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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I think it's really important for kids to have a basic understanding of some of the larger/more influential belief systems they will come across.  I'm an atheist, and I give my kids as much background as I can on various beliefs as they come across them.  What is God?  Well, Christians believe this, Hindus believe this, etc.  I give them various examples, a mini religious education, when the questions come up.  If you tackle it from an academic perspective they are more likely to do the same.  They will learn that there are alternatives to your relatives' beliefs; LOTS of alternatives, and it can all be very interesting.  Flood them with as many different examples as they will take interest in, and answer their questions about your beliefs openly.

I have relatives who are religious, but not pushy, and it doesn't bother me in the least when the grandparents take my son to church once a year (mainly to show him off to their friends) while he stays with them.  If they were pushy, however, I would let them know kindly that I do not want my kids to be indoctrinated in any way because they are too young to understand what's going on.  If they want to investigate religion on their own terms when they are older so be it.  Until then, I will take exception to anyone who presents to them religious beliefs as truths that they should believe.[/quote]

This is why DH and I chose to raise our family in the Unitarian-Universalist faith.  They get religious education in understanding some of the beliefs of other people, a good grounding in ethics, and are encouraged to find their own path.

Plus, for "grace" we say "Want what you have, do what you can and be who you are", we hold hands while we are doing it.  It helps temper moods that are brought to the table and creates a nice atmosphere for us to talk about our day during the meal (which doesn't last more than 15 minutes usually). [/quote]

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