give children the choice of their religion?

Question

This may sound a little out there for some people ... but here goes: I was raised catholic, but i never became confirmed because i knew that the catholic religion was not for me (i thought it would be VERY dissrespectful to be confirmed and then never go to church again). Anyways - now that i'm a mother i want my children to have the choice or 'freedom' to choose whatever religion they would like to practice. I want to familiarize them with christianity, judaism, islam, buddhism, and hinduism so when they ar mature enough to realize what they want to practice (if anything at all) they will have all their options open. I figure that at least they will have learned about other cultures doing this and that will be a plus - what do you think?

some people have asked would i be okay with my children not having religion. thats perfectly okay with me, because i am agnostic. so i would be fine with whatever choice they make - as long as they are happy. however i would advise them not to drink the koolaid! thanks for everyone's opinions!

some people have asked would i be okay with my children not having religion. thats perfectly okay with me, because i am agnostic. so i would be fine with whatever choice they make - as long as they are happy. however i would advise them not to drink the koolaid! thanks for everyone's opinions!

Answer 1

I think it is a great idea to teach your children about the great traditions of the world. I think there is much wisdom to be learned from ALL of them.

My only concern is whether it's possible for your children's hearts to be transformed in the process. I have found, having not been raised in any faith, that reading about Buddhism, Hinduism, and others increased my respect from them, but did not necessarily bring me in touch with the divine.

One of my favorite Buddhist authors, Thich nhat Hahn (sp?), emphasizes choosing a tradition and fully engulfing yourself in its practices. Only then will our heart soften and our lives be changed.

Anyway, I very much respect your open-mindedness and outlook. I face similar challenges in raising my two girls.

A book to recommend: A Faith like Mine. It shares information about the world's great religions as told by children who practice them. It's a beautiful book for children (and adults!)
Peace be with you and your family.

Answer 2

God bless you for allowing your children the choice. I am speaking from experience here. I had a mother that allowed me to make my own choice. Guess what I just last Thursday finished a comparitive religion course in college and I would not trade it for anything. Thats what I would suggest to you is to get a book or take a course in Comparitive Religion. I have learned so much valuable information and such understanding of people around me and their beliefs. I think your doing the right thing. But this is by my own personal opinion. I think all people and all cultures are equally important and comparing religion gives one a view of life styles. I believe my Grade will be a High A or no lower than an A -. Wont know my grade for a few weeks. LOL!!

Answer 3

Great idea. My parents are strong Christains but a couple of years ago (when I was about 12) I realized I didn't really believe any it. I am an atheist and my parents more or less support my choice. That is a very healthy thing to do, and it makes children think instead of just going along with something, no matter what religion they choose.

Answer 4

No. i develop into presented up in a catholic kin. Baptized catholic as an toddler. 15 years later i began forming my personal recommendations and determined I didnt like my faith and opt to rework to Judaism. My mothers and fathers are very obdurate and doubt i extremely opt for to be Jewish and that i`m merely following some stupid fad. None of this could have got here about if I were given the alternative of religion instead of being "made" catholic at the same time as i develop into no more beneficial than 2 months previous. you do no longer recognize how not undemanding that is to opt for on to worship one way and characteristic someone limit you to some faith you couldnt care a lot less about. So now my plans are I`m merely going to could get an many times paying activity after I`m previous sufficient, keep up funds, and signal up myself in jewish faith instructions after I`m 18. I cant wait.

Answer 5

why stop there? Why not familiarize them with Roman and Greek mythology, how about Krishna, what of Confusionism?

I know where you are driving at and I face a similar dilemma. I have children, I was raised Catholic (recieved my sacraments, thank you) and I have no faith which I follow.

I think it's best just to stick with tradition. Your kid will figure out for themselves what they want anyway.
But the bad part is that they may turn to some wierdo cult or something. Good luck.

Answer 6

My daughter also was brought up Catholic, When she had her son, she decided that he would choose his religion for himself, when he was ready. His Nana is Jewish, so she taught him about the different holidays and he celebrated them with his Nana. I am Catholic and she had no problem with him going to church with me on Sundays. I took him since he was 2 years old. As he grew she explained about religion and the different kinds there was. This was not of my liking, but this was her child and I did not interfere. When he was ten she died,He came to me and said he wanted to go to religion, I said you would have to ask your father,My son in law agreed as long as he didn't have to be part of it. He will be Thirteen next year, and we are now planing for his confirmation. I never thought I'd be saying this but you are the mother and you should do what you feel is the right thing for them. Do not over burden them with too much to choose, concentrate of everyday life, kindness to one another, helping each other. The way of life is a religion in itself.

Answer 7

I agree except for the islamic part. They can be familiarized with it,but I wouldnt accept it to be practiced. Bahai faith may just be the faith your looking for. Check inot it. Plus they give children "Character classes" that teaches them morals and ethics and even toddlers are brought to do volunteer work to start practicing good character. They accept all faiths and all profits as being honored,even islam. Im very spiritual but not religous and if my children said they wanted to go to church,temple,hindu temple,ect ect,I would gladly take them. I was raised Christian but I just disbelieve too much of it to be a Christian. Your a good mother and sounds like your very supportive and youll love your babies for whatever they choose,good luck

Answer 8

Absolutely!! My mother insisted that I not be christened or baptised, and I was grateful for it when I got older. I am now Wiccan, and my mother is atheist, having been brought up Church of England Christian. She is also married to a Muslim, and my partner is atheist. I will teach my children all the religions of the world, and let them make up their own minds.

BB
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Answer 9

It is my job, as a parent, to give my children guidance in the way they should live - in the truth as I have found it.

Pro 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

His Word says we are commissioned to go out and preach the Good News. Mark 16:15. My children will hear the Good News.

Once they are grown and living their own lives they are free to make their own decisions. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

Answer 10

Yup. And the freedom to NOT believe at all is good as well. They need to be familiar with religion, but not forced into religion. That's a difficult balance to acheive. If you are successful, let us know how you did it!

Best wishes!