Comments on: On Raising Children Without Religion

By: Kristen King

Kristen King — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:17:08 +0000

@Megan, thanks for clarifying that!

@Katherine, your kiddos sound so interesting. Thanks for sharing that with us.

@Perfect, forgive my bluntness, but are you on crack? If this is a perfect world, I’m a potato. Perfect moments, okay. But perfect world? No way.

@MIKCTR, LOL at “Is clothes, food, shelter and Wii the end of parental responsibilty?”

@Summer, don’t you just love lively conversation?

By: Summer

Summer — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:27:04 +0000

Thanks for stopping by and linking to my post. It’s been quiet a conversation going on.

Summer’s last blog post..Getting My Green Groove On

By: MIKCTR

MIKCTR — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:08:29 +0000

Yo, Perfect: PLEASE explain what part of the world is perfect. Looking at the news (or just a trip to the grocery store) – and not JUST in this country – and seeing the incredible suffering of HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS of people and the lack of viable solutions mankind and governments are providing, I would really like to know your thoughts on this – or the same perscription! lol

There are good things in the world ) There is also a lot of ‘faith’. It is very important to know that that which the faith is invested in is not going to disappoint. Since the start of human governing, people have had ‘faith’ in their government – each of which has eventually fallen to another nation that someone else put their ‘faith’ in, which, in turn, fell to another. Looking at the ‘good’ parts can never fill in the gaping holes that have been since the beginning. (Jerrimiah 10:23)

By: MIKCTR

MIKCTR — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:58:52 +0000

Hooray for all the parents wanting to teach their kids to THINK!

I believe, however, there IS a difference between teaching them to respect other’s beliefs and being able to teach them what you belive. If there is sound reasoning for believing in God, then that reasoning should be shared with your children! If the reasoning cannot stand up to the questions of science – or pure and simple LOGIC and true “reasoning” – maybe you’re kids know something that you don’t? It should never be ‘wrong’ to question whether what you belive is correct!

Personally, I believe it is the responsibility of the parents to instill in their children ‘right and wrong’. If they are allowed to merely ‘pick it up’, you’re in for some real disaster and you as a parent have pointed them in a dangerous direction. Children look to their parents for direction and guidance! Are parents so insecure with their own beliefs that they are afraid of providing that for their children? Is clothes, food, shelter and Wii the end of parental responsibilty?

By: Perfect Moment Project

Perfect Moment Project — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 06:48:20 +0000

there's always faith. the world IS perfect. You just gotta keep your eyes open and Be a part of what makes the world a good place.

By: Katharine

Katharine — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 04:43:31 +0000

Like Megan, I think that if you have faith, you should teach your children about it and about your particular religion's stances on things, explaining where and why you might differ on those. And you have to be open to your children having beliefs that differ from yours. My 14-year-old son, the budding science geek, says that he's an atheist, and I respect that while requiring that he respect my faith and others' spiritual beliefs. My 7-year-old son lectures his older brother that "of course" God exists, and I talk about his own beliefs with him and am trying to teach him to respect his brother's beliefs. It's a juggling act. I teach them about about various religions' beliefs so that they have some context for their own beliefs. Katharine’s last blog post..On Top of the World

By: megan

megan — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:41:25 +0000

You're right--it could be, but that's not the case in my life. Religion is an outward expression of my inward faith so the two go hand-in-hand. Sadly, for many people, religion is just something they "do" in the absence of faith. megan’s last blog post..The End Times

By: Kristen King

Kristen King — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 23:04:58 +0000

Thanks, Megan! I think there’s a difference, though, between teaching your kids about your faith and teaching them religion. What do you think about that?

By: megan

megan — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:48:35 +0000

I think it is irresponsible not to teach your kids about your faith, because it is such a significant part of who you are as a human being and influences so many facets of life. However, it always must be taught as "this is why *I* believe this" instead of "this is why *you* believe this." Faith is extremely personal. megan’s last blog post..The End Times