My child doesn't go to church. I'm agnostic, my wife Buddhist, both sides of the family vary from Catholic to Southern Baptist to Buddhist. All are very respectful with their various beliefs. Nobody in my family pushes their religion on others.
Our daughter gets quite a few religious toys and books from our former babysitter's mother. They're close to us, sort of extended family since our families live far away. I personally don't mind the toys, but the motivation behind such gifts is because we aren't religious. It seems to me it's less about giving the gift, and more about getting the religious influence in my daughter's life.
Personally, I couldn't care less. I'll have more impact, my family's various faiths will have more impact, than some lady pushing religious toys on my daughter. It just seems a bit disrespectful, like an attempt to usurp our parental guidance she doesn't agree with.
What are your thoughts/opinions on such acts?
2007-06-28 05:46:56 · 15 answers · asked by Armless Joe, Bipedal Foe 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm asking to strike up conversation that isn't simply to belittle opposing beliefs.
2007-06-28 05:55:14 · update #1
Depends on what your view is of a parent and raising your child. If you are truly agnostic, then you are open to the possibility of various world-views being correct, and therefore you should look at them yourself, and encourage your child to do so as well.
You could also understand that the people doing this are likely doing this out of concern and love, and not some sinister desire to manipulate your child... Just a thought...
Soli Deo Gloria
2007-06-28 05:53:58 · answer #1 · answered by doc in dallas 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree with you that it is somewhat disrespectful. While you're right that it likely won't influence your daughter's spiritual choice, it does sound like this person is attempting to shove religion on your child without any regard for what you are teaching your child, or without any regard for your spiritual beliefs. Personally, if I were in a similar situation, I would approach the person and say that while I appreciate the thought and gifts of toys and don't mind that they're religious in nature, that I have to wonder if there is an ulterior motive in her giving my child religious toys, and tell her that if there is a motive that I feel that it's disrespectful. And I would say that if there was a motive to please stop, and perhaps donate the toys (instead) to a church (where they belong).
2007-06-28 05:55:33 · answer #2 · answered by swordarkeereon 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just explain to your child that everyone believes a little differently, and that THAT IS OK. If she asks questions that you can't answer, help her find the answers. It sounds like your child is being raised in a warm, loving, open environment. She will find her own path.
As far as your former babysitter's mother, thank her for the presents, but politely remind her that you are not raising your child in an overtly religious manner, and would appreciate future gifts without a hidden agenda. She may not realize she is being offensive. Or she may not realize you have caught on. Either way, it should stop the gifts.
2007-06-28 06:11:11 · answer #3 · answered by mikalina 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is funny, in a not so funny way. It is as if this friend is almost chiding you for not "bringing Jesus" or some other religious figure into your child's life.
What it is is completely inappropriate. It shows a complete disrespect toward you and your family and could definitely cause conflict between your child and yourself.
That is the type of behavior I don't agree with out of some religious individuals. Like you said, this lady is trying to usurp your parental guidance and mold the mind of this child. It's not right.
I would discuss it with the woman and if she openly said she was trying to bring Jesus into your child's life (Jesus is an example), I would tell her that you are letting your child form her own opinions and don't need the underhanded approach from this lady on religious indoctrination.
2007-06-28 07:59:23 · answer #4 · answered by ehad46 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My son was once given a children's songbook with religious hymns in it. I accepted it gracefully, let him play with it til the end of the day, then donated it to a local church. He promptly forgot it ever existed.
I think it depends a lot on what it is. Many toys won't be seen as religious by a child who is not brought up in that atmosphere. Books can be replaced with other books, for example. I think if someone gave my son a toy cross he'd use it for a hammer.
2007-06-28 05:53:48 · answer #5 · answered by KC 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Whilst the gifts are a nice thing, the fact that they're religious is inappropriate. Me personally, I'd have a quiet word in her ear about it, and request she provide non-religious gifts, and if she continues to do so, to return them to her with a polite request to not send any more.
It may seem a little harsh, but my mother did it when I was younger, and I'll do it if I ever have kids.
2007-06-28 06:10:14 · answer #6 · answered by Phoenix 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you don't personally care about it, then why ask for other peoples opinions?
Regardless, I say let her keep them. There will come a time when your daughter will have to make her own decision regarding what religion she'll choose to follow, or whether she'd prefer to be an agnostic. You'll do what you have to do to influence her decision, but so will God. In the end, the decision will be hers, not yours. So why worry so much about whether she should keep these toys...especially if you profess no belief - or possibility of belief - in a God whatsoever?
2007-06-28 05:53:16 · answer #7 · answered by † Gabriel † 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
When I give gift to other peoples children, I ask for God direction in the gift & so will usually give something I believe God wants me to give. And that could be as simple as a childs bible. Or a learning toy. Alphabet book, or a Christian 'Happy Birthday' card. I give as the Lord leads.
So, also, maybe this is what the person feels the Lord wants person to give your child.
2007-06-28 05:52:53 · answer #8 · answered by LottaLou 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
I do not believe in using religion for toys. The ornaments of religion are sacred and must not be tainted or damaged. I suggest buying some barbie dolls, cars, soldiers, crayons, art books, and Lego.
2007-06-28 05:52:17 · answer #9 · answered by cotterall&elaineadams 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Honestly, you have to stop it. On any level it is extremely disrespectful to send material relevant to your personal beliefs, to the child of some one who does not share them. If you were Jewish and they sent Christian stuff, it would be no different.
2007-06-28 07:30:10 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋