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?
