are atheists a rare breed?

@glamgrl (384)
Ireland
March 22, 2007 11:13am CST
i am an atheist.i was brought up that way.do you approve?should i bring up my children atheist or should i baptize them?
1 person likes this
7 responses
@Kaeli72 (1229)
• United States
22 Mar 07
In my understanding, atheists are people who do not believe in G-d or gods, correct? If that's so, then why are they trying so hard to disprove something that they don't think exist. That's funny. If you're asking if you should baptize your children, I would say "yes". Simply because if you're asking that question, then there must be something inside you that is telling you to make sure there's a type of "insurance" for your little ones.
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@stacyv81 (5903)
• United States
22 Mar 07
Why is it that we always show up on the same discussions Kaeli? lol! I agree with you. Most atheists dont think baptism is valid as they do not believe in God.
1 person likes this
@Fargale (760)
• Brazil
22 Mar 07
That's true. If you don't believe in the christian god, then baptism is a ritual that has no meaning to you. So there's no reason to baptize the child either; one could go so far as to say that it would be, in a way, an imposition of a religion way before the baby could even have a say on what's happening. But atheist or not, he should certainly respect the child's will. If, when old enough to decide this, the child chooses to follow the christian religion and be baptized, that decision should be respected.
1 person likes this
• United States
25 Mar 07
I have never believed in Baptising a child because it is tantamount to saying you are going to be of the Christian faith. A child cannot make that decision for itself and it should not be made for him. Everyone should be free to choose their code of beliefs without pressure or duress from others especially family. If you are questioning your beliefs then it is possible your beliefs are wavering. Look inside yourself before making decisions that will affect you children.
@Lindalinda (4111)
• Canada
22 Mar 07
I don't know if you should baptize them but you should certainly expose them to religion since so much of our culture has biblical and religious symbolism. For instance in literature there are so many references to biblical events and sayings. People who are not familiar with these miss out on something. Later when they are older they can decide for themselves and embrace or reject religion.
@Fargale (760)
• Brazil
22 Mar 07
As I say in the above post, I think you should simply let the kids grow knowing about the existance of religion, but without imposing any on them; and when they are old enough to make their own minds, let them choose whether they wish to follow one of those religions or none.
1 person likes this
22 Mar 07
In my humble opinion, I believe you should not seek external approval as to your belief system. You need to be comfortable in your own skin, whatever your beliefs may be. Are you positive that you are really an atheist? If you were, I don't believe you would be asking this question. It seems to me you may be more of a theistic agnostic. I wrote an article explaining my viewpoint on these various classifications, perhaps it will be of help to you: http://www.helium.com/tm/196152 Draven the Respectful Atheist http://dravenwriter.blogspot.com
1 person likes this
• India
22 Mar 07
Everything in this world is perfect it is we who differentiate between right and wrong. Its perfectly fine being an atheist. Children ultimately will grow and choose for themselves.
@stacyv81 (5903)
• United States
22 Mar 07
I think you should allow your children to research and find out for themselves what they want in their lives. I think you should bring your children up with morals and an open mind to find out for themselves. Children turn into adults with their own attitudes, personalities and minds. Subjecting them to only one thing wouldn't be good for them. I think letting them find out who they are and what they want in their life is best. I am no expert, but you asked, and there is my opinion...Hope it helped in your decisionmaking. =)
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