How do you handle Atheists telling your children that Religion is false?

Answer 1

The same way I deal with Christians telling them they are going to hell without Jesus.. I tell them to pimp their brainwashing elsewhere,

Answer 2

First of all, you should know that children follow their parents closely. Whatever you do, they will try to imitate it closely. So, that means that you have to have a good relationship with them. Talk to them more, be their supporting pillar so that they know that you can be relied on. Then, make sure they get the right message. Tell them that religion is true if you think so and instill that message in their hearts. Then, if there are Atheists around, they will not even bother to know about what they say because they know and trust their parents more than they trust those Atheists.

Answer 3

I've never had that happen. But if it did I would handle it the same way I have on the MANY occasions when Christians told my children that their particular religion was a false religion.

Answer 4

I tell my son to decide for himself and not allow others to do his thinking for him. But, I have never run into this problem before... Atheists telling children that religion is false. Most Atheists I know, in real life, don't even discuss it.

Answer 5

How do you handle religious zealots telling you that they know god is real because of "faith" and that you are going to hell because you do not subscribe to (fill in the religion of your choice here)? If you really want your children to grow up with religion, lead by example. But they would be better off learning god doesn't exist at the same time they learn Santa can't see them while they are sleeping, or awake, or in the shower, or changing clothes.

Answer 6

Your childrens faith is ultimately determined by them. You can take them with you to participate in your religious services, you can teach them ritual, you can teach them the mysteries of your religion, you can read religious texts with them but in the end it is what THEY make of it. Their faith will be challenged many times in their life and the majority of the time that challenge may come from their own reasoning.

But what is true faith without challenge? The best thing you can do is tell your children that you love them unconditionally and that even though you would like them to share in your spirituality, your love does not depend on that. Do not guild them into following your faith because it could lead to resentment of you and a rejection of your faith even if it is their faith as well.

The athiest has the right to make his/her case. Just support and love your children no matter their spirituality.

Now if this athiest is shoving it down their throats constantly you have a right to ask them not to do it so much. Say you respect their point of view but they wouldn't like you shoving religion down their throat so you need a break from their philosphy as well. Let him/her know that when it comes to this topic is better to agree to disagree.

Answer 7

Politely explain to your children that different people believe in different religions and they should love and respect everyone, even those with whom you disagree. When your children are young, you can just tell them that this is what your family believes/does. When they are older, you should encourage open discussion and thought, unless you want them to rebel. You should not have to control everything your child hears to ensure his/her faith. You have to show them why faith is important and beneficial to their lives by example, and then let them find their own path. (By the way, I don't share your Christian beliefs, but I don't have the same anger about it that others seem to express).

Why do Atheists and Christians have to be so angry and antagonistic toward one another? Many of my friends are of different faiths (or fervent lack thereof). I'm not bitter about it.

Answer 8

My nephew has been cornered by Christians at school and asked if he's accepted Jesus. I know my sister - who's agnostic -was really upset about it. She ended up having to arm my nephew with things he could say to fend them off. So I imagine the Christian (or theist of any variety) parent might do the same. But personally - I think children should learn about numerous belief systems and be allowed to make their own spiritual choices.

Answer 9

Explain to your kids that there are many differing views on religion in the world and this person has a valid one, but that the child will have to examine things for themself to figure out what they believe about religion. I would also ask the atheist to please allow you to teach your own children about religion.

I'm an atheist, but that would be fairly rude (depending on the exact situation).

Answer 10

Listen very carefully because the top 1% of the brightest people in America are Atheists.

Answer 11

How do you handle Christians telling your children in school that God exists... and what they believe is false?