Books or Resources for Mixed-Faith Family

You have gotten many suggestions but I just wanted to mention that I went to the big library in Va. Beach. I was able to see many different books there. This way I was able to see which one was good for us in our situation.
Good Luck
J.

There are communities all over the country now to support interfaith families who want to raise their children with both religions. Here in Washington DC, we have Reverend Julia Jarvis and Rabbi Harold White leading our community, go to http://iffp.net/.

I also have an entire blog on being an interfaith parent and child, go to http://onbeingboth.com/

I loved Joel Crohn's book, Mixed Matches.

From Publishers Weekly
According to psychotherapist Crohn, 21% of Catholics and 32% of Jews now live in interfaith households, while marriages between blacks and whites more than tripled between 1970 and 1991. In his sensitive, smart treatment of this timely topic, Crohn draws on nearly 14 years of research into how mixed couples deal with each other, with their children, with their families and with society. Most of the book is devoted to interactions within a couple, starting with bad reasons for a mixed match (e.g., stereotypes of the compliant Asian woman; rebellion against parents) and moving on to cultural differences in modes of communication, in the importance of family, in the role of women. Drawing on numerous examples, Crohn argues that even when the couple is comfortable with their religious choices (an atheist couple of Protestant and Jewish upbringings, or a Catholic Irish-Mexican couple), divergent cultural histories cannot be ignored?particularly when that couple has children. And if upbringing doesn't raise questions about diverse backgrounds, children often force the issue, asking questions as they try to pinpoint their identities and their place within both family and society. Through exercises, Crohn helps couples examine their cultural baggage, and through examples, he offers models on how to deal with conflict. The one weakness is that while many of Crohn's examples include a reserved partner or one who considers the past a closed subject, the exercises rely on both partners participating equally. Author tour.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

I would think that the Bible is all you really need. Teach your children about the Old Testament and let them know that the two religions in your family have so very much in common through the O.T. The you can explain how the division between Judaism and Christianity occured and explain very calmly and matter-of-factly that (this) religion believes (this) and the other believes (this). Let your children know that it is called "faith" for a reason, it's about believing. Let them know that when they are old enough and have enough information, they will be allowed to make the decision of what they personally believe for themselves, but until that time you will educate them in both so they can be informed when the time comes.

My only advice would be to make sure that both parents know about their own faiths, first. As a cradle Catholic I knew very little until I began homeschooling and teaching my faith to my children. What I did learn was that when you study the Catholic Faith you can see the similarities between Catholicism and Judaism. So read books by Fulton Sheen - he is very easy to read and has written a lot. "Three To Get Married" is an excellent book about including God in your marriage. Also, read the Baltimore Catechism it too will help teach you about the Catholic faith. Then, I would say find other suitable books on the Jewish faith. Then, when you are educated, you will be able to make better informed decisions. I do know of one family where there have been at least two marriages between Catholics and Jews, in the same family and they seem to be happy! May you have a happy and healthy marriage!
About me: SAHM of five, 4 boys, 1 girl, oldest two in the service, 3 more to go!!!LOL

Hello.

I dont know of any mixed faith parenting books (although it looks like you have gotten some good responses). I did want to add some 2 cents on childrens books if you dont mind. Here is a great website with a list of multi faith books:
http://www.spl.surrey.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/2C00844C-D82B-49...

My absolute favorite onthis list (I have quite a few) is the one entitled "God's Dream" by Archbishop Demond Tutu (amazing to have a child's book written by him!). I love the drawings (nice & colorful, mutli ethnic)and the story is a beautiful universal message.

I hope you find one that suits you & your family.

Cheers!

Go to www.paperbackswap.com and put in the subject. You can trade books without payment and keep them for as long as you want. Good luck. My husband's Dad is Episcopal and his mother is Baptist. Dave went to both churches. Now we are raising our daughter Episcopal. She loves church and is a participant in the choir and youth group.

I know many families that have one Jewish parent and they are raising the children Jewish so you are not alone. There is even a group called www.themotherscircle.org that has loads of great info. I heard there is even a group starting here. I am sure it gets harder as the children get older but it is more common than you think. Jenn

I have two books on my bookshelf: the Interfaith Family Guidebook, written by Joan Hawxhurst from Dovetail, an interfaith organization, and Celebrating our Differences by Mary Helene Rosenbaum and Stanley Ned Rosenbaum. I also did a lot of Internet research. My husband and I decided to raise our children as Christians before we were married so when I was planning our first daughter's (exceptionally custom-designed) Christening, I consulted with Rabbi Blecher (DC) about how to include my Jewish in-laws. he suggested a ceremonial baby naming, and also referred me to Rev. Julia Jarvis of the Interfaith Family Project (I think that's the name, in MD) to perform the [interfaith] Christening. Julia went on to perform all of my girls Christening and is a great resource for interfaith discussions. I find it also helps to have other interfaith friends. In my case, my husband's sister is married to a Christian so it's good balance at family celebrations =)

Good luck, and please don't hesitate to contact me about this. I've been married 7 years and when it comes to our children, it seems like the game plan is also modifying for a new situation. I'm also 38 and SAHM (with small biz) in Reston ... if that helps.