Being an Atheist parent in a Christian land

[salty]

You seem to be insinuating that what I deem to be absurd is simply a difference of opinion between you and I, which it isn't. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion, not their own facts. Friends? Have you given up on any of those positions I mentioned when you first asked?

Number 2 does have a tongue in cheek effect, number 1 (in alot of cases) makes you sound like a raving nut.

What do you think Rhythm? Do you think I'm a raving nut?

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If we talk about other religions I agree it would be unfair not to talk about atheism. I would do what I can to inform my kids and encourage them to make their own decisions. Thor, I'm not going to college with them, they'll have plenty of time to decide on other religious views or no views, they'll have plenty of time to challenge me and accept or reject my beliefs. I'm fine with that.

I think it's important to discuss WHY most of us are atheists (we find no evidence that supports the existence of any deities). If you explain this to your kids, and then present whatever evidence you have that your deity is real, I would say that would be balanced. Then your kids could decide for themselves whether or not they believe your deity exists.

I've found that most atheists raise their kids with a healthy dose of skepticism, but they're willing to let the kids decide for themselves. However, the vast majority of believers pound their religion into the skulls of the little tykes and basically tell the kids, "YOU WILL BELIEVE THIS!".

Glad to hear you're not one of them.

Thank you Thor. No, I'm not one of them, because I've met those kids you're talking about. I attended a Christian college and I thought it was crazy when this kid told me the music I was playing wasn't right because of the drums and screaming, they automatically assumed the lyrics were bad. I told him that the group was praising God in their own way and that the drums are not a bad instrument. That guy is different now, but back then, he was so closed, if it wasn't a choir singing, he wouldn't listen to it.