I'm on the other side. In my house, I'd rather you stay from the table during prayer and religious ritual, but come over for the actual eating. It respects everyone's beliefs. I would not want to participate in something I thought was just plain wrong, and I wouldn't want anyone to "respect" my beliefs if they think they are just plain wrong.
My sister in law is an atheist who prides herself on respecting everyone. It actually irks me no end that she sits smugly at the table as if an anthropology student studying the rituals. I don't consider this respect at all. Though others may disagree. And she is not my child. I do insist my children go to mass, and as they reach teen time, I will still insist they go to mass. Of course, it's hard for them to make that commitment and it's not always fun for a developing mind to defer to a higher power.
However, if either of my kids come up with decent alternatives such as "mom, I'm not sure what I believe and I am studying and don't feel like I can attend mass" then they will get a pass. But, I won't support laziness of thought. They've got to be really working to sort this out in their minds. Otherwise, I think it makes them too vulnerable to the next fad to come along. They've got to think and research for themselves.
BTW- The Catholic church has so much to research and learn. We've just finished reading Ivanhoe which was a great jumping off point about how man can twist religion to its own purposes, and the importance of all of us acting in good, well informed faith.
Good points.
