Should I let my daughter be a christian?

Question

I'm an atheist and my wife is chistian.
We decided not to care about our daughter's religion but people around me tells me that she should be a christian.

I don't believe that religion significantly affects people. And not all christians are 'nice, fair-minded, hard working, blah blah', just like all other religions. That's what many Americans think, christians are awesome. But not really.

Anyways, should I let my daughter be a christian, or let her choose whatever she likes to be, including atheist?
She's 5 so she's not old enough to make decision for herself, but I don't think we have to hurry.

What do you guys think?

Answer 1

Ultimately let her decide for herself when she is old enough. If she starts asking questions, let her go to vacation Bible School or a Sunday School Class. My parents raised us in the church where they were raised but always told us we could choose for ourselves when we were old enough (high school age) and we did. After a period of going to no church, I made the choice in college to be a Christian. I am one of 5 children and we are very ecumenical as a family. Most of us attend church but all different denominations and one of us is agnostic at best. All are successful, well-balanced members of society. I think my parents' method worked for us.

Answer 2

You shouldn't push her on this, yes let her decide in time.

I, personally don't feel that any one Religion is better than another. Each one has their own beliefs and ways they worship.
What your Wife can do is get free pamphlets from a Catholic Church, a Baptist Church, etc. and talk to people and get facts on the backgrounds of each Religion as a guide, then talk it them over with your Daughter. You both can give her a few years yet when she can make her own choice, but this way she will learn what Religion is all about.

It is a Stereotype to assume that Christians are all the things you listed. Noone is perfect! You get people who follow Religion to the Book, and those who believe in God but don't read the Bible on a daily basis; it differs with everybody!
If any Christian isn't nice, fairminded, hard working, etc., nor loving then they aren't true Christians! that;s all!

I'm just curious, you being a non-believer, how do you think the human race was made if there isn't a God?????????

well, hope my suggestions helped!

Answer 3

Well you are in a dilemnia because she would believe differently from you. Just like if I had a kid who was an Atheist.

Ok let me put it this way.

If I had a kid who said, "Mom, I dont want to be a Christian. I want to be an Atheist." I admit that would be hard for me. However, I would not denounce my kid or say, "Get on your knees and repent!" Instead I would pry say something like, "Son, I am not going to force you to follow God. It has to be your choice and yours alone. I love you and you will always be my son no matter what."

Basically let her decide. I tell you this, if you try to force her to believe as you do...the more she will probably rebel.

Now to be honest I hope she comes to God in the true sense. However, let her free to choose as she will.

However, there lot of misunderstandings of what being Christian is.

Some say if their parent or whoever is a pastor or usher, then that makes them a Christian. Others if they go to Church that makes them a Christian. Others think if they do good deeds they are Christians. Still others think that if they say a few special words or basically just believe in Jesus they are a Christian.

Yet a Christian is someone who trusts on Jesus, believes on Jesus, has a personal relationship with Jesus, and obeys Jesus.

Don't worry your daughter will not become a stupid idiot. She will still be your little angel. She will still love her daddy.

Answer 4

Whatever you do, don't base it on other people telling you your daughter SHOULD be something. That's none of their business.

I think this is a matter for you and your wife. If the two of you have decided not to raise her in any religion, then so be it.

But also remember that raising her within a religion does not equate to forcing her into it...especially if she's raised in a household where its always clear that there is a choice. Lots of people don't follow the religion they were raised with.

You asked about "letting" her be a Christian. Is she showing an interest in it? If that's the case, maybe you should let her explore, especially under the guidance of your wife.

Answer 5

Don't let anyone tell you what your daughter should be or not be. You and your wife make the decision, if your wife wants to raise her Christian why not let her? After all you are married to your wife, she's a Christian and i'm assuming since your still with her that she is nice, fair minded etc. If you and your spouse instill qualities in her outside of religion then she surely should not become one of those pias Christians. Once she is an adult then she can decide for herself.

Answer 6

Ignorance is the true enemy, not a specific religion. When a religion doesn't teach about other religions or doesn't allow its adherents to read the scriptures of other religions, they are preaching ignorance. Don't make the same mistake. Teach your child about all religions as well as non-religious points of view. She may choose one or she may choose none. Either way, it will be an educated choice. There are many books for the 5-10 year old range that teach about the major world religions. When I talk to my children about religions or show them the scriptures of different religions, I lead with "This is what this religion believes", never with "This is the right belief". Just a few hundred years ago, the "right belief" was to believe that the earth was flat and was the center of the universe. Our beliefs are based upon how we understand the world around us. Help her to understand a bigger universe than just a couple of options---she just might understand others in her life better and envision a greater world than either you or your wife do. Isn't that the goal of all parents?

Answer 7

Christians are more moral! NO, Atheists are more moral!!! The argument can go on and on. All are sinful at times and all act loving at times. Christians base their morals on the unchanging word of God. Atheists generally seem to base their morals on socilogical situations of the times that may change from time to time.
I respect your choice to be an atheist, but understand that I can only tell you from the perspective of a Christian.
If Atheism is true, you may feel Christians waste their time with reading the Bible, prayers, etc. You may feel that if your daughter becomes a Christian, she will be "deluded" with "silly" beliefs. But what is the big harm? The tooth fairy is not true either. Besides, in 100 years or so, it won't really matter much.
If Christianity is true, people live forever. Either they go to heaven as a Christian or hell as an unbeliever.
***Note, I do not wish to be offensive with this comment, but it IS what is stated in Scripture. (See my answer to: CHRISTIANS--What's the point of saying "God Bless!" right sfter telling atheists that they're going to Hell?")
What kind of chance do you want to take concerninng your daughter? You obviously love and care for her or you wouldn't be asking this question. Considering the risks with each view, I hope she becomes a Christian.
By the way, even atheism involves a degree of belief, as you can not PROVE there is no God. All people have a "worldview" of some sort, even if not well defined.
I certainly hope that I have not upset you in any way, as I have tried to answer in the most honest way I can. Feel free to Email me if I can be of any further help. All the best to you and yours!

Answer 8

One of the great things about being atheist is that you are choosing what YOU want to be, and what you think is right for you.
Don't let others choose the religion that you daughter could be, and you are right: there is no need to hurry. Let her grow and explore the world of religion and then let her choose then.
If you choose a religion for her (even atheism, christian, agnostic, etc.) what you are actually giving her is the morals of that one religion that could shape her life later on: hobbies to friends to music. Let her grow with HUMAN borne morals (no stealing and stuff like that) .
I personally think kids of all age shouldn't be borne in a religion that they never chose.

Answer 9

If your daughter was older and looking to investigate it as a possible personal belief, then that would be up to her. But if it's other people around you that are telling you want to do, it is not their place to tell you how to raise your child. The only one that should be able to have any say of that sort is your wife, not them. And if she's fine with just letting her be a kid right now and mutually agrees with you to allow her to decide for herself, then that should be the way it is. Those other people need to butt out.

Answer 10

Well, I think the best parent should let yoru daughter do what she wants to be. Have some choices. I mean, keeping her from things you don't like, is not always the best way to go. See if she likes it. But don't hold her back from the things she wants to do. Although, I'm a CHristian, I promis im not saying its best, Everyone has thier religion, and thier beliefs. I don't know if this is much help for ya hun, but good luck !