A question for atheists

[Eilonnwy]

1. If you have/had children, how would you raise them with regards to religion and spirituality?

I'd be honest with them, I'd tell them what I believe and why, but I wouldn't insist they believe what I believe. My main focus would be to try to teach my children critical thinking so that when they are of the age to make their own decision, they will hopefully have an appropriately logical approach.

2. How would you react if they wanted to explore religion?

I'd encourage it, though I would try to emphasize a need for critical approach. But ultimately, I value knowledge, and while I may disagree with religion it's important to learn about it because it's very prevalent in the world. I'd say it's like learning about the holocaust. I don't support what was done but I understand the value in knowing what happened and why.

3. How would you react if they came to a belief in a deity or deities, and converted to a religion?

I would definitely be sad, but who wouldn't? Any parent would hope their child will come to the same conclusion as them, but I would hope to do so with reason and critical thinking rather than indoctrination. However, ultimately, if they chose religion I would still love and support my child. A parent doesn't have to agree with every decision his or her child makes in order to be loving and supporting.