Raising Kids With or Without Religion

Mommybites, formerly babybites, recently tweeted an article about raising kids without religion. The article had some good advice, and it is a tricky line. I know, because I was raised without religion.  A lot has changed since I was a child, but as far as religion in our lives, or rather the lack, it seems some things haven't changed at all.

I have always recognized what a firestorm this topic can set off, as it did when CNN posted a an article "Why I Raise My Children Without God," from a Texas mom and blogger that detailed why she chose to raise her kids without.

Growing up, I quickly realized I was different, and if I hadn't, my religious peers were certainly quick to point it out.  I often heard that I was going to hell for many reasons: I didn't go to church, I didn't believe in God, etc.  All of these snide remarks and judgments simply furthered my belief that I was being raised the right way.  After all, I was tolerant of other's beliefs, why couldn't they be tolerant of mine?  While I may not have been an expert on religion, Christianity specifically, I knew Christ taught compassion and forgiveness. So, where was mine?

What I've realized later in life is that it's not the religion that's judgmental, it's the person.  The Texas mom who was so quick to disparage what believing in God teaches to kids in her blog has made the same mistake as those who criticized me throughout the years.  She is just as close-minded as David Parker was in fifth grade when he told me I was going to hell when I told him I didn't attend church.

I now also know plenty of Christians who are accepting of others, no matter what.  Do they secretly believe they have the right religion on their side? Probably, but as long as no one's beliefs are being criticized, chastised or judged, to me that's a harmless belief.

What I do find disconcerting in this society is how adamantly people will advocate for their religion, but the minute there is someone on the other side doing the same, the judgments come spewing out.  If you find it acceptable to bless people that you speak to or utter a "Praise God," now and then, why can't you offer someone else the freedom to utter their own beliefs, even if they are contrary to your own?

As a parent, I do believe it's important for children to grow up with a sense of community, something that I lacked in my upbringing but sought out later in life.  I enjoy listening to positive messages and inspirational stories and would love for my children to grow up believing in faith.  Faith in God, if they choose, but also faith in people.  I want my children to look around at a sea of strange faces, with the realization those strange faces may turn to you and offer kindness out of no where.  I want them to live in that world.  To me, if it happens to have a religious backdrop or take place in a church, so be it.  I am still as open minded as I have always been, I just happened to have shaped my own beliefs along the way, and yes, they include a God.  It just may not look the same as your God.

And to me, that's ok.