Non-christian parents: What's the most difficult thing for you in raising your child in a christian culture?

Answer 1

Actually it was pretty easy for me. I never shared any of my doubts with my children we visited lots of different churches(denominations) made lots of friends, did religious camps, met and became friends with people who wereAtheist, Pagan and Wiccan. We are from a rural area so there were no muslims or buddaist to meet I taught my children tolerance for everyone's religion. Only when they were old enough to make up their own minds, did I share my thoughts on what was right for me. Not only have they learned tolerance they have also learned to think for themselves

Answer 2

Its not a Christian ure. The polls say it is mainly because most of the population is old or middleaged right now. In the youth, Christianity and all religion is for the most part . In two or three more generations, america will be almost completely Atheist. I dont know how old you are, but go to a school or mall and youll know what I mean.

Answer 3

Actually I see nothing hard.
My kids go to church with some friends.
They learn, come home and we discuss.
They know my thoughts.
I honestly thing in the long run I know my kids will make choices they believe in and not something thats crammed down thier throats.
Whats awesome is I can discuss and share beliefs with my kids better than most adults...because kids dont judge on the same level as adults do...so they are truely awesome conversations.

Answer 4

We've had some trouble with other kids being cruel, saying hurtful things, etc. I try and give them the ammunition to fight crap like that, while reassuring them that thinking for themselves is important, and that they should never feel ashamed. It has not always been easy, but it's worked. My 15 yr old was arguing against Pascal's Wager long before he knew there was a name for it.

Answer 5

Honestly, it's the lack of respect for my family. And the assumption that we are Christian. I don't tell other families how to live their lives according to my beliefs, but plenty of people try to tell me how to live mine based on theirs. I don't like the double standard.

I had a customer the other day ask me if I gave to charity and told me I should only give to the Catholic church. I told her I was a Unitarian and she kept telling me how wrong I was. Not a conversation I felt she had any business having with me..and I was pretty offended at the lack of respect of my religion.

Answer 6

Well, I'm not a parent, but I find that all of the questions that kids ask, b/c they hear so much at school from other kids, are annoying. It's annoying how many questions they have, how many things they want to know... and how many times they ask about god.

Answer 7

Good question. Maybe I am a bad parent but I teach my son to only believe what makes sense to him. He knows that I am NOT a Christian. He knows why. I cannot help but influence him that I think the bible is BS. He is a smart kid, he will not be easily led by anyone, including me. You will never see him espousing that the earth is 10,000 years old and Adam and Eve were the first 2 people on earth. He has too much common sense for that $hit.

Answer 8

I can't say it's been difficult. Frustrating... at times very annoying, but not difficult. =>

Answer 9

Actually, the only problem I've encountered is how to tell my parents that I don't want them taking my son to church or telling him that Santa Claus is real. I tried telling them about Santa once but they seemed to brush it off. I'll try next winter.

Answer 10

How to deal with the pushy christians.