Atheist and Children

I’d rather avoid the subject all together until my daughter is old enough to think philosophically about things.

Unfortunately some of her friends are forcing the issue. It seems that some churches tell kids that they have to spread the “good news” and save all their friends. Sometimes after a playdate my daughter will announce that she has accepted Jesus Christ as her lord and savior and is now a Christian though she doesn’t really know what that means (she’s only 6).

I would make the analogy that God is like Santa Claus and the tooth fairy but she still believes in both of those. Of course Santa Claus and the tooth fairy do give her something tangible and that is proof for her so far. I tell her that God is make believe like ghosts, monsters which she seems satisfied with.

Certainly I’ll teach my daughter about the world religions when she is older. Understanding these religions is part of our cultural heritage and you can not consider yourself education unless you know something about them.

I’m an Athiest - and I have a son who is 6 months old. My fiance is a Christian.

We have agreed to raise our son to believe in what ever he wants to. I will not introduce ANY religion to him because I want it to be his choice and only his choice. I dont believe in forcing a religion on a child who does not understand it yet and I want him to do his own research and pick the religion that best suits him. Any religion that he chooses - I would be happy with because it would be what he wanted and what he believes.

I’ve been a Christian since before I could walk. Thats all I’ve ever known. I was raised in the church house. When I have kids (which is a looong way off, I know) I will lead them in the direction I was led because thats all I know. But when they get older, and if they say ‘mommy I dont believe in God’ I wont stop them from doing what they want. I wont force them to do anything they’re not comfortable with. Thats just the type of person I am. I dont want to control people, and I know I wouldnt like to be controlled, so why would I do that to someone else? My views cant be everyone else’s views, even though the views I DO have were sorta forced on me…I cant get out of them.