Being an Atheist parent in a Christian land

[salty]

As small children I would place my kids in childcare classes as I must do this if I'm going to attend church. When I feel my children are old enough to reason, I would expose them to other religions, as I read about other religious beliefs myself in my spare time. I would also expose them to language, as I am studying a third language and would be happy for them to know more than one. We would examine the base doctrines together and then the children would have to make a decision, whenever they're ready, all I can ask is for my children to give the Bible a chance.

Will you also expose them to the idea that "God" is most likely a fictitious being? Because if you don't, you're not exposing your kids to all the possibilities. This would be like exposing your kids to communism, fascism, totalitarianism and hereditary monarchy, then asking them to pick which one they'd rather live under. Meanwhile, you've never exposed them to democracy.

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.

[The Grand Nudger]

Things are lost in translation to the interwebs sure. You do seem to make sweeping generalizations, and of course clarification on these things is always good. Sure, some people who take medication don't need to, and sure, there are immoral sex acts. The idea that christianity keeps people away from these things is one that I would take issue with, of course. As for mockery, if you don't want me to reduce some belief or position you hold to the absurd make sure that it isn't absurd to begin with. I call em like I see em.

[salty]

Things are lost in translation to the interwebs sure. You do seem to make sweeping generalizations, and of course clarification on these things is always good. Sure, some people who take medication don't need to, and sure, there are immoral sex acts. The idea that christianity keeps people away from these things is one that I would take issue with, of course. As for mockery, if you don't want me to reduce some belief or position you hold to the absurd make sure that it isn't absurd to begin with. I call em like I see em.

You're correct, I am guilty of making sweeping generalizations, not with the intent to offend, but because I am expressing what I know. What may be absurd to you is not always absurd to me. I'm glad to hear you're honest, but I've guessed that much. I just get tired of mockery of any sort, people have the ability to reason and communicate, mock your friends because you love them, you know? Wait....Rhythm have you been mocking me because we're friends? Hahaha...

Really though, do you think I should use the smiley faces? I'm not really into them, but maybe it'll make me sound less stoic. This is just how I am on the computer, in real life I'm much more lively.

Example:
1. "Blah, blah, random generalization, blah."
2. "Blah, blah, random generalization, blah,"

...hmm, number 2 does seem nice.

[The Grand Nudger]

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.

[salty]

Absurd or Normal
1. Faith in God - Normal
2. God's Existence - Normal
3. A Relationship with God - Normal

These things are normal to me. What are they to you?

What? Do I have to be an atheist to be your friend? I was taught you can never have enough friends.

[Thor]

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.

[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?

---

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.

[The Grand Nudger]

1. Faith in God - Normal (unfortunately)
2. God's Existence - unsubstantiated
3. A Relationship with God - see number 2

Of course you don't have to be an atheist. I just don't pal around with people who claim the moral high ground by positing scientific illiteracy, the righteousness of xenocide, or the sweet sweet comfort of torturing another to absolve themselves of responsibility for their actions (to name a few). That I don't pal around with such people would probably lead you to a great many conclusions regarding my opinion of their parenting advice.

[Thor]

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.

This is the kind of thing that really bugs me. People telling you that you shouldn't listen to certain types of music, or that you shouldn't dance a certain way (or even that you shouldn't dance at all!) because it violates what they consider to be "God's will".

I fail to see how any deity could be concerned with you listening to music or dancing. It seems to me he would be more concerned with how you live your life and what kind of character you have.

[The Grand Nudger]

How you live your life? That sounds like "works"..nah, it's all about faith. Faith and faith alone. If works were the yardstick then all those wonderful non-christians would be in heaven. Can't fund a church on something like that.