I have just recently begun to reeducate myself on the bible and the teachings of Jesus. When I was a child I was brought up Catholic. I used to go to church on a regular basis. As I got older I moved away from organized religion and fell out of touch with my faith. I was never an Atheist, however I could not bring myself to follow any one belief. After I became pregnant and gave birth to my son, I have found an overwhelming desire to go back to my roots and have begun to read the bible again. I understand now that having religion in my life at such an early age gave me the moral foundation which I am now standing on and have been on all my life. I would like to share this with my son in hopes to help him find purpose and meaning in his life the way it best suits him.
The questions that I pose is how can I begin this journey with my son? How can I introduce spirituality into his life at such an early age? Does it begin with the concept of death? How about explaining the afterlife in such a way that it would make sense to my son?
I currently read the rosary prayers to my son at night before he goes to bed. Since I've been reciting the prayers, he seems to be more calm before falling asleep. However, when the time comes, I would like to be able to answer questions that my son may ask as best as I can.
I would appreciate any advice people can offer me.
Rosary prayers are specific to Catholicism. Jesus (Matthew 6:7) spoke of vain, repetitious prayer and then followed with the Lord's prayer, which can also become repetitious. However, He used it to bring Jewish adherents to personal prayer. The Lord's prayer is actually an expansion of the Psalms.
It is too early to talk to your son about death and the afterlife. Instead, I would encourage you to understand your own beliefs. That is what your son will sense. https://getpocket.com/read/3473038540 Article explains the Christian faith. It explains the difference between works--where much of spirituality resides and faith/belief in what has already been provided. I would read aloud the Psalms for they are prayer and Proverbs for Wisdom. I enjoy listening via Pandora to Sovereign Grace Music, much of which is based in the Psalms.
A guide, on finding a man who has lost his way, brings him back to the right path—he does not mock and jeer at him and then take himself off. You also must show the unlearned man the truth, and you will see that he will follow. But so long as you do not show it to him, you should not mock, but rather feel your own incapacity.
Epictetus
Do not rely on following the degree of understanding that you have discovered, but simply think, “This is not enough”.
Tsunetomo Yamamoto