Atheism, Religion, and Children
AdventureDad | September 9
According to a recent article, I currently live in the most atheist/non-believing country in the world, Sweden. What is it like living among people who don’t **gasp** believe in or are unsure of God? Are children taught religion at all?
You would never know people are unsure of their religious beliefs and/or if God exists in this country. Personally, I do believe in something but it’s difficult to define exactly what that is. I’m not an atheist but but there are many aspects of religion that I don’t believe in and/or dislike. Mainly more extreme views or a belief that religion is the answer to everything.
My wife grew up in Mexico, a very religious place, and I in Sweden. Obviously not a religious location. It gives us the challenge of what to teach our children?
We want them to learn about different religions and do go to church together every now and then. Wife goes to church occasionally and does pray each night. Often with the children. But the main thing is that they learn about other religions and culture which is also why we always bring them on our vacations around the world.
Kid are taught a variety of religions in school, in a neutral way that resembles any other subject. Evolution is taught but other options are briefly discussed. It’s kind of a relaxed and nice way of learning religion although I wish schools would put more emphasis on this subject since it’s growing in importance around the world.
I think it’s sad that many people have such negative opinions of atheists or non believing people. It’s funny when you look at the list of the ten least religious countries in the world. Atheist’s or non believers don’t have a good reputation but half those countries on the list are considered some of the finest countries on earth. With largely non believing people who are considered incredibly honest, ethical, and compassionate. Something doesn’t make sense.
The survey concluded that “high levels of organic atheism are strongly correlated with high levels of societal health, such as low homicide rates, low poverty rates, low infant mortality rates, and low illiteracy rates, as well as high levels of educational attainment, per capita income, and gender equality”
Those traits work well and makes for a nice society. But as relationships are getting more international it still poses difficult questions. What about a very religious person married to an atheist Swede? What is the best way to educate the children when opinions vary greatly?
You and I are fairly close to being on the same page although I do consider myself a member of one of the more liberal Protestant denominations here.
I wish Sweden would share a little of their “live and let live” with my country.
Ann
California, USA
[…] Especially after reading what AdventureDad has to say. He’s from Sweden, the least religious country in the world. You would never know people are unsure of their religious beliefs and/or if God exists in this country. Personally, I do believe in something but it’s difficult to define exactly what that is. There are also many aspects of religion that I don’t believe in and/or dislike. For our marriage in Mexico I converted from Protestant to Catholic which for me was like changing socks. No big deal. […]
what was the point of this post, exactly?
I say point to both sides, atheism and religion, and then the children get to decide for themselves. If you allow them to educate themselves on the “issues” their instincts will lead them in the right direction. One of the nice things about religion, is the sense of community. I think that going to church, even if its once a month, is a good way to meet nice people.
just my opinion. don’t mean much. ;-)
I agree with your attitude that children should be taught about other religions and beliefs. I am sure this would promote tolerance and respect for others.
Problem is, of course, that when this sort of approach is discussed, or even when we discuss religious diversity or diversity of belief there is an attitude that excludes atheists, or even the non-religious.
We have seen this in New Zealand this year where there has been a lot of discussion of religious diversity. Despite our last census showing that 32% of the country declares itself as not religious the rights of this group were not considered. There was an attitude that the non-religious should not even be involved in the discussion.
More proof that Faith and Church-going aren’t necessarily one and the same.
There is so much to say on this.. but down to what matters:
Don’t give options, that forces a choice. Ask questions, and don’t bother small children with things based on eternity (if you believe in such things). Let them believe what they are believing, which is probably that they want a cookie later. Religion is not something for children, although I do believe churches foster good things in kids (don’t steal, be good, don’t talk back.. etc). The real FAITH of it all is a adult decision, and when they are ready for that decision, talk to them about it. If they want to go to church with a friend, let them go. If they like it, go there with them. If they don’t ever show an interest, let them talk to a professor or two with you. My professors at school were (while biased) definitely trying to hide this in almost all that they taught.
sorry, rambled.. but in the end.. Let adults decide their faith, let kids play on the swings/slide/Wii..
We too struggled with this very issue. My husband is an atheist and I’m agnostic although (or perhaps because) we were both raised in very strict, religious families.
With our son soon to be three years old and our daughter a year old, we felt like the time would soon be upon us to start explaining things like “What is Christmas?” “What happens when you die?” “What’s Easter?” “Why does Grandma go to church?”. We also feel that there’s a certain moral and ethical structure that is priceless and can best be brought into a family through the church community. We want our children to grow up knowing ABOUT religion but not having it forced on them. Basically, our hope is that they will be educated about religion to a degree that will allow them to find their own way without having to deal with the negative judgment of other religions.
So we are now in the process of joining a Unitarian Universalist church. The children’s church teaches world religions, charity, volunteering, love for humanity, searching for the truth. Our head minister is devoted to creating a warm, rich environment for the children and encourages members to take an active interest in as many church children as possible.
It gives me warm fuzzies all over.
My wife and I had this discussion, but it didn’t include atheist. My wife was raised in Indonesia and being a christian wasn’t too easy but is tolerated to a certain extent. I was raised something like baptist in the U.S. I don’t like organized religion and my personal opinion is organized religions are more about scaring people into doing what’s right as long as it suits the religious agenda. We’ll raise our child to think herself and do research before making a decision. I will teach that most religions are basically the same once you remove the human factor.
I live in Tx in a neighborhood where vacation bible school is done in the backyards of neighbors throughout the summer…some new take-it-to-the-people-approach (everything old is new again) I suppose. I guess it’s, nice if you are a believer.
For me finding atheist and agnostic friends and posts has been a “god-send” (pun intended). It’s nice not having to listen to a conversion speech when you least expect it. I appreciate hearing how other people raise their children without the crutch of religion.
I’m not a follower of “church” or “religion” cause we will always be disapointed in people and organizations…..I’d say i’m a follower of jesus, do what he did, love how he loved.
It demeans your faith, and all faiths, when you set a religious buffet before children.
Children look to parents to provide security and comfort. If you simply say to them “its all true, or its all false, or, I don’t know…believe what you want” you are not providing an example of either courage or tolerance.
Giving your children a sense that some things are a part of you fundamentally (whatever those are) will help ground them for life.
Even if they later make their own choices.