Atheists only, please, no trolls!?

Question

Atheists, of all the religions / mythologies / spiritual belief systems out there to choose from, do you believe that any of them are inherently "better" than the others?

(I realize that "better" is not well-defined here; that is intentional. "Better" could mean less violent, less judgmental, less incredibly wacky, more tolerant, or simply more amusing. I leave that up to you to decide.)

My second question is: When you teach these religions to you (hypothetical) children, do you teach any/all of them "straight up" ("This is what such-and-sos believe....") or do you teach them in a way to avoid easy conversion (such as pointing out problem verses in Christianity, etc.)?

(I'm considering having children someday with my atheist boyfriend, and we're trying to work out the whole religion thing. :p I'm interested in the opinion of the community here.)

Wiccans, Pagans, and Agnostics are also welcome to answer (I'm interested in many opinions), but I'd prefer that Christians didn't, simply because I don't need to hear a lot of preaching about how my kids are going to hell. Thx!

Thank you, St. Mike. I don't usually get to report people, but I think you deserve a "Not a Question or Answer".

The next time I say, "No Christians, Please", maybe you won't be an incosiderate person who spams my question.

Have a nice day. :)

Answer 1

Wiccan here! I plan on teaching my kids "These are the what X, Y and Z believe." My boyfriend (whom I'd like to procreate with someday) and I are both very intelligent people, which means we'd likely have very intelligent kids, which means they'd be able to figure out the "drawbacks", for lack of a better word, of different spiritual paths without any push from us.

)O(

Answer 2

It depends on what you believe. I believe Buddhism is the most logical, but if you don't believe in the philosophy I'd say Wicca and neo-Paganism would be the next choices.

I always give positive and negative aspects when I do talk to anyone asking me questions about religions I"ve studied, no matter what their purpose for asking.

Here's a rule of thumb... with children, encourage their explorations and questions, give BOTH sides of arguments about a particular religion according to their age level or level of understanding (if they're "gifted") or tell them, "let's find out together" which makes it a family venture that can build nice memories. Sit and "debate" with them... asking them, while doing their research... "what do you think?", "How do you feel?" etc. Such communication keeps the lines open, and teaches and shows your wisdom and understanding.

_()_

Answer 3

i dont like to say one is better than another ... we all have different needs and beliefs
what i do feel strongly about is teaching children properly
i teach my children that my religion is not their religion ... although they ask questions on it and i answer to the best of my ability
however i do this with any religious question they have about any religion
i will point out that there are many religions and no one knows what is really true ... only what makes sense for them
right now i am spiritualist
my 15 year old daughter is looking into Wiccan
and although my other two are too young to make such decisions they do voice their opinion and i respect it

Answer 4

Those that have a solid philosophical foundation are preferred. Those with truths that stand alone without divine authority.

If I were to teach my children religion I would teach it objectively covering all religions and the conflicting theories between them if any such conflicts existed and pointing out the areas that are similar.

Answer 5

Druidism. Any religious leanings I have are toward the Earth religions. After all, the earth is our mother, she sustains us, and we have clear empirical evidence of her existence and support.
I feel the most spiritual under the redwoods or on the beach, and druidry is also a part of my ethnic heritage.
As for what I'll teach my child, I'll start with the origins of religion: primitave people who ascribed the mysteries of the universe to unseen, all-powerful beings. I'll explain that there are many schools of thought on the subject, and allow them to find out more and attend any services that might interest them.
I'll tell them it's a choice only they can make for themselves, and explain the thought behind my viewpoint, if they want to hear it.

Answer 6

The more encompassing of what is actually known, and what has not been falsified or made extremely unlikely, the better. The only ones who fit this are Advaita Vedanta, Buddhism, Taoism, and some forms of Shamanic/Pagan belief. If I teach them, I teach them with as much detail as possible.

Answer 7

I lean toward Judism and other ancient religions. Their religion taught a way of life rather than do this, give me money or go to hell. Judism allowed multiple wives until the christian church said that you will go to hell if you have more than on wife. At about the same time the catholic church liscensed all of the brothels to the church. You could have as much sex as you wanted, in a church sanctioned brothel, but you could only have one wife. AQnd for a number of centuries you could only have sex with your wife for procreation and a priest had to be present during the process. A religion that celebrates life rather than controlling it is the way to go.

Answer 8

Yes some are 'better' than others but still all are irrational.

As to 'teaching' my children, they will pick up stuff from school and their peers, if I am asked a direct question i will answer it directly, but I give my children credit, there are actually more important things in this world than whether they believe in god or not.

Answer 9

If and when I have kids, I will teach them about all, or as many as I can, religions. I want my child to be able to make an educated choice on his/her own and not just blindly follow what someone tells them to.

Answer 10

I like Wicca better than most other religions, mostly because its followers seem happy and able to give and take joy in life.

I'm not sure I feel qualified to address your second question. If I had kids, I think I would encourage them to investigate for themselves.