Support thread for all the atheist,agnostic,non-religious and secular humanist TTCers

We haven't a set plan as to how we'll raise our children. I believe that there are many good teachings out there, from a variety of religions, and I think I'd like our kids to learn all the good stuff, to learn about the great spiritual leaders of this world, Mother Teresa, Mahatma Ghandi, Jesus Christ, Buddhist teachings, and others who teach about loving one another and living in respect of our great world.
I believe in god, but not that there is one set way, or one correct way to get to it.
I think my family will have a hard time understanding that we won't teach our children that Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life. I think Jesus was an incredible human who wanted to teach about loving people and doing what is good and right, then people screwed it up and turned him into a religion. Whew, this could get heavy so I'll back down a bit

But yeah, in the end I just feel like indoctrinating children, to any extent, is wrong. Give the kid a chance at life - don't bring them up "knowing" some "truth" that is in fact, unknowable by it's very definition ie. how the universe was created.

Originally Posted by floatingbaby

But yeah, in the end I just feel like indoctrinating children, to any extent, is wrong. Give the kid a chance at life - don't bring them up "knowing" some "truth" that is in fact, unknowable by it's very definition ie. how the universe was created.

I agree with that very much! I will probably teach my children about world religions the same way that I would any mythology (like the greeks or romans). I also think it is really important to teach them strong critical thinking skills, reason and skepicism.

Originally Posted by westfall

So what will you guys do when parents? what will you teach your children about faith and how do you think your (possibly) religious family will react to your irreligiousity?

I honestly don't know what I'll do yet. I'm still discovering what I believe. I like the floatingbaby's idea of teaching children about all different faiths and perspectives! I wish I knew more about what is out there outside of Christianity. Now at 29 I'm having to research and reflect on my own. I hope to provide my children with information so they can make their own decisions.

My religious Catholic family will freak out when they find out that I'm not religious and not planning to raise my children in a religion! I wouldn't be surprised if they baptize my future child sometime while they are babysitting. I am worried about it but trying to take each challenge as it comes.

What a great thread! I'd love to hear more about what other ladies are planning to do.

readerwriter: my family is very Catholic as well, my grandparents will be gutted lol! my grandmother is still on my case about getting married in the catholic church ( we have been engaged for 3.5 years and are just really casual about the whole thing, intend to just run down to city hall one day at make it official) she keeps saying "well if you dont marry in the church, you cant have your babies baptised!" oh dear...

its not as if I can say "well granny, Im actually an atheistic leaning agnostic" as she has famously told me she doesnt understand where all the "coloured" people came from if god created only adam & eve who were white!!

It makes me really glad that I was raised in a non-religious household although both my parents had been active church-goers until their early-mid twenties. I wasn't christened, neither was my sister. So I knew about religion but also knew that it wasn't necessary to have a religion in order to be a good person. It also removes any chance of pressure to raise our kids in a certain way.

Originally Posted by westfall

its not as if I can say "well granny, Im actually an atheistic leaning agnostic" as she has famously told me she doesnt understand where all the "coloured" people came from if god created only adam & eve who were white!!

oh man granny!!! too funny

Originally Posted by eebee

It makes me really glad that I was raised in a non-religious household although both my parents had been active church-goers until their early-mid twenties. I wasn't christened, neither was my sister. So I knew about religion but also knew that it wasn't necessary to have a religion in order to be a good person. It also removes any chance of pressure to raise our kids in a certain way.

Yeah that's how I was raised and want I plan to do with my children.

Can I join you please I'm definatly an. Atheist I have been for about 12 years since I was about 14!!

Beccaboop: the more the merrier! It is good to see another atheist here! Been feeling very in the minority. it seems that most women seek out faith in the uncertain time of ttc/pregnancy andparenthood. it will be nice to chat with others who are like-minded!

Anyone here from the states? I'm from Canada where things are a bt more secular but read a gallup poll that atheists are the most dispised groups in the country! (Ahead of terrorists and homosexuals) do you American ladies find it hard to be irreligious in your country?

I'm not religious and neither is my husband - and neither of our families are, either. I was christened, but only cause it was the done thing at the time and cause my Nana played the organ at the church

Growing up, I had a couple of religious friends at sometimes if I'd had a sleepover at their house on the Saturday night I would go to church/sunday school with them. My parents didn't mind, I think they knew I would figure out it wasn't for me!

If my (as yet unborn/unconceived!) kids wanted to explore religion, I wouldn't mind, they are free to make up their own minds. I don't mind other people having a belief system, as long as they don't force it on anyone else. I sometimes find it quite interesting to hear about different religions.

It does irk me though with the whole "god has a plan" thing!