In preparation of the arrival of our son Colin Heinrich Ballueder, we have been thinking of godparents. And, we have found 4 that we think are the right ones. But how do you chose godparents and what is the meaning of it?
From my Christian upbringing, me having a Christening/Baptism, godparents were chosen to help my parents in bringing little Volker up in a Christian way of life. Also, to support me and help me with any questions I have – church and life related. In the event of my parents both dying, I would be living with either one of them. And, in case I would be dying, with me being Christened I would have been accepted in heaven.
My wife and I decided not to get our children Christened but to have godparents to support our children more as a personal development coach. Idea is to have 2 godmothers and 2 godfathers that will engage with the child and help it growing up. In the event of both my wife and I dying one of them would take care of the child. However, for various reasons we chose different godparents to support different areas of the life of the child.
These things are values, German values and family values, that make the child a good person. Another is morals and pride. Sports, we would like our child to get interested in sports. We also would like to see a Scottish influence and a Christian influence in there but we see that half of the godparents are from different religions, Muslim and Hindu. What a greater mix of influences, support and guidance could you give a child.
I am a strong believer to gain and give as much input to our child as possible. The more the child knows, accepts different cultures and religions and understands that people are not all the same in this world, the better he will be able to cope with change and get along in life. If he understands morals and values, if he knows where his parents are coming from and can value the heritage, he is more likely to grow up with his own understanding of the world that leads him to have a great life and values other people’s paths. No matter which background they are.
For further readings, Wikipedia has a good summary of the roles of godparents in different religions.
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#1 by Nikki Pilkington on June 9, 2009 - 13:14
It’s a great idea to choose godparents in a ‘life’ role rather than a religious role, and your children will appreciate the extra support, no doubt.
I allowed myself to be convinced that my daughter ‘needed’ to be christend and have Godparents, so now she has 2 godmothers and a godfather she hasn’t seen for years….. not really the desired effect, I’m sure!
#2 by Volker on June 9, 2009 - 13:21
Hello Nikki,
Thank you. I believe it is important, either for religious or non religious reasons, to give children a person that s/he can relate to other than the parents.
Volker