Atheist parents : what if your child chose christianity?

Question

If your child came to you and said, "Mom/Dad, I believe in God", how would you react, and what actions (if any) would you take?

Answer 1

I don't and won't have any, but I think it would disappoint me.

Answer 2

She did. She chose Catholicism. Goes to mass and confession pretty much weekly, but in every other respect she's pretty rational, except about her poor boyfriend. He's finding out first hand what I learned at his age. Red-hot babes are high maintenance and think they deserve to be (get's it from her mom, not her dad).

At her age I was a flaming fundie. I grew out of supernaturalism. Perhaps she will too. Either way, she's a great daughter and a great person, and though she's grown up, graduated, started her first full-time job and is living on her own, we talk every day, have dinner once or twice a week, breakfast once or twice a week, and when we do talk religion, which is generally only when she asks questions about it, we keep it pretty academic. She's my biggest fan and vice versa. I don't think it's an issue when love is a higher priority than agreement.

Answer 3

I don't have kids yet. However, this really depends on the age of the child. A 5 year old would, in my opinion, only decide to "believe" in a god because a friend did or because they saw it on tv, etc. I'd probably react to that the same way I'd react to an imaginary friend. If the child were old enough to have really thought about it, I'd make sure s/he was really informed about everything and then support them in their faith.

Answer 4

I would discuss it with them and try to show them that such a belief is unjustified, but ultimately it is their decision. It's more important to give people the mental tools that they need to make good decisions, than to make the decisions for them. That's what I would try to do. Then they will have more chance of figuring out the right answer for themselves later on.

Answer 5

Not atheist, Im a Pagan, I would hope that my son would know better, because what i will teach him is the truth of the matter, that christianity is full of bloodshed and bad peo;ple with ill intent.

Answer 6

I have friends who are Christians, and they're cool. I'd be happy my child was being honest with me. It's not like I'd be afraid he wouldn't be admitted to atheist heaven or something.

Answer 7

I'd accept it. There's nothing wrong with believing in a religon that isn't mine. People should explore religions and find what suits them best instead of sticking to their parents.

Answer 8

My kids go to church whenever they like. My neice takes them. I have no problems with their exploring religions any more than I'd have no problems with their exploring music or the arts. They are free to make their own choice just as I was.

Answer 9

When they are old to understand what it all means, more power to them. I will always instill in my children that they need to read. They need to do research. I will always challenge to ensure that they get the whole story. If they do this, and still believe, then that is their decision. And, I will always support them in what they do.

Basically, I will do as my lutheran parents did with me.

Answer 10

I'm agnostic, so I wouldn't give a sh*t. If that kid wants to live for something that no one can prove or disprove, then fine.

Answer 11

Well, I suppose I'd ask the kid to tell me about it. I'm not a big fan of enforced beliefs...