Religion differences!

Hello! Though I myself am a Christian, I can understand your problem here. I am Christian but do not agree with most orgainzed religion and it's sometimes hard to explain to children as to why as most of my reason are things only adults would really understand. I think your kids are too young at this point to start explaining the differences of Wiccan to Christian and why you believe what you believe. I think it would be too confusing for them and if they are forced to church all the time - you don't want them saying something to someone else that would end up getting them hurt...feelings, etc as they wouldn't yet be properly equiped to handle the hatred that might be brought upon them by their innocent comments. If they have always gone to church they may not be of the age of understanding that there are many different view points as most churches teach "my way or the high way". Soon, through school peers they will realize there are differences and begin to question you about other people and other beliefs....that is the perfect time to introduce them to what you believe - slowly. And I wouldn't scold them for what they believe...I believe no matter what religion - that children should be offered information - but not forced into anything. And if they ask you questions about God that you don't want to answer because you don't believe and you don't believe they are ready to learn about your beliefs....I would say something like: "You know - that is a really great question and daddy might know more about this question then I do" That way you aren't putting down their belief, you aren't giving them too much information too early, and you aren't putting yourself in a position to talk and teach about God - as you shouldn't be forced to if that isn't what you believe in. I hope you are able to figure this out as I know talking to children can be hard when it's a touchy subject. I wish you all the best!!! Lots of luck!!!

It doesn't look like you are 'old' enough yet ... How can one who still needs a 'guide' give advise or guide another anywhere. Your children will know, learn, and grow along with you ... truth will always prevail ...

I think it's up to the father to tell the kids that you do not go to church and I would suggest a professional who is impartial to explain the differences between Christianity and Wiccan. Usually the children follow the father's religion rather than the mother's, so if you want the children accept Wiccan, they won't, so accept that. It depends on their maturity how much to explain the differences, but you have to be careful and not praise up your belief with such stuff as "we are in tuned with nature," etc. because Christians recycle, etc. but that comes under the general rule of being considerate and caring for the Earth, which is under man's dominion.

I think if she's old enough to make comments to you about her father's religion or your religion, she's old enough to be told about why you and your spouse made the choices that you did. It's better, I feel, if you just explain what being a Wiccan does to you -- how empowered, safe, in tune, etc. it makes you feel. Be prepared for some nasty questions or comments, and let her know that intolerance will not be tolerated (hee hee)! But seriously, let her know to be open-minded and not judgemental. Like Jesus was! That always got my christian friends to stop criticizing my atheism in high school. I think any rule of thumb for discussing matters with your children is that if they ask you about it, or make comments to you about the subject matter implying they have questions or concerns, you need to discuss it with them. It would be unfortunate if you ignored these cues from your children and missed this pivotal time to discuss these matters with them.

first of all you should question your beliefs i guess. You're on the wrong path. First learn about all the religions existing then make sure of yourself

I agree with stacyv81. Explain it to them in terms they will understand. Also, I do hope you'd make sure not to tell them that whichever religion they choose to practice is wrong, bad, or anything, just because you don't believe the same thing. I myself do not affiliate with any one religious 'label'. I have a few flexible beliefs that suit me, and probably only me! lol. But seriously, I believe that if more people in the world were more tolerant and accepting of others' beliefs (religious, spiritual, etc), then the world might just be a slightly more peaceful place.

you dont think they are old enough to know that there is more than one religion/spiritual path out there? But dont you think that they ALREADY know and isnt it best to get them started on the road of acceptance for diversity at a young age? I would just explain to them that all religions andn spiritual paths are right for each individual person and they should have respect for ppl who believe differently....They'll most definately come across different religions in school, on the playground, etc etc so why not talk to them about it?

I would like to say just answer their questions in terms they understand. She is curious about your life, and wants to know. Its mean if it is a part of you, then of course she wants to know, one day she will have to make her decision, and learn about different religions, and if she is old enough to notice the difference and ask, then I think she should be able to hear some kind of explanation and decide the better way in her life.

i dont think at 7 you can give her your opinion about not believing in God. your children are still too young to worry about religion. if bringing them to church will help them in molding their character and discipline i see no harm in that. and you dont have to worry about their preference because when they grow up they will make that choice to believe or not in God. I was raised a catholic but now i am an atheist but i see no harm in my upbringing in my catholic school because i am thankful for the discipline they instilled in me. and i can debate with anyone with the norms of the church because i understand it, having lived with it since i was four. now about the questions, try to give her answers that will not complicate or confuse her. when you come up with a questions you cant answer, the safest answer would be i dont know because mommy believes differently.

it is so sad these the this a big problem .

I think it is ok to tell them the religion differences.After all that is just different thoughts with God.Of course I hope you can go to church with your kids and your husband,I am a Christian too.

You could approach it as, "Nobody is really sure about these things, but people have different beliefs. I believe this, your dad believes this, some other people believe this." If there is a Unitarian Universalist church near you, you may want to look into attending services or groups there with your kids. The UU church is a church that basically believes that all religions and beliefs have something to teach, and it is up to every individual to figure out their own belief system. Many Pagans and Wiccans go to UU churches, as well as Buddhists, athiests, agnostics, liberal Christians, etc. In a UU church your kids would never be discouraged from believing in Christian beliefs, but they would also be taught to accept and respect other people's beliefs. Also, going to a UU church might help the kids understand that your beliefs are a religion too, just like their fathers' beliefs are a religion. (You might also want to make sure your children's dad isn't making any negative comments about your religion to the kids...)

I Feel the Kids Have to grow A little before they Can Understand what religion is they might Understand What God is But To understand religion as a matter of faith might take longer. They Should be atleast 12 years, I think thats the right age.

Yes if she want to know the truth tell her and may I say bravo on the whole let them choose their own way but allowing them to experience a religion not of your own... but yes tell her the truth let her know why her mommy doesn't go to church

Yes, why not? I'd say just answer their questions in terms they understand. She is curious about your life, and wants to know. I mean if it is a part of you, then of course she wants to know. I mean, one day she will have to make her decision, and learn about different religions, and if she is old enough to notice the difference and ask, then I think she should be able to hear some kind of explanation. That is just what I think, I am curious to see others responses as well, good post! +

well relegious diffrences have always been a point to fight between kids and parents when it is mostly about getting married and when its about two diffrent religions male and female getting wed then there are 90% of the times relegion diffrences. And relegion difference have been one of the major equipment used by the britishers who had used a policy of divide and rule.where it was a fight about the hindu muslim sect which had started developing diffrences through that misunderstanding.