Atheist and the nativity

Person_one

jamesflood wrote: »

Right, Im an extreme atheist,

Don't be daft.

Atheism is an either/or, it doesn't exist in degrees contrary to popular opinion.

If you don't believe in any deities or religions you are an atheist, no more or less so than any other atheist.

robpw2

are you celebrating christmas op ??

jamespir

i think its good they taught her that just because your atheist does not mean you child should be not taught about other religions

your child should be allowed to make her own choice

pulliptears

I'm very much an atheist, however, both my children attended a Catholic Primary because it was the best school in our area (and I was baptised Catholic). I went to church (despite my OH joking that fire and brimstone would rain down on me as soon as I walked through the doors!), I went to nativity plays and I supported them both. As they grew older they asked questions which I always answered honestly with "well, personally I don't believe but you may". I left them both to decide what it was they wanted to believe in and as they grew they understood more the arguments between science and religion. It was not my place to encourage them in any belief, it was up to them to decide.

In the end both opted for mainstream high schools and whilst the older one is very much an atheist the 14 year old still does hold some belief and that is entirely her prerogative.

For now I'd encourage and support your child. They can then make up their own mind when they are old enough to fully appreciate all the angles.

VikkiiKawaii

Christianity is usually practiced in 'non faith schools'. It definitely was in my primary school, we sang hymns and had guest preachers in, despite the fact we were a non faith school. It used to annoy me when I reached year 6, as I was not and am not a Christian and felt it was slightly forced down our throats, although if you were of a different religion you were allowed to be excused. However things may not be as extreme now, it's been six years since I was in primary school.

jamespir

Jesse11 wrote: »

That's what i would say. Some fairy tales are always pretty and helpful for children.

its not really a fairy story though not like cinderella or sleeping beauty

*Louise*

I don't know why you are surprised - there are a lot of non faith schools who still have an infants Nativity every year. I think it's a lovely tradition/christmas story for children and it doesn't have to mean that they all believe it.

In fact, my DS2 goes to a catholic school and last years nativity was totally unexpected - it was all about Aliens landing at Christmas and being told the story of baby jesus being born, it was hilarious.:rotfl:

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel

Your child more than likely learns about many religious festivals - so why pick up on just one? They will learn about christianity in RE at school, they will also learn about Diwali, and other festivals too. It's a part of learning and to apprechiate that others have different views. To say one view is completely correct would be a mistruth. Use the questions as a chance to explain people believe in different things.

It's a bit hard to ignore Christmas, and the whole story behind it (and no, im not religious) esp in December . .

The_One_Who

Person_one wrote: »

That's a pretty interesting concept, to be bombarded by a lack of something!

Perhaps "anti-religion" would be a better term. It seems that the OP is actively trying to avoid any contact with religion for their child. As if it might contaminate them or something. It's not very open-minded, and I am only thinking that if the child chooses to be religious (or be interested in it) then they will be appalled.

Edit: I'm not religious, but I believe that people (and that includes children) should be able to explore and practice whatever belief they choose to and not be demeaned or insulted for it.

ktb

I don't have kids but I am an Atheist - so I have considered this sort of thing and I think I agree with Serious Savers' answer. The truth is that there are many people that believe in the stories in the bible & I do feel kids need an awareness & to be able to ask all the questions etc, but each person has to make their own decisions about what they believe once they are old enough to understand the ins and outs. If my kids ended up having faith then so be it.

I will 100% send my kids to a secular school, but around Christmas I guess I can understand why the 'nativity' is wheeled out - as seems to falls into that lovely gap between 'religious' & 'traditional' , so it feels pretty harmless to most.

I liked your idea of comparing it to Father Christmas once belief in him has waned, however the flaw there is that NO ONE carries on believing in FC once they discover he is a man-made fictional character, whereas (for reasons unbeknowst to myself) people believe in God even though there is absolutely no scientifc evidence for his existstence.

I think that kids need to know about religion in general terms as it is a very topical & important world and social issue but I would imagine that statistically if you are brought up by Atheists and do not have a strict religious eduction from a young & impressionable age, you are less likely to follow religion yourself as an adult. Would be interested to see some stats on that actually, maybe i'll email Prof Dawkins