Should I tell my kids (10 &12) there is no God or cover up my beliefs?
402751
I love the fact that you allow them to find out for themselves. I am so glad my parents never forced me to believe or not believe in what they believe in.\n\nThe subject God is not something anybody can ever make someone understand or believe in. It's more of a personal journey out of a longing and desire to understand our place in this Universe.\n\nSo just let them find out on their own path. I think it's important to teach kids good values and good character qualities because what we put out comes back to us.
821356
My parents have never said anything about God or Santa my entire life, I was free to decide everything for myself.\n\nI never believed in Santa and realized there was a God around three years old because I realized humans weren't very bright so I had to look else where for truth.\n\nI've raised my son the same way, he's always known there wasn't any Santa without me telling him and he seems to be intelligent enough to also know there's a God. But we don't talk about that either because we don't have to.
931957
A very good question.\n\nI don't see any problem with parents teaching children their religion.  I would be very upset if someone told me I couldn't teach my children Wicca.  This actually happened to two divorcing Wiccans out in Indiana.  A judge decreed it wasn't "mainstream" so they couldn't involve their son in any of their ritual work or teachings even though both parents were Wiccan and neither of them said anything about their religion.  The son was too young to participate anyway, so the parents hadn't been involving him in ritual work, but the judge didn't care.  Fortunately it was overturned, but guess where I'm never moving!\n\nTeaching religion in school is a completely different thing.  Children shouldn't be ostracized or made to feel "wrong" because they don't follow the majority religion.  I know a lot of Christians (sorry, not trying to pick on them, but they do seem to be the squeaky wheels) object to prayer and God not being allowed in schools, but I don't think many Christians would be comfortable with their children taking classes in the significance of stones, crystals, candles and herbs for the use in ritual magick.\n\nSo, I have no problem with people teaching their children what they believe.  It shouldn't be allowed in school, however.\n\nBlessed be!\n)O(
24199
yes I definitely think you should bring your Bible to school. It's our job as Christians to share the Gospel to those we are around, so yes, you should share your beliefs. When you get criticized for it, just pray for God to give you strength. He will help you through it.
21246
Remember that there will always be people or messages that will challenge your beliefs.  If you believe God and in his only Son Jesus Christ in your heart, then nothing or no one can change that.  Don't let them doubt yourself, or even make you angry.  Try to show them how what you believe has affected you, but don't get in a fight.  Most of all, don't let anyone make you doubt your faith.
800654
Only if you're religious.  Otherwise, no.  Lie away.
512728
My atheism is mostly a private affair with myself.  I only share when asked and if I trust the person enough to tell them.  Religious discussion is not a big issue in my immediate family, so it was unneccessary to "tell anyone".\n\nOnly person I may not tell is my 88 y.o. paternal Granny.  I would only tell her if she asked....but other than that, no.  I do not want to upset what GOOD relationship I have with her, and I want to make our love for each other count for while she remains.
1075391
Must you?\nWhy not just live the best life you can, and if they remark on your improved character, behavior, serenity, or whatever, you can then let them know it's the result of your belief system.\nI always think your religious beliefs are very personal, and see no need to tell others about them.
11806
If showing them that it is impossible for us to be alive without God, and that God's creation obviously points to a Creator doesn't work, then all you can really do is pray for God to open their eyes. Keep working on them until they either completely refuse to listen, or until they finally realize there is a God. Just keep praying! \n\nAlso keep reading God's Word. Sometimes when you are reading the Bible, God will show something to you that you never noticed before. If you pray about it, He may show you a new way to prove that He exists to that atheist. Just do right, read your Bible, and pray!\n\nI hope God opens the door to lead that atheist to Him. When he finally realizes that God exists, then you should be able to lead him to Christ. God bless!
841820
My son is almost 11 and he still believes. As long as your son believes and you keep that alive then why should have you have to tell him. Yeah, kids will probably tell him there is no such thing, just like they have done with my son, but he has never not believed and he tells them that they should open their hearts and minds. Good luck and remember let him be a kid as long as you can. They grow up too fast as it is. Happy holidays!
310450
I am not sure I want my kids to be intermingled with ANY religious group AT ALL!!!! They are ALL starting to sound a bit scary to me?
366034
Or you could doubt Gods existence all of the time. I am always surprised at how little people know about their own religions. They ask for no facts, no accountability, and never question what they are told. I think they fear that their belief won't hold up and they will find out that they have wasted all of this time on nothing. I say if you are going to believe in God then at least know why. Don't be afraid to ask the hard questions, and don't let them get away with answers that don't make sense. Also, don't let them make you feel bad asking. If you are asking, and they don't have a good answer, maybe something is wrong.
211208
www.agnosticandathiestgoats4kids.com
536733
Just tell them that you know they do not necessarily support what you believe, but you are very happy about what you have been called to do, then tell them what it is you have been called to do, and tell them, I know you may not agree with it, but I would really like your support, your love, or your encouragement. My dad is a non-believer, and I told him this when I told him about a certain decision and he handled it very well and told me that even though he doesn't agree with what I believe, he will support me and love me.
746240
I'm an atheist too, but on occasion (Christmas, Easter, etc)I go to church with my parents (who only know that I'm not a Christian) because it's part of what we do as a family and also part of our culture (though not a very good part, I think). \n\nAt 15, it's not necessary for your friend to cause a ruckus with her parents, and she may well bring a whole host of problems down on herself - as a minor they can do a lot of things to her that she *really* wouldn't like - and depending on how fundamentalist they are, such actions may not be too far fetched.\n\nI suggest that she simply bring her skeptical viewpoint to church with her and view the whole thing as a learning situation until she either turns 18 or moves out of the house. Not believing in god doesn't require active proselytizing (unlike religion). Eyes and ears open, mouth shut (for a while).
477091
No the teacher should not wait for the student to bring up the question on religion. Even though it is an issue that is really not brought up in class, the teacher should be prepared for it. The teacher should start off with recognizing the differences in every student and cover the basics on cultural backgrounds. therefore the students will not be doubted.
1108339
There's a difference between being judgemental and teaching your children right and wrong.  There is a such thing as absolute truth.  That's what you should teach your kids.