Upphärad 2005-05-14
For your confirmation celebration
Dear Rebecka,
When you were born, your mother and I felt that your
relationship with religion was a choice best left to you, as you grew old enough
to choose yourself - That is why we didn't follow the ordinary cultural
procedure of baptism as a child. Your descision this last year, to through
the confirmation process, learn more of the principle and beauty of
Christian teaching, has made us very proud of you.
I have thought a lot about it the last while -- I
don't think that you have gone through this confirmation process as a result of a
particular religious conviction -- but rather because of a genuine interest, together
with your friends, to learn more about the significance of Christian teaching in
our culture and life style. You have begun to understand how it important
it is in life, to understand the difference between what is right and good, and
the things that endanger the beauty of life. Becka, noticing this concern
in your life, makes us so happy!!
I personally am partial to Christian teaching -- but
will also encourage you to look for, and value -- even to find direction, in
other honorable cultural outlooks on life -- especially those we see amongst friends and acquaintences in our community. Don't forget that there is
much that has beautiful moral value outside the Swedish church -- even
outside organizational Christianity! Our Rebecka, value and lay hold on
wisdom and moral value WHEREVER you may find it.
An active ingredient in Christian teaching is to
respect, esteem and appreciate the good in all our fellowmen -- even those
completely outside religious context. This includes every kind of
social failure, the dispised and outcasts in our societies, the destitute and
downtrodden, refugees and the homeless and hopeless. Don't neglect to find and appreciate the
good things in all of them -- share your warmth with them -- and learn from the
wisdom they may have accumulated along their rocky wayside journey.
Rebecka you have done well in your studies of christianity in the Swedish church -- don't forget to value the good, and
learn from the wisdom of EVERYONE you meet in the course of your day.
Live each day to the fullest -- and live them all in
genuine goodness and integrity!
From your mom and your dad
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