I guess I would be considered an Atheist. My wife calls herself a Christian, although she doesn't really practice it. I am not a militant Atheist who thinks the word God should be removed from everything. I really could care less if it's on the US currency or in the pledge, however I am opposed to it being taught as fact right along with reading and math.
That being said, it is time for my 4 year old to start pre-K. We checked into some private schools and simply cannot afford them. My wife is trying to convince me to send him to a Christian school. It is only for one year(next year he will start public kindergarden). She insists that the amount of bible taught will be minimal. I am against the whole idea. Am I over reacting? She says that I can explain to him that there are different belief systems and that it's okay to believe whatever you want or nothing at all. I just don't want him being brainwashed for 4 or 5 hours a day. Anyone have any experince like this?
2006-08-10 10:45:02 · 10 answers · asked by fungal_gourmet 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
I AM only 13, but maybe I can help you. my dad is JUST like you with the religious beliefs. my mom kind of believes in christianity, but kind of not. a few years ago, I started going to church with my friend and my dad got annoyed when I decided we should say grace at dinnertime. well, eventually I came to my senses and realized god is impossible,(I was brainwashed by that church, I swear!) but my dad just stuck it out. it was only about a year. I think that you can wait it out too. especially if minimal religion is taught. remember, you believe what you want, but you have to let your kids do the same. good luck. and maybe they will just teach your child better behavior.
2006-08-10 12:27:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Coming from someone who taught in a Christian preschool, I think it's a good idea to send your child to the school. I had several students of different religious backgrounds, Muslim, Mormon, Buddhist, and the parents felt so comfortable with their kids being in a caring and loving environment that the religious side of it was not even an issue. If this school you are considering is anything like where I taught, yes the religious teachings are limited. I prayed with my students at the end of circle time, which included a one to two page bible story from a children's bible. We said a blessing at snack time, and sang religious songs along with the old preschool classics, lol. If you are really concerned, find out from the school how in depth the biblical teaching gets, I can't imagine it would be anything very deep, most children can only grasp the basic idea of some of the stories so teachers usually don't go overboard with it. Basically, I don't think he will be "brainwashed" from a Christian preschool. You can teach your son about acceptance and respect for others beliefs. Good luck.
2006-08-10 19:26:07 · answer #2 · answered by disneychick 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had to move for my job to a biblebelt area. I have a 8 year old that not only goes to the local christian school, but because I am a single father she also has daycare through this school. She has a different person watching her every week so not only is she getting ideas from the school but from the individuals that run the daycare. Being 8 years old and have been taught about what I believe in which is Atheism, she does pretty good. She respects them and always has a smile on her face but her beliefs have stayed with mine. She thinks as God the same as a character in a movie that some people think is real but she knows better, its cute. But because your son is only 4 I dont know if he will have the same mindset as my daughter, I dont know if she could resist the lie at that age or not. Just make sure you tell your son what the truth is and that he understands that this is no God but people will talk like there is and this is just not true. Treat it the same way you would a monster in the closet but also teach him to keep it to himself, at least until hes old enough to form and backup his opinion.
2006-08-10 18:08:14 · answer #3 · answered by Later Me 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
My mom sent me to a Christian School when I was in High School so I could get the private school education. I and my family are atheists. I have no problem with religion, but I just happened to hate that school.
When it comes to preschoolers in christian schools, they just learn some bible songs and maybe learn some of the stories. AKA Noah's Ark, Jonah and the Whale. But get ready to watch a lot of Veggie Tales Videos. He'll learn good things from it all, though!
2006-08-10 23:16:48 · answer #4 · answered by L♥G 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've actually been in that exact situation myself. Both my parents are atheist and sent me to a Christian school when I was younger. I think any child, after they grow up for awhile, will eventually start asking questions. So, regardless of how they get brainwashed, it's not the end of the world. I don't feel I was brainwashed at all during my time in Christian school. In fact, I think the things presented to me made me really think critically about life, religion, and truth. It's better to have a child who thinks about things than a child who grows up and is just completely detached from these big questions in life. I don't think it's a big deal. Regardless of which school you send them to, they'll be bombarded by something anyway; if not through school, through the TV.
2006-08-10 17:56:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
My husband and I aren't athiest, we just don't believe in "organized" religion (hard to explain).
Nonetheless, when our child gets old enough we are considering sending her to a religious school simply for the education.
Don't fret. Even if you send your kid to religious school all the way through graduation, it doesn't mean he'll be religious. My bro-in-law is Athiest but went to Catholic school.
I have friends who went to public school who were very much "Jesus freaks".
Besides, it's only pre-K, they'll just tell little bible stories at the most that he won't take any more seriously than a Spiderman cartoon.
Good luck!
2006-08-10 19:44:40 · answer #6 · answered by Queen D 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
At 4 years-old how much of that info do you think he will actually remember? Not a whole lot. They will mostly teach like a normal pre-school, but with a few morals lessons. I was a nanny for a little girl that goes to the private church pre-school, but they don't shove religion down their throat.
2006-08-10 17:53:07 · answer #7 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
If you are truly an Atheist, stick to your guns. But maybe you will come to see the light if you son does go to a religious school. I pray for you, and that your son will have the morality your wife does.
2006-08-11 00:06:14 · answer #8 · answered by the_proms 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Pre K is not necessary. :) I didnt go to it, my mom taught me higher things. Like how to read and write, lots of math too, so they will be smarter than the other kids. School honsetly thinks children are stupid and will not understand a single thing you say to them. They know more than you think they do. 4 years is when children usually start remembering things, I dont think your child will remember much of it.
2006-08-10 17:53:49 · answer #9 · answered by Cookie 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Athiests are sad, uneducated people. Glad you aren't my dad.
2006-08-10 17:51:29 · answer #10 · answered by sally 5 · 1⤊ 7⤋