Atheists, how do you cope when meeting religious children that talk about Jesus and God?

Question

I'm an atheist, and I work a lot with young kids. In my country I'm not used to seeing religious children. I've never heard a child talk about Jesus or whatever.

We're moving to the US soon, and my guess is that I'll meet much more young children that talk about Jesus.

With adults, I can treat them with respect, but still argue with them if needed. With small children it's different. Argueing with 6 year old kids about religion would be rather silly and do more damage than good.

But I have no idea how it will make me feel. I always felt that children should be raised free from religion, until they are old enough to make their own choices. But, that doesn't happen much on this planet.

So, when having to deal with young children, that talk a lot about God or Jesus, how does that make you feel? What do you do?

(No lessons needed here about religion, I'm simply curious about how it makes you feel...)

Answer 1

Seriously? I cry for humanity. Interfering wouldn't do any good until they are of college age; therefore I stalk them until they reach 18. Then I pounce, spewing agnostic-atheist rhetoric and telling them if they don't change their minds they will be forever tortured.

Oh, wait. I think I got a bit confused here. Must be the stars in my eyes whenever you ask or answer a question.

I cannot wait to get out of this country. What's Holland like?

Answer 2

When my son was younger I was a boy scout leader. I'm a atheist and the scouts have a religious leaning but I tried to avoid that and kept the kids busy with activities. I also coached soccer, little league, hockey and girls softball. When the question of god and religion came up I would explain to the kids that is something they need to talk to their Moms and Dads about, that religion is a family thing. I would say in all those years and the few hundred kids I worked with the subject came up fewer than 5 or 6 times. So, depending on the kind of work you do with children, most kids will not start conversations about religion.

Answer 3

I've done this a couple times before. I tell them that's their opinion, but I have a different opinion. You should see their eyes widen in shock...they have no idea another opinion is even possible (which is truly a shame). I'm never to so crude as to try to change their minds, that would be cruel to a child who's universe is so small. It'd feel like I was taking something from them they're not ready to part with. I also don't necessarily say I don't believe in god, I just tell them I think the world was made in a different way. If pushed, I'll say evolution and tell them they'll learn about it one day. But I do let it be known there are other points of view. I think that's important...although their parents should be the ones giving them that freedom of thought!

Answer 4

How do you deal with kids who talk about other imaginary friends?

I would tend to make interested noises without actually agreeing or disagreeing with them.

If it gets to more pointed discussions then you can say that different people believe different things and that everyone needs to decide for themselves - and try to close down the conversation.

Depending on where you are going, and what you are actually doing with these kids, you may not want to point out that you are an atheist. I think 99% of the parents would have no problem unless you start telling kids what to (dis)believe. But there are some nuts out there who would try to make your life harder than it needs to be.

Answer 5

I love children, and they always seem to know that I do, because i am frequently approached by kids.They want to talk about my dog, or what my kids names are, or if I like some game or TV show. Never once, the more than 50 years, has any child brought up God to me. I don't think you will find it happening either.

Answer 6

It's a dilemma that a religious person would similarly have when having to "cope" with children from atheist families.
I think you avoid controversies because that can bring the kids into conflict with their own parents.

Have you also thought about how to cope with kids from other religions?

Answer 7

actually not a lot of people talk about religion very openly. at least they don't where i am. it is i think a private matter that isn't needed to be announced to the public. plus 6 year old kids don't know what they believe anyways so you wont find many kids that will talk openly about god or Jesus. they don't know enough about it to even know how to start a "theological discussion"

Answer 8

well... I work at the child care center at a Baptist church .. but i am 100% atheist... So personally... if I were you.. and a young child was just asking questions about god ..and I KNOW for a fact their parents teach them about *their* religion.. then I will try to asnwer their question with what I know from the bible (which isn't much) .. and If i dont know the answer.. i just tell them Sorry and that i dont know.. and to maybe ask their parents. i would not speak about my views to a child that was too young.. and may not understand.


Now if the child is older.. maybe 10years or older.. and they were asking me questions.. i would do the same. I would only tell them my views IF they ask.

but I agree with you.. I was brought up knowing about many religions.. and not just one. I see nothing wrong with teaching your child your religion.. but as long as you expose them to the MANY other religions aswell.. it makes for a well rounded person. But not many Christians do so ..

ah well

Answer 9

I just want to ask what you mean by "religion?"

And how are parents supposed to totally remove their convinctions when raising their kids?

As a sidenote I have a younger sister who is 6 and is a Christian.
She has a 6 year old friend who has open air preached.
This makes me rejoice. That kids could be on fire for Christ and doing something about it? Ausome!

Answer 10

If a small child starts talking me about God and Jesus, I require no permission from the child's parents to discuss religion with it. Permission is automatically given the moment the child starts the conversation. And yes, I would.