When other people's kids bring up God

[Anonymous]

I think this is more of a parenting question than a religious question. If you are atheist or agnostic or follow a non-monotheistic religion, how do you handle it when other people's kids bring up God and repeatedly insist that God exists? I try to mildly say "well, some people think God exists and some people don't" and change the subject, but some kids will just keep insisting and try to get into it. The problem especially arises when my DC says "no, God does not exist" and then both kids ignore my attempt to say people have different views and agree to disagree. I find it a little awkward to be dealing with this with other people's kids, especially since these are early elementary kids. If you've btdt, any suggestions beyond what I'm doing? If your family believes in God, how would you like me to handle this? It doesn't happen a lot, but it's a little awkward when it does.

[Anonymous]

I would just say "ok" to the other kid. But to my own kid, I would explain that some people believe and some don't. I wouldn't argue with that child if that's what they believe. Just instill your beliefs in your own child.

[Anonymous]

I get where you are coming from, but I really don't think it's appropriate to have your young child go around insisting that God does not exist. It's obnoxious on several levels. Your family has a right to believe this (mine does too) but it's a personal opinion.

If your child is being proselytized, the best thing to do is to teach him to change the subject. "Can we talk about something else?" "I'm really not interested, thanks." Getting into a theological debate is not productive for adults and especially unproductive for children, who don't have the wherewithal or experience to understand that different beliefs are valid.

[Anonymous]

Tell them, "It is low class and impolite to argue about religion and politics in a social setting."

Please change the subject.

Really? You kids debate religion in social setting, that is the odd part.

[Anonymous]

Honestly I would let the kids discuss it between themselves as long as there was no name calling etc. This can be a healty interaction for both kids.

If a kid brought it up to me I'd say Okay or That's interesting and redirect.

[Anonymous]

How old are these kids? If they are 4th grade or above, and the kids aren't being nasty, I would not get involved in the conversation at all. It is normal to want to debate views with friends. If they are littler kids, I'd suggest another fun activity for them to do.

[Anonymous]

I get where you are coming from, but I really don't think it's appropriate to have your young child go around insisting that God does not exist. It's obnoxious on several levels. Your family has a right to believe this (mine does too) but it's a personal opinion

Whoa, why is it any more obnoxious than the other kid insisting that God does exist (other than the fact that the second kid comports more with your viewpoint)? If either kid is being aggressive in their opinion, or not recognizing that different people have different beliefs, it is equally inappropriate.

[Anonymous]

Calling another kid "low class" is the absolutely low class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I get where you are coming from, but I really don't think it's appropriate to have your young child go around insisting that God does not exist. It's obnoxious on several levels. Your family has a right to believe this (mine does too) but it's a personal opinion

Whoa, why is it any more obnoxious than the other kid insisting that God does exist (other than the fact that the second kid comports more with your viewpoint)? If either kid is being aggressive in their opinion, or not recognizing that different people have different beliefs, it is equally inappropriate.

Of course it's obnoxious to proselytize. But OP asked what HER kid should no, not for my opinion of the first kid's behavior.

[Anonymous]

Why are you getting involved in a conversation between two elementary school kids? Let them talk on their own!

If you're afraid that your kid is being proselytized, then have a discussion with him/her later.

[Anonymous]

I do not understand why kids are not allowed to discuss this. It would seem weird to me to say they are not allowed to..."low class"? I certainly don't encourage my children to proselytize for our lack of religion, but I have no issue with them saying "we don't believe that God exists" if they are asked by other kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would just say "ok" to the other kid. But to my own kid, I would explain that some people believe and some don't. I wouldn't argue with that child if that's what they believe. Just instill your beliefs in your own child.

I don't in any way do the bolded. ANY time that religion or god comes up I tell my kids what I think, then ask them what they think. I'm raising independent thinkers, NOT clones. That is a100% what I most hated and resented about being raised in the church and baptized/"converted" against my will. I won't in any way do that to my kids. If my kids choose to believe in God, great! IF not, great!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would just say "ok" to the other kid. But to my own kid, I would explain that some people believe and some don't. I wouldn't argue with that child if that's what they believe. Just instill your beliefs in your own child.

I don't in any way do the bolded. ANY time that religion or god comes up I tell my kids what I think, then ask them what they think. I'm raising independent thinkers, NOT clones. That is a100% what I most hated and resented about being raised in the church and baptized/"converted" against my will. I won't in any way do that to my kids. If my kids choose to believe in God, great! IF not, great!

Um, you're still instilling your beliefs in your kids...the belief that each person can choose for themselves. Nothing wrong with that but I wouldn't say you're doing it totally differently - just what you believe is different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I get where you are coming from, but I really don't think it's appropriate to have your young child go around insisting that God does not exist. It's obnoxious on several levels. Your family has a right to believe this (mine does too) but it's a personal opinion.

If your child is being proselytized, the best thing to do is to teach him to change the subject. "Can we talk about something else?" "I'm really not interested, thanks." Getting into a theological debate is not productive for adults and especially unproductive for children, who don't have the wherewithal or experience to understand that different beliefs are valid.

Kids, even young ones, can be taught and understand that different beliefs are valid. How old do you think they have to be? Certainly a 6 year old can understand this, if taught.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have your kid hang with only atheist kids. Then they can all go to the same therapist!