Discussion: Teaching Kids about Religion

A forum member writes: My husband and I were both raised Christian and had baaaaad experiences - he as a Catholic and me as a Protestant. We have bitter feelings toward the church, especially since family members who are still members decided to write us out of their lives because of our unbelief (and told us to our faces that this was the reason!). Our kids have been told by Christian classmates and teammates that because they are not Christian they are going to hell. My born again sister told my kids in a Christmas letter last yr that she prays for their salvation all the time and that without Jesus hell is the only option. A fundie family at the end of the cul de sac will not allow my sons to play with theirs since we are not Christian. ... Is it possible to teach my kids respect for other's beliefs when they are not shown the same respect from the believers?

This is obviously a very difficult situation. When children are constantly faced with discrimination, bigotry, and outright hatred from Christians, it would be very difficult for them to develop anything other than a negative attitude about Christianity as a religion and Christians generally. Christians complain about discrimination against Christians in America, but how many Christians face problems like the above? Is there any way for these parents to raise their kids not to be bigoted like some of the Christians they see in their lives? Read More...