My son is six and very much involved with church and talks about how much he loves God quite often. Which I am most thankful for....however, he is in Kindergarten and has a friend that always says that God isn't real. I want to respect what his parents are teaching him, plus I know you "shouldn't" talk about religion in school but my son, as a Christian, knows that his job is to teach others about God. what's the best way for me to tell him to handle this in the school environment?
2007-02-28 13:26:37 · 32 answers · asked by Staying Quiet 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Tell him "You've told Timmy that you believe in god. Timmy has told you that he doesn't. Now that you've both told each other what you believe there isn't a need to talk about it any more. It's like if Timmy told you his favorite color was red, but yours is blue. Once you know what the other one thinks, there just isn't a reason to keep talking about your differences. You should spend your time with Timmy talking about all the things you have in common, instead."
2007-02-28 13:30:40 · answer #1 · answered by Haiku Hanna 3 · 14⤊ 1⤋
He's six. It's not his job to teach anyone about something he's a novice at himself. He's only had at most...3 years of his own comprehensive experiences as a Christian. What I'm saying is...don't pressure him to teach something so big, when he's so little. It's WAY too much to put on him.
Secondly, you tell him that it's not his responsibility to force anyone to believe as he does. Think realistically. If this other child's parents are teaching him that God doesn't exist...there's no way your son can influence him at 6 years old...when a child's parents are the world to them...that his parents are wrong.
If he believes for himself, then it's right for HIM to believe it. The other child can't force him not to believe, can he? So they'll both have to learn that the world is full of different people, with different ideas. Not everyone can be made to see things your way, and sometimes you just have to accept that. You're fine as long as you stick to what you truly believe is right in your own heart.
2007-02-28 13:33:31 · answer #2 · answered by Lisa E 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Tell him everyone talks about those they love. Some people love the Red Sox and talk about it all the time (even try to convert a few Yankees fans like me), and some people love God and talk about Him all the time, trying to convert others. That's what Christianity requires of Christians- to preach the Gospel throughout the world. Just make sure he understands not to cross the line of being forceful or "cramming it down other's throats". Have him ask others if they would like to hear about God/his love for God. If they say no, then he shouldn't say anything more to them about God. If they say okay, then go ahead. Hopefully the parents of the atheist child will teach their son that just because someone talks about someone they love doesn't mean they are forcing it on others. It only becomes forceful when people have said they don't want to hear it, and yet that Christian persists. So make sure he asks others if he can share his love for God with them, and if they don't want to hear it, tell him to respect their free will.
2007-02-28 13:43:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I do not think that the school cannot stop your son from saying that he believes God Is Real. I know from helping out at my son's school kids answer questions from the teacher with a Christian answers. Also Jesus walked his talk and if your son loves God he will show it too.
Also he needs to show respect for the other child belief and you need to encourage him that their will be times where not everyone is going to believe the same way he does.
2007-02-28 13:36:33 · answer #4 · answered by ruthie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow that's tough. I know teaching a six year old to behave a certain way can be difficult, but it would be best to teach him to respect all religious choices, and to really express his religion at church. Respect for others religions is really lacking in this country, and no one should feel uncomfortable at school, especially a six year old. So probably both should just talk about other things, and neither should push their respective religions on one another. If it gets out of hand or someone gets offended, go straight to the parents/teacher to resolve any major issues.
2007-02-28 13:32:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
I would try to keep it as simple as possible. Something like different people have different beliefs but what it important is his own. That it is important to respect others beliefs since we of course want others to respect ours and it hurts when people disrespect who we are. Finally, the biggest message of religions should be to love one another regardless of faith and even though we may disagree. I'm an atheist and I hope to be able to teach my children to be respectful of people faiths and differences when the time comes. It has been sometimes painful for me when people chose not to be friendly because they learned I didn't share their faith. I hope your son and his friend will remain friends. =) I would advise your son to focus on the things that he and this friend do have in common and enjoy about each other.
2007-02-28 13:40:09 · answer #6 · answered by Zen Pirate 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My daughter is 12 & my son is 6. We are very involved in our church and like you, I am thankful for thier love of God. My daughter's best friend doesn't believe in God either, mostly due to her parent's beliefs. My daughter continues to just show lots of love, invites her to church often, (knowing that she will not accept), and prays for her every night. She refuses to give up on her or on God's power to change her heart. Good luck!
2007-02-28 13:55:02 · answer #7 · answered by Al 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps you can talk to the other child's parents, as this seems to be hurting your son's feelings. You should probably also talk to the teacher. It's going to be a great opportunity for them to learn that there are different kinds of beliefs in this world and they can co-exist, but they'll need the adults in their lives to stay calm and help them along. Good luck!
2007-02-28 13:35:10 · answer #8 · answered by GreenEyedLilo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not handle it in a school environment. Teach your son that everyone has different beliefs, and that he should respect them. Teach him that his beliefs are true to him, just as others are true to them. To teach him respect for others is one of the greatest gifts you can give him.
2007-02-28 13:31:37 · answer #9 · answered by Justsyd 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
He needs to understand that this boy is allowed to have his own opinion and they may Both express it freely. He should not push the friend to change his way of looking at things but he should be allowed to express his opinion as freely as your son is able to do so. As long as they are both able to express and listen to the others views without any major disagreements this will work great and allow them to form their views in a healthy way. Discourse is great among children and every one of them will be at different stages of development in this aspect. Have a great weekend.
Eds
2007-02-28 13:34:59 · answer #10 · answered by Eds 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My son is the same way. I teach him to respect other people's beliefs and SHOW the way to be a Christian. It is not words that people follow, but their actions.
2007-02-28 13:30:26 · answer #11 · answered by mizchulita 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋