Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Help Me Pick My Kid's Religion!
user
The holidays are right around the corner -- which
one's best for my child?
Momlogic's
Momstrosity: I'm in BIG trouble. Thanksgiving is
over, and
Christmas and
Hanukkah are just weeks away. And no, I'm not
stressing because I haven't bought my holiday cards or started
my shopping. I'm freaking because I haven't picked my
daughter's religion. Since my
husband and I are both atheist, we know it's only a matter
of time before we either have to go back to our religious roots (I
was raised
Jewish and he was raised Catholic) or start explaining
to our 3-year-old that we don't believe in God.
Time's running out. She's starting to catch on to the
whole
Christmas thing. She bumped into
Mr. Claus at the mall yesterday and called him
by his first name.
Why would we be considering a religion for our child if we
ourselves don't believe in one? We don't want to impose our
religious -- er, non-religious beliefs on our child. My husband and
I both came to our own conclusions at an early age. Shouldn't
we give her the chance to at least reject religion just like Mom
and Dad? We don't want to be hypocritical and teach her things
we don't believe in -- but at the same time, we want to give
her a chance to join in on at least some form of
holiday celebration. But if we let her sit on Santa's lap,
are we indirectly embracing Christianity? Then why not just dabble
in a bunch of different religions? I hear Islam, Buddhism, and
Sikhism are popular ones. Maybe we should give those a shot.
The truth is, my husband and I believe there are valuable
aspects to almost all religions, we just don't buy into one --
but for our daughter's sake, is it time for us to find God ...
any God, quick?
RELATED FROM MOMLOGIC
Read more:
http://www.momlogic.com/2009/11/help_me_pick_my_kids_religion.php#ixzz0YOJPyGtq
Related: religion, parenting, kids, holidays
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Posted by x2x Mon Nov 30, 2009 5:04pm PST
I believe that the religion shouldn't really matter. If it gives your child something to be happy about, then let her believe it. If that fails, then just let her believe it for the FUN of it. Children should be raised with fun and nice things, so they can live their lives fully before they reach adulthood. Don't burst their bubble in saying "You shouldn't celebrate this holiday." Or try giving them a specific one. Maybe let them choose which seems more fun! I myself don't really believe in any religion, but I'll still celebrate the holidays for the family or fun meaning.
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Posted by Onna Mon Nov 30, 2009 5:08pm PST
i hate this article. this author make it seem that finding the right religion is like shopping for clothes. i do not like the last part of the article.
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Posted by Appletini Mon Nov 30, 2009 5:08pm PST
Is there a reason why you have chosen to be Athiest? some people choose a more lenient agnosticism and go with that.
I don't think you'd like Islam, Buddhism, or Hinduism as they are very specific about observing religious practices as well.
You could try non-denominational Christian, and explain about Hannukkah and observe the Hannukkah traditions as well. What is wrong with believing in both? We lit the Menorah in honor of our Jewish relatives in Spain and we are Catholic as well.
some of my Jewish friends put up Christmas trees. It doesn't have to be so black and white.. try to experiment and see what works for you.
I can understand that in a mixed religious household there is bound to be some sort of conflict but I think you want to raise your child believing in God and having an open mind. There is a book called the childs book of blessings which honors all religions.
http://www.amazon.com/Childs-Book-Blessings-Sabrina-Dearborn/dp/184148010X#reader_184148010X
I found it extremely beautiful and you can explains that God comes in many forms.
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Posted by kisaka Thu Dec 3, 2009 12:03am PST
ya, we should have God fearing people when we need peace in this world. you and your husband were brought up in different religions, when you met, you concluded to something. so put you child to believe in what you believe in today and tomorrow she will change to the right religion if she finds walking in darkness.
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Posted by Tabbi Thu Dec 3, 2009 1:08am PST
let her explore a bit, show her a few different religions. if and when she chooses her beliefs or lack thereof, respect it. i was raised by ''holiday christians'' and i liked church just fine until we changed pastors--it went from open and accepting to fire and brimstone damnations. ugh. eventually i found the right path for me as a pagan and i've been happy with it ever since.
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Posted by Nerdgirl Thu Dec 3, 2009 4:45am PST
Why does your kid need a religion? If you and her father are both atheists, I'm not sure why you would arbitrarily pick a belief for your child, just because it seems to be the thing to do. Your baby will be exposed to plenty of beliefs, through school friends, activities, and life. Instead of pushing her into one belief, how about helping her understand the beliefs of others as she encounters them? You will hear about them. The world could use more compassion and understanding, rather than more religion.
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Posted by Katie L Thu Dec 3, 2009 5:56am PST
I am atheist but I still celebrate christmas. To me, I don't feel like I need a religion to celebrate it.. I like to put up the tree, and use to believe in Santa as a kid. But in my family we just didn't talk about jesus, or anything like that. Christmas, to christians is about celebrating Jesus. Christmas for me, is about celebrating love, family, and just like thanksgiving I am thankful for all of it.
Besides, Santa isn't even part of the christian holiday.. to my memory, that was a pagan belief.
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Posted by chipnelvis Thu Dec 3, 2009 6:28am PST
A persons relationship with God is a personal one, children come into their own beliefs as they mature. I think it is misguided that parents asume their children be the religion they are, or to pick for them. Your childs beliefs are ingrained into her soul, just let her find her way!
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Posted by Happy HomeOwner Thu Dec 3, 2009 6:57am PST
FIRST and FOREMOST, Santa is NOT the reason for the season (Christmas) for Christians. So, you are safe allowing your child to sit on Santa lap without any religious implications.
SECOND, religion does not imply a relationship with God (I like what chipnelvis said) at the core of all of us is a longing for God, your child will hopefully find her way - this evidence by that FACT that all civilizations on this earth have a God without it being a learned behaviour(yeah, even the "uncivilized" ones)
I say pick Christmas, forget how the World wants you to celebrate it, make it your own and fill it with values, such love, kindness and the true meaning behind giving. It an opportunity to teach your child values she can take with her throughout her life.
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Posted by Nerdgirl Thu Dec 3, 2009 7:10am PST
I have to disagree, Happy. There is not a longing for God at the core of all of us. I think that all of us long for meaning, but as far as a God need? That's societal.
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