I agree with Trish's advice. I think school is a great place to learn a little about the world's religions. Human history has been greatly influenced by religion, for good or bad, and I think it's a necessary subject to know about. The school will not "force it down you child's throat" (geeze I dislike that phrase). I think it is quite mature of you to be prepared to discuss religion without bias. No one can make their mind up about something unless they understand it. I think some people believe that if they expose their kids to religion it will have an instant negative effect on them... like it's contagious or something. Happy to plonk little jonnhy infront of a violent teen gang movie but would cringe at little Johnny watching a Christian Easter movie. I also think raising kids is a little about removing fear and establishing comfort zones. My DH never when in a church until he was 22yo and so feels "uncomfortable" about doing so even today. I think mature people feel ok about every aspect of life as long as it isn't harmful. Is entering a church or synagogue or temple harmful? If you think it is then ok, your kids will pick up on that. I personally think that exposure and saying "this is ok for some people" creates more tolerant and resilient children and adults.
I'd go the school option, different religion per term. It will not scar them for life
My MIL is JW and explained to me why she door knocks (I hate it and don't agree with it so it's hard for me to accept this part of her faith)... it's because in the bible there is a line that says something about "spread the word to your neighbours" so they really do feel that they are not following God if they neglect this part.
With regards to religion, I grew up in a non-religious household too and when old enough (grade 4) I said I didn't want to do religious classes at school anymore. At that time Christian education was still aprt of the public school system. My school didn't know what to do with me and let me hang out doing not much with a teacher in the room... soon more children joined me once people realised they had a choice. We then started a class called 'religions of the world' and we learnt about a new one each week. I loved it as it was teaching about diversity without ramming beliefs down my throat. Maybe your son would really enjoy attending the different religious classes- I'd talk to him about it.
As a kid myself I remember my own Mum sadly giving us kids a negative view of those that came "knocking on our door".
... She would tell them that they were trying to sell there religion like a set of stake knives coming into people's private property & feeling free to knock on the door & sell their religion so to speak.
As an adult I now do understand where my Mum was coming from BUT her approach towards the matter was so negative & I now understand that THOSE people were simply not being disrespectful or harmful towards others in anyway, they if anything were trying to reach out & welcome something that they themselves found to be wonderful into others lives. And I don't see that as something negative.
It would not have taken much for my Mother to simply say "No thank you we are not interested" ... & slowly close the door with some manners.
Hopefully my story from my own childhood memory may enlighten a little on the subject at hand for your Evan
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