I am a Pagan, my husband is agnostic. We have two wonderful kids. I have always felt that freedom of religion meant all religions. Is it possible to raise caring responsible pagan kids without all of the backlash in a Christian world? And what do you say when they choose a mainstream religion? I don't want to force them into my beliefs.
2006-07-01 08:59:56 · 9 answers · asked by Pagan Mom 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I say you should just leave out religion until they are old enough to make their own decision. Expose them to different aspects of different religions, but let them make the end decision on their faith.
2006-07-01 09:04:58 · answer #1 · answered by Green-eyed Nikki 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't have children, but My husband and I who are both Pagan have decided that when we have kids we will raise them pagan but with an open mind. Offering a plethora of reading materials on all other faiths we can find, including Christianity.
I want to instill in my children that religion is a personal thing that they must decide for themselves about life's mysteries.
I think that religious practices are a beneficial thing to young children but as they become adolescents, allowing him this choice would allow them to help define who they are, which is exaclty what an adolescent wants. It also shows trust in their decisions. Many pagan children choose to be Pagan adults because very few other religions allow such intelliectual freedom.
2006-07-02 17:26:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it's important to teach them about what you and your husband believe as well as include them in your spiritual/religious activities. However, when they get to the age where they want to know more about other religions and beliefs, be open with them and help them learn. Make sure they know that they're welcomed with you and your religious beliefs and that they're also individuals who need to find their own beliefs, whether they rest with you in paganism or some other religion.
It's good to hear about parents who show concern about their childrens upbringing and don't want to force things upon their children that they don't like or disagree with.
2006-07-01 09:26:41 · answer #3 · answered by luminousshadow11 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sure you will get some backlash from the Christian world. Who doesn't?
I have a hard time with the way church teaches Jesus. I am not sure what I would do if my kids starting going to Evangical church or something. But I know enough about the bible so they know where I stand. It is still up to them. It is my job to make sure they are not mentally anguished by it and they are kept safe from the 'fear and manipulation' presented.
2006-07-01 09:05:54 · answer #4 · answered by ridethestar 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should live your religion as part of your life, don't just keep it for secret rituals in the closet. Say Pagan blessings over your meals, greet the Dawn, celebrate the cycles of the moon, have an altar in your house or in your yard and worship at it. Go to gatherings for the sabbats, if they want to join you, let them, and teach them about what you're doing, answer their questions. In the end, the decision will be theirs, whether you like it or not, but tell them that you want them to make their own choices. And accept that maybe that choice will be one you don't like. Love them anyway.
Yes, they'll be teased in school for being Pagan, and if not that, for being too fat, too thin, for wearing glasses, braces, the wrong kind of sneakers/jeans/hat/jacket, bringing the wrong kind of lunch, saying something stupid, falling down, dropping things, having big eyes/ears/hands/feet/lips/boobs or a big nose, having a small nose or eyes/ears/hands/feet/lips/boobs, etc. They'll get over it. My kids got teased, and I asked them if they thought it would be better if I kept our religion to myself and didn't teach them and they said no. They get teased because of their organic, vegetarian lunches too, but they still don't want to eat the garbage the other kids are eating! Kids are tough.
2006-07-05 01:57:51 · answer #5 · answered by kaplah 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freedom of religion is the same as freedom FROM religion?
Interesting.
2006-07-01 09:06:35 · answer #6 · answered by whynotaskdon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let then decide what ever they want. If you are a supportive mother, then show it by letting them make their own choices. Don't shut them out of your life if they don't choose your religion, love them no matter what.
2006-07-01 09:03:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is. Make sure your children are well-informed about all religions. Also teach them not to generalize or assume about people.
2006-07-01 09:07:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are commanded by God to teach our children about God and His teachings.
http://www.biblebelievers.com/AllThis.html
2006-07-01 09:12:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋