(November 21, 2013 at 12:43 pm)Chad32 Wrote: I'm an atheist, but my sister and her brother are religious. They're not extremists, but I still kind of want to let my nieces know that not everyone believes the bible is the infallible word of anyone. I don't know if they're planning to completely shut them off from anyone saying otherwise, but I know that's my grandmother's way of dealing with naysayers. I have been told it's not my place to teach them life lessons, though this was in context to the way they try to play games.
I certainly don't plan to keep it a secret that I'm atheist, but they're not my kids and I figure as long as they're not volatile to othr people then it may be fine. Extremism is the real problem here.
What would you guys do in this situation?
Actually, I'm in the same situation as you. My sister and my brother-in-law are somewhat religious, especially because of his mother, who is an ardent Christian. My nephews (age 5, 4, 4) all believe at the moment (because of their grandmother), that Christianity is the way to go. I have decided not to interfere, and since they haven't asked me on my stance. I have let the matter pass until they start asking me what I think. Instead I present them with fascinating tidbits about the world (we watch BBC's 'Life', search YouTube for how Daphnia looks under the microscope etc.) and make sure that I answer all the questions I can. Though I'm biased, I can say that they are smart guys and I hope that their thirst for knowledge and inquisitive nature will help them make their own decisions and come to their own conclusions. I want to give them tools, not ideology.
When I was young, there was a god with infinite power protecting me. Is there anyone else who felt that way? And was sure about it? but the first time I fell in love, I was thrown down - or maybe I broke free - and I bade farewell to God and became human. Now I don't have God's protection, and I walk on the ground without wings, but I don't regret this hardship. I want to live as a person. -Arina Tanemura
