Catholic working in a Temple! That's what I do.
By miamilady
@miamilady (4910)
United States
February 1, 2008 7:17am CST
Some of you who know me, may have read some of my posts earlier this year when I was looking for a job. Then I found a job. Then I was fired and then I found another job.
Well, since I started the job that I have now, I haven't posted as much.
Haven't had as much time to visit mylot and I've just had my mind on other things.
Well, I just wanted to share what I do and some of the (irony?) of it.
I was born and raised Catholic. I am not a devout Catholic though. I respect all religions.
I work for a Jewish Temple now.
I love the job. I work for the youth activities department. I believe in what I do.
I believe in keeping children involved with their religion. I think it gives them a good base for going through life with some morals and a sense of community.
Some have questioned if it isn't a conflict of interests of sorts, for me to work at a Temple.
I don't think that it is.
What do you think?
9 people like this
12 responses
@sumofalltears (3988)
• United States
1 Feb 08
I don't see anything wrong with your job. You respect other religions and are not actively trying to convert or subvert the temple teachings, so I think it is a good example of how religions can accept each other without a lot of fighting and bloodshed.....do you have any good advice for the muslims?
1 person likes this
@miamilady (4910)
• United States
2 Feb 08
My daughter wants me to try to conver them. lol
She started in a Christian school this year.
That's been interesting.
I'm trying to teach her about respecting different religions as well. For the most part she does, but occasionally we'll get in to a "religious debate" and our tempers start to flare a little.
It really has been an odd experience. I didn't go to religious school myself. I like that she's learning the bible, I just don't want her to start thinking that there is only one right path for everyone.
As far as you question...I really don't know anything about muslim teachings. That's one more thing I'd be interested to learn about.
Thanks for yoru response. I need to come visit some of your discussions soon!
1 person likes this
@faith210 (11224)
• Philippines
3 Feb 08
Hi miamilady! I am a Catholic too! If the Jewish community have welcomed you in their temple, to work with them and trust you with their youth..I think that is an admirable quality of them. Who are we to judge because of the religion we were raised ? As long as you can contribute to the betterment of the youth, I don't think whatever religion one have should not be a hindrance. I have always look for the fruits that one deed yield and that is the most important thing, is it not? Just my thoughts! Take care and have a nice day! :)
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
6 Feb 08
I don't think it is. It's a job you went for and you were sucessful in obtaining your position. It's a job, not a way of life. You haven'y had to abandon any of your principles or values.
But what is your opinion of this....My brother in law and sister are so called devout Catholics. They are also primary school teachers. Now, they choose to teach in public schools, not private catholic schools. I've never understood this. I mean to ask them one day why this is so but I hesitate for some reason I can't figure out.
@miamilady (4910)
• United States
7 Feb 08
For one, it might be easier for them to get a job in the public school system than it is in a Catholic school. There just might be that many Catholic Schools around. They may also just figure that educating children in reading/writing and arithmatic (as they used to say) can be seperate from religious education.
From my experience as a NON devout Catholic. I know that children can go to public school and still get religious education from their church.
In fact if they want to do their first communion, it is require that they go to CCD for 2 or 3 years before they can have their first communion.
Aferwards there is continued religious education if they want to do confirmation.
Is it possible that your brother in law and sister to some volunteer teaching in that area?
I get the feeling you have a strained relationship with them. It realy doesn't sound like a rude question to ask them. It sounds like you are just curious. But, if there is some history between you and them in regard to different religious beliefs, then, I suppose, they could take that question the wrong way.
Thank you for your response.
Take care.
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
3 Feb 08
Mazel Tov! You found a job that you can do and you like doing. Do you know how rare that is? I don't think it is a conflict of interests. They haven't said you have to convert?and knowing you, you aren't trying to convert anyone either.So what's the problem?
@RobinJ (2501)
• Canada
4 Feb 08
In your case definitely not, as I see it. As you said in your post you respect all religions. and you do believe in keeping children involved with their religion. So you are not out to convert the children to another religion, that you are able to accept them as they are( in my opinion that is the highest priority) and to work with them to help them help them selves. I would much sooner have you working with my children than some one who might have a biased view or a hidden agenda Well done
@jillmalitz (5131)
• United States
4 Feb 08
I think that would be a wonderful chance to observe the Jewish customs and religion. Having discussions about differences is the best way to learn. Enjoy!
@Ravenladyj (22904)
• United States
2 Feb 08
BRAVO!!! i think that is FABULOUS that you not only were willing to work at a place that is religiously different to your personal upbringing and current beliefs BUT ALSO that you are not only enjoying it, you actually believe in it..I think that is just wonderful!
Do I think its a conflict of interest? Not at all...you've already said that not only do you respect all religions but you are a firm believer in children having a core base for life, morals and community involvement geared to their religious path which is terrific...IMO anyone who cant' see PAST the religious aspect and into the deeper meaning of it all is an IDIOT IMO....
@mummymo (23706)
•
2 Feb 08
Sweety I remember the problems with the job hunting and the last job and I am so happy that you are so enthusiastic about your current one! I don't think there is anything strange or wrong about you being a catholic and working in a jewish temple - I think there should be more of this type of integration, the world would be a far better place if we all respected others beliefs and religions! xxx
@musicman6 (2406)
• United States
2 Feb 08
To me it's not a conflict of interest, in my life, I've worked side by side with individuals of different beliefs, and only short-sighted people would even dare critize my belief in human beings!
I treat all people, the way I would want them to treat me, with human compassion! Their religious beliefs have never held a barrier for me!
Nowadays you have to do, what you gotta do, to survive, nobody is going to hand you a silver platter!
@terri0824 (4991)
• United States
1 Feb 08
No I don't think that it is a conflict of interest. I think it is to each his/her own! Where it may be conflict of interest for one person it may not be for another person. The thing that matters most here is that you enjoy what you are doing.
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
2 Feb 08
I think that is so cool, I would love to work in a Jewish temple..What do you do? Teach? Then you get to see all about the wonderful feasts and festivals, they are so fun..:)
