Young Kids & Atheism (Buddhism, beliefs, atheist, eternal, pagan)

[michel]

I've run out of Fruballs - and there are four posters on this page I'd like to acknowledge. Bastet, Jewscout, Lady Lazarus & Gracie.


You all make sound sensibe comments; Jewscout - I understand your stance - in your position I would do the same. No pressure, but to make aware of the privilege of his opportunity to the bequest of a truly wondrous Culture.

Gracie, I think you have a good attitude; give them the oppoertunity IF THEY WISH IT to sample a spectrum of faiths. Bastet doesn't like people agreeing with her - so I shall say I don't (but don't anyone tell her that I do) - and lady L, your point aboou 'the forbidden fruit' is spot on.
Why can't life be easy?

[Ori]

I would tell them about evolution, but also the fact there are many mysteries that science has yet to find an ansewr to. I would let them be of any religion or atheist, as long as their happy.

[Ormiston]

Originally Posted by niceguy

You may be an atheist but that don't mean your daughter has to be. I suggest that you educate her of the concept of religion and that there are several to choose from and some basics about them. You have found this forum so you cannot claim that you don't have the knowledge available. Let her go to church with her cousins if she wants to. You could even accompany her if you wish, you would be there as a parent, not as a believer, thou, who knows, maybe you will become one.

Well I'm not an atheist (too specific of a word) and I don't believe that you should choose a religion. Religions (to me) are primitive things that should be studied in a class on religion. And, while it is true that I have some knowledge of some religions (born-again Christian when I was 10), I had to learn the hard way. Don't get me wrong, I'm not impossible to deal with on the subject. If she insists on going, she can. But she will already have the doubts that I've filled her head with in place to counteract the doubts that the church will certainly attempt to instill.

[Dinogrrl]

Well...um...yeah, I agree with the others. Let your daughter think what she will :}. If you try put words or beliefs in her mouth, that could cause trouble later on. I dunno about you, but I hate it when /anyone/, much less my mom or dad, puts words in my mouth, or assumes that because I'm Christian, I believe certain things, when I certainly don't.

I will say that I have a cousin about your daughter's age (man I feel old every time I think about it), and she is basically in a similar position. But because of family troubles, she's not allowed to go to church any more with her 'favorite aunt' (my mom's sister--not my cousin's mother). At her age, church isn't completely about religious experience, it's also about who you get to see (heck, it still is with me, to some extent XD).

[Ormiston]

Originally Posted by Dinogrrl

Well...um...yeah, I agree with the others. Let your daughter think what she will :}. If you try put words or beliefs in her mouth, that could cause trouble later on. I dunno about you, but I hate it when /anyone/, much less my mom or dad, puts words in my mouth, or assumes that because I'm Christian, I believe certain things, when I certainly don't.

I will say that I have a cousin about your daughter's age (man I feel old every time I think about it), and she is basically in a similar position. But because of family troubles, she's not allowed to go to church any more with her 'favorite aunt' (my mom's sister--not my cousin's mother). At her age, church isn't completely about religious experience, it's also about who you get to see (heck, it still is with me, to some extent XD).

When it comes to things like the afterlife and morals, I don't agree that you should just let a 5 year old think what she will. And you're right about the social elements of church. In fact, this is the ONLY reason I would every consider letting her (as a child) go.

[Dinogrrl]

5-year-olds most likely don't even understand what 'afterlife' and 'morals' are o_O. They may have a vague concept, but it's usually nothing more than parroting words they've been told.

*shrug*

So let's say she does go to church with her cousins, and a few years down the road decides she wants to be of 'X' religion. It's her choice o_O...

[Ormiston]

Originally Posted by Dinogrrl

5-year-olds most likely don't even understand what 'afterlife' and 'morals' are o_O. They may have a vague concept, but it's usually nothing more than parroting words they've been told.

*shrug*

So let's say she does go to church with her cousins, and a few years down the road decides she wants to be of 'X' religion. It's her choice o_O...

Exactly. However, there is a recruiting process in place at churches. The whole arm around your shoulders, listen to what I have to say. My daughter will not be going into the unknown without my support insisting that no matter what she hears or sees, she is still a wonderful person.

[Quoth The Raven]

Originally Posted by Ormiston

Exactly. However, there is a recruiting process in place at churches. The whole arm around your shoulders, listen to what I have to say. My daughter will not be going into the unknown without my support insisting that no matter what she hears or sees, she is still a wonderful person.

Actually, I agree with you there...one of the teachers at my son's school told his class that if children aren't baptised they're going to hell. I had something to say about that .

[Original Freak]

My son and daughter have gone to Sunday school a few times while my wife attended church...for them it's all about the crafts, coloring and playing with other kids. It's the same as attending the playgroup at the community centre here.

The other day my son came in and mentioned we either go to heaven or hell. The neighbour's boy told him. I said not everyone believes that, which is what my Christian wife said as well.

[michel]

Originally Posted by lady_lazarus

Actually, I agree with you there...one of the teachers at my son's school told his class that if children aren't baptised they're going to hell. I had something to say about that .

If that had happened in England, the teacher would have been reported, and disciplined.