Religion that will help little girl feell good about herself, make peace with existential crisis

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You might look into Unitarian Universalism--their structured religious education programs are great, and they support kids' religious exploration.

http://altreligion.about.com/od/beliefsandcreeds/tp/Seven_UU_Principles.htm

+1 Cedar Lane Unitarian has a lovely RE program.

[Anonymous]

My daughter when she was around 6 was asking me a lot of questions about what's a god, why do people go to church, what happens when people die, what are heaven & angels and so forth. Death & dying really was bothering her. I told her variations of what people believe in different religions. But no one really knows for sure and it depends on what you believe in your heart. She found most comfort in reincarnation. That death is not final and that we return to this earth again in our next life. After that she was totally fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You could try reading some kids' books on Buddhism with her. There are some excellent ones. It's a spiritual path that would probably work quite well with a questioning Mom.

A lot of people really like a book called "Is Nothing Something?" which answers a lot of these questions from kids from a Buddhist perspective.

http://www.amazon.com/Nothing-Something-Questions-Friendship-Everything/dp/1937006654/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1433904467&sr=1-4&keywords=buddhism+children

PP here. This book looks really interesting. I think my daughter would find it interesting.

[Anonymous]

I'm an atheist as well and have been discussing death and life, a lot with my two children 5 and 7 as they have had a lot of questions lately. Neither seems to want the same hard-fast definitions your DD is looking for though and they don't quite seem to have gotten to the whole "Why are we? What does it all even mean?" stage.

I'd support you looking into Universal Unitarianism - I also really love this book we read. It gives each major world religion what I think is a fair and balanced spread, and it also has one for agnosticism, and one for atheism. But it just speaks a lot about why people might search for a religion, or for spirituality and answers. It really feels quite open-ended to me, and sort of highlights the fact that no one is alone in these feelings and concerns. It might make her feel less alone and a little more at ease with not having the answers.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0756672287/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687642&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1500751065&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0A9CER776RC8934HD5P3

[Anonymous]

Oh and I also bought the "I wonder" and "Older than the Stars" books, both very sweet and impart a little bit of specialness to who we are, an embrace of the magic of our existence without the dogma.

I posted this elsewhere too - but it is exactly how I hope my children feel when they get older. That they were never lied to - and that they understand how special and amazing and beautiful their existence is. We are star stuff! (even if we don't have all the answers.)

http://nymag.com/thecut/2014/04/my-dad-and-the-cosmos.html

[Anonymous]

I agree with the people who suggest UU and the books that describe the beliefs of all religions. Any Christian religion will teach your child in those particular beliefs.

However loving these religions are, they involve a supernatural, invisible god who is supposedly taking care of your child (and everyone who believes in him).

It doesn't seem like the right choice for a child who is questioning. It essentially says questioning is not needed -- here's something to believe so you'll feel safe and not have to question anymore.

If you're child wants to choose something like that on her own after she learns more about the meaning of life, that's different, but telling her what to believe now seems like a rush to cut off the questions, not to help her answer them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with the people who suggest UU and the books that describe the beliefs of all religions. Any Christian religion will teach your child in those particular beliefs.

However loving these religions are, they involve a supernatural, invisible god who is supposedly taking care of your child (and everyone who believes in him).

It doesn't seem like the right choice for a child who is questioning. It essentially says questioning is not needed -- here's something to believe so you'll feel safe and not have to question anymore.

If you're child wants to choose something like that on her own after she learns more about the meaning of life, that's different, but telling her what to believe now seems like a rush to cut off the questions, not to help her answer them.

Meant to say "Any Christian religion will teach your child in THEIR particular beliefs." (Actually should be ITS, I realize)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think she would thrive in a Lutheran church, specifically an ELCA congregation. That is where both my young DD and DS are thriving. The church teaches about God's amazing love and grace. They teach that we don't have to do anything to earn God's love; it is simply a gift freely given. It is a powerful and comforting message.
We have found the church to be genuinely kind and caring. They also welcome and encourage questions.
The church also places a big focus on serving others. The youth are involved in a variety of outreach opportunities. Seek out a congregation that has a thriving youth program.
Good luck!

Wow, I am not the OP, but appreciate your post. I'm an adult seeking something more in my life and this description resonated with me. I plan to visit a Lutheran church this Sunday. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The church teaches about God's amazing love and grace. They teach that we don't have to do anything to earn God's love; it is simply a gift freely given.

This is the Christian Church in general.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The church teaches about God's amazing love and grace. They teach that we don't have to do anything to earn God's love; it is simply a gift freely given.

This is the Christian Church in general.

Not really -- some Christian (and other religious institutions) are like this but some Christian churches teach that if we don't follow God's rules, we will be condemned to an eternity in hell where we will burn forever. In fact, that that is a major part of the beliefs of early christianity. Some Christian churches these days don't stress it or even believe it, but many groups do and use it as a way to keep people in line - frightening them with the prospect of eternal damnation.

[Anonymous]

Religion keeps getting watered down until going to church is going to be like reading the horoscopes.

[Anonymous]

Have you checked out "Godly Play"? It is a nice Christian-based children curriculum, with very positive message (i.e. the 10 commandments are the "ten best ways to live).
Many Episcopalian churches use it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The church teaches about God's amazing love and grace. They teach that we don't have to do anything to earn God's love; it is simply a gift freely given.

This is the Christian Church in general.

Not really -- some Christian (and other religious institutions) are like this but some Christian churches teach that if we don't follow God's rules, we will be condemned to an eternity in hell where we will burn forever. In fact, that that is a major part of the beliefs of early christianity. Some Christian churches these days don't stress it or even believe it, but many groups do and use it as a way to keep people in line - frightening them with the prospect of eternal damnation.

But that's not the catholic (little c) church. Yes, it's part of it, but remember John 3:16.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Religion keeps getting watered down until going to church is going to be like reading the horoscopes.

As it already is.

[Anonymous]

OP, with all due respect, religion is not -- or should not be -- about "feeling good about yourself." If you're going to encourage her to explore Christianity, and I hope you are, then that is not the goal. It is about becoming whole by finding a relationship with God.

Personally, I would suggest a Bible-teaching Presbyterian church.