Atheists a question for those who have children?

Question

I'm a Lutheran but to be honest I haven't been to church in years & believe it or not alot of the kids in my daughters school look down on her for it. Now my answer to her is to tell them to go f off but that would only get her suspended. Have your kids dealt with that & if so how did you tell them to handle it? Please don't go off on there being a fake God because I do believe I just think that alot of the churches are corrupt & only want your money. Thanks

I'm getting some great answers thank you

Answer 1

That is just too sad. There are other children so brainwashed that they look down on someone who can think for themselves. Tell your daughter that it is much better to study all beliefs and make a decision on what feels best to her. Help her to feel good that she is way better off without the religious BS in her life. She can love God and not belong to any idiotic religion.

Answer 2

I experienced it as a child (growing up in the u.s.), yes. but luckily my son has grown up in a country where his classmates are more Buddhist and Hindu than christian.

I am an atheist, but I have been careful to leave religious questions to him (he's 10). He first believed in Buddha, then Ganesh. Later, he started out saying he was christian, which i had no objection to. Now he says he says he's not sure (agnostic). He's smart and open minded. I have complete confidence he'll make the right choice entirely on his own.

Answer 3

My kids are atheists and it's difficult for them. One thing they have done that is effective is to insist that the "religion" thing be "off limits" in conversation. She shouldn't have to tolerate a lot of questioning. Phrases like "that's personal." (brief) or "never discuss religion or politics" (kinda lighter approach). Or just look em in the eye and say "that's between god and I."

yeah, I get really sick of it. Mostly, my kids just learned to deal with it by keeping it off limits. They have been invited to church, went, and were VERY creeped out. :)

Answer 4

I do not believe in organized religion for the same reason you do, and also, I do not believe that god, or devil, heaven or hell exists, and yes, I taught my kids that too, but I also gave them the choice to go to a church if they wanted to. To this day, they are both just like me, unbelievers.

Answer 5

It's the kids being brainwashed by their parents to think they're better than those that don't go to church. Is it a Christian school? If so, consider a secular one. Or tell her to say to them "My mom told me I can worship God anytime, anyplace, and that church is only for people who need it"

Answer 6

Next Sunday morning take your daughter to the movies or shopping and remind her that her classmates are sitting in church listening to a boring lecture.

Answer 7

You are right about most churches just wanting your money, but based on your explanation, I would seriously check up on your salvation. You can know beyond a shadow of a doubt if you are going to heaven or not, but it doesn't sound like you are. You don't truly believe deep down in your heart.

Answer 8

I teach my children to respond to questions about their religious beliefs as follows:

My religious beliefs or disbeliefs are personal and I would prefer to keep them private. Please know that I would never let my views on religion dictate who should be my friend. I hope that you would do so as well, and consider me to be your friend.

Answer 9

I live in a liberal, multicultural place called NYC, so unlike Jesus, that problem has never arisen.