I posted this a moment ago, but would like to elaborate on a few things:

I was raised in a Christian home, and it honestly never felt right with me. I was too deep of a thinker to just blindly accept that some all mighty being created us in 7 days because he ‘felt like it.’ That being said, I do not judge those who follow the Christian faith, nor do I judge anyone who follows any other religion. I have a open mind and open heart when it comes to all people. I don’t judge anyone based on their religion or race. In fact, I try to not judge anyone until I’ve had the time to get to know them, and their personality and morals.

I raise my children to accept humans as humans, and to not pass judgments until they have met them and formed an opinion based on the facts they have learned. Assuming you know something about someone simply by the clothes they wear, the color of their skin, the tattoos or piercings they may or may not have, or the religion they choose to follow, or any other insignificant factor, is arrogant and rude. When they come to me with a question, I try to answer as honestly as I can while making sure I can back up everything I say with facts. For example, when they asked where humans (babies) come from, I explained the reproductive system as the source of human life. When they asked who made humans, I encouraged them to research online about evolution, religion and other theories and beliefs on the subject. I try to teach them to become educated on the subjects they don’t understand, rather than pushing my own beliefs on them. If they ask what I believe, then of course I will answer them, but I don’t expect them share my same thoughts and ideas.

So, a question to all you parents out there, how do you approach the topic of religion and judging people to your children? Do you teach them to be open minded, or do you have another opinion on the subject? Just curious

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My best friend (we’ll call him Nick) has just come out to me as gay. He has yet to tell his parents, and he’s frightened because they are very strong Christians. They refuse to associate with homosexuals, and condemn atheists. Nick is frightened of being disowned, because unfortunately, they seem the type to do this. He’s 21 and lives alone, so at least they can’t throw him out.

Nick is also a Christian, as am I, although nowhere near as narrow-minded as they are. Nick is one of the kindest, most genuine and caring people I will ever know, and I couldn’t ask for a better friend. He did not choose to be gay – he’s been hiding this for about five years, but understandably, he’s had enough.

Nick is gay, but he does not shut God out of his life, which is supposed to be the biggest sin of all. You don’t stop loving/caring for someone because of their sexual orientation, and if God would condemn someone like Nick to hellfire simply because of his sexuality, then I want nothing to do with this God. Now, I have strong faith, but I don’t shove it down people’s throats; the God I believe in loves us all equally, and encourages us all to do the same. Nick and me treat everyone equally (atheists, agnostics, homosexuals, bisexuals, other religions, etc.) and I am disgusted that Nick’s parents refuse to do the same.

Has anyone got any advice for me to give Nick before he comes out to his parents? It’s hard to comprehend what he’s going through. He is not a sinner, he has done nothing wrong and has nothing to be ashamed of. I believe that what his parents are doing goes against everything that religion is supposed to be about, which is love.
He is not dependent on his parents in terms of money. He works full time as a mechanic and earns a good salary.
Bibigirl, please READ the question before you give a pathetic answer like that. Yes, we are both Christians, and it’s been this way our whole lives. I think I know if we are or not. And again, he did NOT choose it. He can’t help who he’s attracted to, and he knows how horrible Christians (which are likely to include his own parents) can be about this. He knows the kind of prejudice and abuse he may have to face from the world. Do you really think that anyone would CHOOSE to be treated like that? People like you are the reason he tried desperately to ignore those feelings, but he shouldn’t have to. He is not a murderer or a rapist or anything of the sort, and therefore is NOT a sinner. Go and educate yourself, Bibigirl.

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Why do people ask this? If you say your Christian, Jewish, Muslim or any other religion no one askes wether or not you are teaching your children about your chosen faith. Why shouldn’t Pagan parents teach there children about Pagan beliefs?
I am raising my kids as Pagans. I want to know why people think that I shouldn’t.

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Okay, First off I want to say that I would appreciate it if everyone acted mature. I don’t want anyone posting how I’m a heathen and condemning my kids, blah blah blah. I’m an adult and free to make my own choice and raise my kids how I see fit. I don’t spew religious stuff at you, I would appreciate the same courtesy.
ANYWAY, the kids are growing up (T-T) and asking questions about religion. I’ve told them the basic principles and all that. But I’m not sure what a good age to teach them magick is and what kind of things I can allow them to do. They participate in the solstices with us and understand that what goes on at these religious events shouldn’t be advertised to the whole world. Is there a good book or website anyone can recommend to help? I bought a workbook for them but it was stupid as anything and I could have done better with my eyes closed.
Those are some good answers (Except for the children who said dumb@$$ things) but no one said what age I could teach them magick. Or what kind I could teach them. They keep asking (they found my grimoire and I had to tell them what it was. It was obvious. "Mommy, whats this?" "My BOS?! How did you get that?!") The only thing I could think to teach them is some random charm I have to turn street lights green. Anyone have anything else?
Okay REALLY people? If you don’t like what I believe here’s a novel idea, hit the damn backspace button and don’t read this! Get over yourselves. That flag you’re so fond of give me the right to worship however I choose and to think that your religion is the ONLY way is arrogant. Seriously, grow the f*ck up!
I like the high priestess’ answer but I find it funny that no one really answers me real question. What spells can I teach them? Yes, they want to learn. I told them that when I could find something for them, they could do some magick, but I am having the hardest time EVER finding anything. I bought some book online that boasted about having spells in it for kids and it was nothing but a piece of crap and made my eldest cry. I teach them about opening the circle and all that but kids aren’t really happy with spells they can only do at certain times of the year. Does any one know a good book or web site, besides the one the other person put up which had like three, that I can teach my kids. Apparently I didn’t make this clear before.

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I’m dating a Jew and I’m not Jewish. Things are going amazingly well, except for one issue. I should preface this by telling you that I think I may marry him, and without this issue I most certainly would. He wants his kids to be Jewish, and I want to introduce both religions. He doesn’t want me to convert because I have some Jewish heritage, but was raised Catholic. I want to hear from other people who have done this and how hard it is, because most likely i’ll be raising Jewish kids for him. He’s willing to do holiday celebrations with my family, and compromise on other things not related to religion if I do this for him. I understand why he feels this way because its been explained to me by many Jews… i just feel like i’ll be losing part of myself that under other circumstances I would give to my children.

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I read that someone thought that those of my religion are too selfish to love their children or spouses, and don’t care enough to raise their kids in a loving and attentive manner. I’m just wondering how many people see religion, instead of the character of the parents/spouses, as having anything to do with loving your family and raising your kids to be loving and good.

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Would religion play a major role in raising them?

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My boyfriend and I are talking about marriage and kids (all hypothetically) and I am catholic and he is Jewish. Both of our families have expressed how they feel about raising kids a different religion, however I wanted to know that even though it’s not the best idea what are some ways that the kids can be baptized and still integrate judiasm into their lives? I can’t get past the idea of not having them baptized.

Please write suggestions, positive responses only!!

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(I am an atheist)

Richard Dawkins had said he thought it was wicked to raise a child to a certain religion when they are incapable of deciding for themselves.

How would one go about raising a child unbiased?

What do I do if they express interest in religion enough to attend church?

How would I respond to a question asking if there is a god?
Dawkins paraphrased from Root of All Evil, Episode 1, The God Delusion.

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Like these prime specimen:

who burn verses of the quran into their baby every week and are praised as "miraculous"

(boy oh boy what I would do to those people if I had a moment alone with them)
Amir: people that go along with this horrifying child abuse because they pop a major bone thinking it proves their religion should be flogged

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