People are scared and I don't blame them.

[robvalue]

When it comes to children, I feel that teaching them how to think is the most important thing. Making them aware of religions is absolutely fine in my opinion. Shielding them will probably cause more problems than it will solve. They're going to come across it eventually.

I'm never having children, but if I did, I'd explain the popular kind of beliefs, and then I'd explore them along with my child. I'd allow them to ask the questions themselves, and work through it all. I would give my opinion when asked, along with the reasons. Personally, I wouldn't beat down on religion, I'd stick to the facts as much as possible.

My parents (shit though they have been in other ways) did nurture my critical thinking when I was young. They didn't even mention religion to me, as far as I can remember. They didn't tell me it even existed, and certainly gave no opinion either way. I discovered it for myself when I encountered it in school. This was back when teachers were allowed to force everyone to pray and such in assembly.

As an unprogrammed five year old, I saw through it immediately, and that was that. I don't think I even went home and asked my parents about it. I felt no need.