I had lots of questions. (It seems adoptees always do, don't we?) I had huge questions about the Original Sin issue. If all babies are born with sin, why are only SOME sent away to live with other people who are not their original parents? Were some babies more sinful because their parents were really bad sinners? If so, is that why names get changed, family members get removed, and documents get altered? Where in the bible does is say God wants children to be removed from their mothers, and adopted by others?
In the blog that I read last night, the single-father describes an Adoption Service that was held at his church, and the following description floored me:
Father begins addressing the children by talking about families, and how we come together as families in many ways. He asked the children, "For example, who is Jesus Christ's REAL Father?" The children of course answered "God." "That's right, but who took care of Jesus while he was growing up? Who raised him from a baby to a man, and became his father on earth?" Again, the children answered correctly with "Joseph." He explained that Joseph adopted Jesus as his own son, and loved Him and raised Him as any father would. He did an excellent job of respectfully sharing how some biological parents are unable to care for their children, so sometimes adoption is how a family is formed.
This family-story lacks a few important details. Jesus, the illegitimate child of Mary, was kept by his mother. Joseph was asked to be the unborn child's guardian and father-figure, which he did for 13 years, but at no time did Jesus ever deny who his "real father" was. "My Father" was always spoken about God, not Joseph. [At least that was always my understanding, especially at the time of crucifixion when he cried, to God, (not Joseph), "Father into your hands, I commend my spirit".]
Given the undeniable church involvement in adoption practice, how can sex outside marriage be used against a person, when sex is wrongfully used and practiced by those who are preaching "The Good Word"? Is it any wonder many adults are losing their religions these days, thanks to the contradictions and mixed messages sent through certain events taking place in various parishes? http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23337807