Easter greetings

This has been something rattling around in my head for the past week, which is why I haven't been posting. I try to avoid discussions of religion in specifics, but this has gotten right down to the root of what I do and do not believe. Most of my friends (and some family) know that I am not Christian, by which I mean that I do not believe in the divinity of Jesus. He was, in my opinion, a phenomenal spiritual guide and teacher, but he was not the messiah promised to the Jews. He was not the son of God, or at least, no more than all people are children of God. I do not believe in the Immaculate Conception and the Resurrection. I do not, for that matter, believe in Hell and the Devil. I think when the Bible refers to these things that they are speaking in metaphors.

But I live in Indiana, where the the largest religious demographic is Evangelical Christian, so I am surrounded by Christians, and many people who I love, respect, and enjoy being around are firmly Christian. They do not try to convert me and I do not try to preach to them. I am comfortable in my theology, and do not feel threatened by participating in MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers, a Christian social group that is not specifically religious. I have met wonderful women, and made friends who I sincerely cherish. My MOPS friends brought me meals when Sabine was born and gave me emotional support when I miscarried. At MOPS meetings I hang out with the other moms while our children play elsewhere, with other MOPS parents or volunteers from the church where we meet.

About a year ago Arabella came out of her preschool group sporting a crown (very popular thing with my princess) that said "In Christ I am reborn." I was perturbed, but after talking to others, including my MIL, I decided it would not cause any lasting damage, and continued attending. From time to time Arabella would come home with some religious article, and when she turned her attention elsewhere I would quietly dispose of it.

Then 3 weeks ago, after a MOPS day, Arabella told me that "Jesus made me, and Jesus made you, mommy." I assured her that Jesus had not made her, that God had made her. She persisted though, and a week later told Daddy (who makes me look Evangelical) the same thing. Michael was not amused. He was horrified. The next day was Easter, and it happened to be only the third time in 14 months at our church that I have heard Jesus mentioned. Arabella turned to me and said clearly "See, mommy? I told you! Jesus!"

So. I was prevented from attending MOPS this past week by the imminent arrival of in-laws, taxes, and a crabby baby. I find it a difficult dilemma -- to allow my child to be exposed, perhaps indoctrinated, to a religion not my own so that I may have a social outlet, or to keep her and myself home and away from different opinions. After all, the unwillingness of many Christians for their children to grow up exposed to other religions is what annoys me about so many Evangelicals in Indiana (and elsewhere). I want Arabella to know about Christianity, I'm just not too happy with her being taught that it is the Truth. I am considering dropping out completely, dropping out until next Fall when Arabella will be in preschool the mornings MOPS meets, or just going anyway and hoping we don't have any more Jesus made me moments. Any thoughts?

In other news,

I am done with my demonstrations at the State Museum, it was fun, but I am feeling relieved it is over. For now.

I completely frogged (unravelled) my huge garnet red alpaca wrap that I knit 18 month ago. Knit wrong. I twisted all the purl stitches, and once I realized what I had done I never wore it again. I talked to Robin from my knitting group and decided it was time to unravel and start over. But, maybe something different. After looking at many lovely patterns I decided to try one I have loved since I first saw it -- the Pimlico Shrug from Knit 2 Together. It is shapeless enough to not worry about fit, but not so shapeless to look dowdy. After I have skeined and washed and dried 1300 yards of alpaca yarn, I will be ready. Oh, and after I have finished the Skull sweater for Sabine and the green baby blanket for Amanda. And I saw a precious poncho on a little girl at the museum ...