Will you impose your religious beliefs on your children?

[Bubmum]

Back to the OP.....I am doing absolutely everything I can do in my power to prevent my child from being exposed to anything religious. I feel a connection with other people, I don't need this defined as a God connection. I think as humans we crave to be connected, whilst still independent, so we probably deny this mind-shift to a certain extent. I won't educate her about other religions, unless she asks, she won't be going to church with her Grandmother, and she most certainly will not be attending religious instruction at school. I want her to work it out for herself, not be told what to think. She is a sweet girl, very loving, so I have faith in her, in her heart, in her own attributes to be the kind of person who is an asset to society and to others.

I don't say prayers, I make wishes. I don't observe rituals, I am blind-sided enough by ridiculous superstitions without adding another layer of complexity to my life. I find the Universe boggling and beautiful enough without having to question where it all came from. I see it, I appreciate it, I look at where I can function best, and that is in supporting the people around me.

What is the function of religion anyway? I have never understood....and this is not an attack..just a point to ponder. What is the reason?

[SeymourTheBear]

I don't have any. I wasn't raised with any religion.
I've been soul searching a little lately and I think that it would be great to have a religion, to have those beliefs and hold faith, but its something I have to think about. I honestly think that having no religious influence or information as a child/teen aided this feeling.
Anyway, I will be talking to my children about different religions and encouraging them to learn more and pursue what interests them. Thwy can make their own informed decisions then.

[Atropos]

What is the function of religion anyway? I have never understood....and this is not an attack..just a point to ponder. What is the reason?

Now THAT is a whole other can of worms!!!

[danik]

DH and his side of the family are Christian and have always been very active in that community. So different to my up bringing.

I have Christian beliefs but I don't really get into going to church and singing along to all the songs ect. DH goes most Sunday mornings and takes the girls along who love attending Sunday school. I get to stay home, drink coffee and read the paper...now that's my idea of heaven!

I don't agree with the word "impose" because DH loves his religion and gets a lot of joy with sharing his beliefs with us. It's not forced or expected of us to follow his beliefs, he simply wants us to experience the joy he feels for Christ and God.

Our DDs find learning about God fun, the church they attend is wonderful (DH's family have been going there since his parents were young kids) and it's all very family friendly so I think it's great that they share that with DH (while I'm at home enjoying ME time, therefore I fully approve!).

[captainscaptain]

I guess my plan is to expose my children to all different religions and instill acceptance of other religions and then let them choose what works for them...

This! I'll obviously make MY beliefs clear but leave him open to choose whatever.

[ShanandBoc]

Deleted

[bookwormmum]

Same as Bubmum. I don't plan on explaining religion to my kids unless they ask. If or when they do, I will explain to them the reasons I do not believe and the reasons some people do and ask them what they think. I do admit I hope they don't choose to follow a religion.

[mummabear27]

Is there a way to avoid getting the updates for this thread? I only commented because of the original post and have no interest in yet another atheist v religion debate. I have my belief and am entitled to post on here what it is (as is everyone else). I do not disrespect people who believe in another deity or believe in no deity, but also expect the same back. Which is not happening on this thread, from either direction really.
If a mod could tell me how to unsubscribe that would be great as I've tried and am still getting updates. Thanks hope you all have a great weekend.

[FiveInTheBed]

Is there a way to avoid getting the updates for this thread? I only commented because of the original post and have no interest in yet another atheist v religion debate. I have my belief and am entitled to post on here what it is (as is everyone else). I do not disrespect people who believe in another deity or believe in no deity, but also expect the same back. Which is not happening on this thread, from either direction really.
If a mod could tell me how to unsubscribe that would be great as I've tried and am still getting updates. Thanks hope you all have a great weekend.

if you go to the top of the thread - just under the title..you'll see "thread tools''

If you click on that you can unsubscribe.

[Northerly]

What is the function of religion anyway? I have never understood....and this is not an attack..just a point to ponder. What is the reason?

If you're genuinely interested I'd recommend a book by Daniel Dennett called Breaking the Spell:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/014303...4767034&sr=8-1