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[quote=Anonymous]Many people read me wrong when I say that I am an atheist.
I was raised as an atheist, but my parents were very conservative and strict. Their rules made sense, and for that reason, they were easy to follow. No drugs, alcohol, promiscuity, cheating, lying, racism, bigotry and so on. Had to do the right thing all the time. There were times when it was hard because we did not fit in anywhere. I felt very uncomfortable with religious people, who actually scared me. Anytime I saw anyone praying I would walk away. 
I am still uncomfrtable with religious talk, but can discuss religion in an objective way. Some religious history and sociology actually intrigue me. 
My problem is that when I say that I am an atheist, people often assume that I am a social or fiscal liberal. But when people hear that I am pro life, and anti death penalty, they assume that I am a conservative Catholic. It is really about my upbringing. My parents were very serious about cruelty to animals, people, self,  the environment and so on. Half of my sibs are vegetarians. That is imprinted in my head. 
Fast forward: child rearing. DH is not religious, but was raised with a light touch of religion (not Christian) and has most of my values. I like how I turned out, but DH wants them to have a touch of what he had. The problem is that I fear that the very religious exposure could take that common sense approach that my parents had and turn it into something that is unbelievable (as I see religion to be). I actually see religion as a fast track to making my kids into cynics who will rebel. DH is concerned that I never fit in anywhere and he does not want his kids to be like that. He wants them to feel a part of something. 
Now I have no problem with telling them "the -----s believe in such and such, so that is why they do such and such". They can be educated about others' beliefs. But to actually attend a service to me is like the koolaid, just going too far. 
Not sure how to move ahead. Sibs did nothing religious with their kids, and so far, my neices and nephews are great kids. 
WWYD.
Please pardon typos.[/quote]

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