If you didn't believe in God but your child did, how would you handle this? Child age 4-7 years old?

Question

Also if they wanted to goto church?

If they wanted you to pray with them?

Answer 1

Please read my words carefully:
If you see footmark in the sand, you'll say that someone passed from here...
If you see a piece of dog sh*t on the ground, you'll say that a dog passed from here...
So what about the enormous universe, the sky, stars, planets, earth and all the beauty in it, doesn't it lead to that someone made it?!!!

Some people say that everything is created by itself after the big-bang... I won't ask you about what caused the big-bang, but I'll ask you a simple question:
If you take all the letters of the alphabet, multiples of them, and you threw them randomly on the floor. Do you expect (by a chance of one in infinity) to get a poem like shakespear's??!!

Can't you see how organized our universe is, the planets, the eco-system on earth, look even in your own body... Can you control your heart-beat? Can you control your breath while you're sleeping? Who stopped your eye-lashes from growing after reaching a certain length? Who told the baby turtles to move towards the sea and not to the earth after they come out of their eggs? Who taught the bird how to make nests?

My friend, think with your heart and brain. If you're still lost, think about the following:

Do you know how to play safe?
Your point:
If there's no God and you do all what you want in life, then nothing will happen to you after life. But if there was God and you were mistaken, then you'll blame yourself FOREVER...

Believer's point:
If there's God and I followed His commands in life, then I'll be in Heaven after life FOREVER. But if there was no God and we're mistaken, then nothing bad will happen to us after life...

Now you know how to play-safe, in case you're not convinced?

Answer 2

Well instead of getting mad and writing their faith off, maybe you should take the time to find out about the God that your child believes in. Find someone that you know and trust and pay a visit to that persons church, and when you go instead of walking in the church with a bias, go in having an open mind. Yes, there are hypocrites in the church, but is there any place that doesn't have hypocrites. Try praying with your child, if there is no God, then nothing will happen, but at least your kid will know that you love them enough to take their feelings and beliefs in consideration. God Bless You! Good luck in your decision.

Answer 3

Besides the other great points that people had such as:
1. the kid's idea of God is very child-like,
2. he/she may not remember all that much from it,
3. it's comforting for children.

There's also the fact that it will allow your child to have a better cultural literacy about this mythology that plays an interesting role in our society. If your kid's experience is anything like mine was, he/she'll probably learn about Moses and Noah's ark, Daniel in the Lion's den, sing some kiddie songs, etc.

I don't think you necessarily have to deny the comforting feeling of an omniscient "God" to your very young child just because it goes against your convictions. Children have different sets of fears than we do. Eventually, they'll become more developed to have a better appreciation of the question of "God."

Otherwise, maybe you could think about helping to fill your child's imagination with other stories and myths and legends. I don't think there's any need to have your young child experience the alienation of existentialism just yet. :)

Answer 4

Anyone, even a young child, is entitled to develop their own belief system.

I would let them know it's OK to believe - or not, as the case may be.

I would take them to church, sure - maybe visit several churches of different faiths.

I would not be a hypocrite by praying with them, but I'd keep the reason simple "I don't want to pray, but I will sit with you while you do, if you like?"

As they get older, you can discuss your own beliefs in more detail, while encouraging them to use their own judgement, but not judge others.

Hope that made sense - good luck.

Answer 5

At 4 to 7 years old they are only making choices adults have programmed them with. Let them grow up first to choose superstition over good sensibilities. Christians suck. All religions suck. To brainwash someone when they are young should be a crime. That is why the world is so full of trouble. Because of Christians, Muslims and Jews brainwashing their children with fairytale trash. Religion is ruining the world with ludicrous lies and superstition. It is time for the world to abolish the dark age of religion. The false promise of a new life in another world leaves us to trash this one because we think we have a second chance. Come on you can teach a child better than old jewish fairytales. Teach the brat some math skills so they can get a job.

Answer 6

My first question to the child in this situation would be where did the child aquire this belief?
My response to that question would depend upon the answer.
If it was their wish and desire to go to church I would allow it but not go there with them. Dropping them off at the front door would be the extent of it.
With regards to praying with them I would likely take a moment to explain to the child my views on the matter after politely but firmly refusing.
This offers an alternative point of view to the child, freedom of choice for the child and provides support to the child.
How is this a bad idea?

Answer 7

First off, find out why my child believes in God. Either way, yes, take him/her to church, but be sure to help him/her understand what is said in church. And I would politely decline to pray with them and simply tell them that I don't believe in a god so praying would be wrong for me.

Answer 8

Simple you tell them that you can't pray with them but you will stand there with them while they pray. Let them go to church if they want to. At their ages they should not be allowed to go by their self so have a family member or friend take them or you can take them. I have taken my kids to church before because they wanted to go and I am a Atheist. I let me kids learn about all religions and decide which is right for them on their own.

Answer 9

Though it is proper to take a child to church, at that age, they are primarily simply repeat what they've been told. Children don't even begin developing conceptual thought process until puberty. Not even Christ did until that age. This is science, not an opinion. See the Michigan U. study, "The Amazing Life of the Human Brain." Someone is telling the child to say these things, and though they are the right things to say, it is an interference of how you are raising your child.

Answer 10

First,Im not religous but spiritual and open to the truth.
I would take my child to church. I would pray,since I pray now anyway but I wouldnt do anything I felt was morally wrong and i wouldnt say"praise Jesus" as that would be fake but id take them. I have a 3 and 4 year old.

Answer 11

It is very good parenting to take a child to church. You don't have to believe yourself but since you are a parent you know the sacrifice thingy.
Your child may get bored with it sooner than you think or the kid may have a really good church picked out with a lot of fun activities for children.
One church I know of puts on a circus for Halloween.
What do you have to lose?