Atheists, what is the philosophical legacy you leave to your children?
2007-12-18 00:19:16 · 21 answers · asked by Janet Reincarnated 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Auntb93, I was trying to reach everybody's opinion and I was trying to avoid answers like "I am not spiritual, because there is no spirit, there is no god, bla bla bla".
Some have their own belief, you are right, but many refuse to admit the existence of anything else rather than what they see, that is a body that funtions by itself, a bunch of cells and atoms that vibrate randomly.
Peace!
2007-12-18 01:05:45 · update #1
I am happy with all the answers.
Thanks.
2007-12-20 01:57:30 · update #2
Christian:
The belief that we can love each other and make the world better for everybody if we set aside our egos.
2007-12-18 00:21:55 · answer #1 · answered by Acorn 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have to do this as a hypothetical because I don't have any children. But the spiritual legacy I would leave if I had any would be a good grounding in the principles of the Ethical Society. The Sunday school kids there are awesome.
I will argue, however, that you need not change the term "spiritual" to "philosophical" for atheists. Many atheists have a very spiritual life, but they do not believe in a personal, long white beard sort of God. They may indeed believe in a spiritual dimension of existence, or they may be strict materialists. The members of the Ethical Society are not all atheists, but those that are obviously include a spiritual dimension in their lives or they would stay in bed on Sunday morning.
On the other hand, some people who stay in bed on Sunday morning are worshiping there! Steve and I . . . well anyway. Human love can be very, very spiritual stuff!
2007-12-18 00:26:47 · answer #2 · answered by auntb93 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One is morally responsible to transmit all the moral things of life to the next generation.When I say 'moral' I don't mean ,"religious things....dos and donts as prescribed by the pastors".I mean to say that the child must learn that he/she has to be a good person above everything else.He should have good manners and should respect the elders at home and outside home.He should be of some use in community activities.He/she should always be a helping type of person ......not necessarily in terms money......there are other ways to help others.He/she should respect the opinion of others which may differ with his views.There can always be different opinions on the same issue, he/she must learn.the child should learn to treat human being not by color of the skin.....all are equal as long as one doesn't do anything unacceptable in a civilised society.
2007-12-18 00:31:30 · answer #3 · answered by bikashroy9 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope I have taught my children to be free thinkers. One is on her way for a PHD in Chemistry, one is going for her Masters in Forensics, one is in the Banking field and one is in the Fashion industry. I love all four dearly. My beliefs are mine and mine alone. If they ask I answer. I have an assortment of religious, spiritual and scientific books all over my house. I give when they ask. I am Blessed. Peace and Love
2016-04-10 05:44:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That each and every person is free to choose the path that provides them with the spiritual support and comfort that all human beings crave/need. Along with that freedom comes the responsibility for ones choices, actions, and the consequences thereof.
2007-12-18 00:24:26 · answer #5 · answered by brddg1974 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Since I don't believe in spirits, I won't leave them anything spiritual.
I will leave them well-educated, well-loved, and hopefully well-adjusted, with a strong sense of self, creativity, and the ability to think for themselves.
As for spiritualism, they are free to explore. You can't truly teach faith, even if I was inclined to do so. Children who get "faith" from their parents are really just trusting their parents.
2007-12-18 00:24:41 · answer #6 · answered by David Carrington Jr. 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, I'm gay and probably sterile thanks to my introduction to mumps a few years ago so I shalln't be having kids. To be honest I didn't want any anyway so it's all good :)
In the event that my sisters have kids though, I'll help to provide a combination of educational and fatastical philosophy. I'm something of a conceptual artist (non-professional, mind) so I'm sure I can help fuel their imagination in a non-superstituous way.
2007-12-18 01:04:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with John M. What would we be if we didn't try to make the world a better place and teach our children to do the same? To do such is what God desires of us.
2007-12-18 00:30:45 · answer #8 · answered by knight 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The legacy I leave will be that they don't have to belong to a religion to be spiritual. That their spirituality is theirs and they will not find their answers by having someone tell them what they should believe. That it all is up to them, their choice in what they wish to believe.
2007-12-18 00:27:59 · answer #9 · answered by Janet L 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i see it like this i am not religious and i do not believe in any god of any kind but when i have kids i am not going to push anything on them and i will educate them on all religions including atheism and no matter which they choose i will love them the same i believe it should be thier choice and i believe it is not right for me to push anything onto them
2007-12-18 00:24:29 · answer #10 · answered by scot p 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋