Question for Atheist parents?

Question

what would you do if your children believed in god?

Answer 1

Nothing? I wouldn't really care what their beliefs are.

Answer 2

I would love my child no matter what. My daughter is only 11 but very well traveled, having visited 21 countries to date. Although she understands that her parents are atheists she is fascinated by religious practices and has enjoyed everything from visits to Buddhist temples in Thailand, Nepal, India and Tibet, to Hindu religious sites in Nepal and India, to sessions with Amazonian shamans and visits to Sunday School in Florida with her Baptist and Catholic friends. Of her own mind she tells me that her Christian friends cannot be correct when they say that all non-Christians will go to Hell. She relates that she has seen too many nice people around the world to possibly believe that a god could be that mean and ugly. I am so proud that she has reasoned out something that eludes so many adults. She once met the former Kumari of Nepal. This is a real girl worshipped as a god until she reaches the age of menarche. The former Kumari wrote a book, very popular seller in Asia--entitled "From Goddess to Mortal." My daughter spent two days with her and was very impressed at hearing about all of the miracles she claimed to perform when she was a god. Ever respectful of my daughter's feelings, I tried my best to very gently explain how things can seem like miracles to gullible minds.

Answer 3

My children rely heavily on their belief in God, in fact, my oldest is an associate pastor.
When I had my children baptized, I was making a promise to them and God that I would allow them to follow their own spiritual pathway. Because I have since found flaw in my former faith does not mean that I would ever impose my current beliefs on them.

Answer 4

Depends on the age - If young (below 10 or so), they probably believe it because their friends do, or a parent told them about it. I wouldn't see a problem with it, unless another parent started to interfere with my parenting & lessons, then I would have to have a "Come to Jesus" meeting with them.

From 11 to about 13-14, it may be curiosity - I would play that by ear.

From 13-14 to about 18 - it's probably rebellion against parenting, that's normal, so I would have to tolerate it (wouldn't matter much what I said anyway).

After 18 - they can think for themselves, and have to make their own way in life.

Answer 5

As a future Atheist parent (like in 10 years), I'd say that I'd be a little disappointed, but I would support them if it made them happy. If they were healthy with their religious ideas, and didn't bash or judge other people (such as gay people or people of different religions), then I would be fine with it.

Answer 6

I'm in that situation now.
I don't say anything to them as I think religion is brainwashing and forced through parenthood through the generations. (Know any Jewish kids with Catholic parents?)
If they continue to follow God then fine.
If they decide otherwise that's fine too, but then we'll have more to talk about! :)

Answer 7

I don't want my children to be religious, I've actually had nightmares my daughter becomes Baptist. However if it should occur, i will respect their decision and silently cry mourning the loss of their independence, and their respect and care-free love of life, the universe and everything.

Answer 8

i don't have children (yet), but i have given this issue much thought. my children will be exposed to religious thougth as the topic comes up throughout their childhood. i won't tell them all about any particular religion but teach them about various religions and all the possible answers there are out there. once they are old enough to come to their own conclusions, i will happily step back and let them take over. they will be welcome to research and educate themselves, and should they decide to adopt any religion, their decision will be accepted and respected, as i try to accept and respect everyone's choices. and they will respect mine.

Answer 9

Zeus,Allah, Odin, doesn't matter to me. Indoctrination is wrong. Much more important things than brainwashing child. I'll expose them to many belief systems so they do not become bigoted people.

Answer 10

I would make sure they never found out about bananas!

Seriously though, I would be disappointed but respect the choice as long as it is theirs. If they were brainwashed, I would explain things to them and probably punish the brainwashers for disturbing the lives of my children.

Answer 11

I am not currently a parent but I will be some day. My kids are free to think whatever they want- I want them to think for themselves.