Children and Paganism

By Leca
@lecanis (16647)
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
February 13, 2007 6:26pm CST
At risk of starting some kind of war, I have a question. Do any pagans out there worry about problems you/your child will face with you teaching them your religious beliefs? I'm a fairly new parent, so it's a little early for me to worry, but I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I have friends who hide everything "pagan" in their home when they have "home visits" from their child's school. They teach their children not to talk about religion at all, either at school or at the homes of their friends. I won't say they are wrong in their approach, but I worry a little that their children will feel their religion is something to be ashamed of. Even though I suffered discrimination as a kid, I don't want to teach my son to grow up "in the broom closet". There are good reasons to keep silent. For example, the judge who told two divorcing Wiccans in their custody that only mainstream religions should be taught to their child, even though both parents were Wiccan. It got overturned, but it's a scary thought all the same. Growing up in Kentucky as I did, I also saw pagan parents lose their children because someone made up excuses to call social services on them, even though the accusers admitted it was really because "they wanted those poor children to be taught about God." I have to think that surely these things don't happen as often now as I witnessed as a child, but again, it's a scary thought. How much do you involve your child in your religious practice? Are you very careful not to let their teachers, classmates, other parents, know your beliefs? Do you worry about discrimation, or false charges of abuse?
14 people like this
26 responses
• United States
14 Feb 07
I know this was directed to the pagans and wiccans which I am technically not. Yet, I have had some experience with this type of discrimination. I would say this is the primary reason my wife and I are divorcing. I have my own unique views on spirituality that are very complex and can't easily be tied down to any one classification. My wife argued and argued with me about how we would raise our children. I suggested every compromise and solution I could imagine. But, nothing would work for her. In the end she just gave up. When her and I first got together she spent quite a bit of energy trying to convert me to her religion, and if we had not been life long best friends I would have left her on the spot. I gave her the benefit of the doubt though and pushed forward. In the end learning that no matter what she may have said she never got over this first problem. My suggestion from this would be to raise your child the way you feel is best. There will be those who try to manipulate you and your child's life. I would say take your stance with your feet firmly planted and make sure those who interfere know that they can not move you. I can say with some pride that my wife never converted me. I may have been willing to bend (compromise) this way or that, but I never let myself be coerced in anyway. One thing I have been learning and getting better at is to become firm and unbreakable in whatever stance or path I take in life. Bendable like a young tree but not breakable. Hope that helps. Do you have pictures of your kids?
8 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
14 Feb 07
It's okay if you answer and you're not Pagan or Wiccan. Everyone is welcome really! I'm sorry to hear that you and your wife are divorcing over this issue. It's sad that she couldn't accept you for who you were. Personally the way I want to raise my child is with a respect for all religions, and the knowledge that he can choose his own path. It would be nice to be able to involve him in my own religious practices, especially on holidays, but if he later chose to be another religion, I wouldn't mind as long as he still respected my right to my own beliefs. Thanks for your response! Oh, I do have pictures, but I haven't put one up yet. I'll go find one to put up now, and put it on my profile.
4 people like this
@Ravenladyj (22904)
• United States
15 Feb 07
"Bendable like a young tree but not breakable" omg i say that to my kids all the time...well something similar at least "be willing to bend like the willow without uprooting yourself" (meaning stand firm and tall but be willing to compromise) I'm sorry sufincypherz that you are divorcing thats a shame....but KUDOS and +++ for you for staying true to you! thats fabulous!
5 people like this
@bicklelady (1404)
• United States
19 Mar 07
I think you should teach your child to be proud of who they are. Yes I believe in God and I am a christian but to me being a christian is not to put down other people and there religions. That is what America is all about Freedom of religion. If people would just look past what they believe in and look at the person, they might find a beautiful person. I am sorry you had to go through what you went through in your life. I was picked on growing up because I was poor and very ugly. I could not help how I looked but people made fun of me for that. They did not try to get to know me. They just did not like what I looked like so thay judged me. It is to bad that everyone can not get along.
4 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
20 Mar 07
I'm with Galena on this one: I like you. =) Thanks for a wonderful response! Whether it is looks, money, or religious differences, people should always try to get to know each other instead of just making snap judgements. I'm sorry to hear that you had to deal with that kind of ignorance.
3 people like this
• United States
21 Mar 07
Well thank you both so much. Yall just made my day. I need to let my husband read this. LOL Really it really made my day.
2 people like this
@Galena (9110)
19 Mar 07
know what. I like you. you come across to me in your posts as someone I would consider a True Christian. someone that makes the positive teachings an important part of their life, and doesn't choose to ignore teachings on tolerance and loving thy neighbour. if only more Christians were like you. you are a credit to your religion.
4 people like this
@emarie (5442)
• United States
14 Feb 07
well, i understand why they would, its to protect their children. but what EVERYONE ELSE should do is teach their children to respect other religions. thats what i'm going to do with mine. they will have the freedom to chose what religion they want to practice on their own. i'm not going to force them since i was forced to be a catholic when i was younger and apparent my own beliefs contradicted theirs, but my mother said when i'm 18 i can change...that really confused me since if she wanted me to chose, then why did she make me goto church in the first place?? people should me more accepting of others. its wrong for people to discriminate just because of their religion. i have never seen a child being taken away because the court system didn't like their religous beliefs. thats just stupid.
3 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
14 Feb 07
You're right: everyone should teach their children to respect other religions. I'm glad to hear that you will teach yours that. I plan to do so as well, and whatever religion he chooses (when he's ready to choose) is fine by me. From what it sounds like, your mother is probably hoping taking you to church will help you choose to stay in her religion. However, she might also simply seeing that as something you do together. I know a lot of families see "going to church" as a family thing, so maybe that's part of why she wants you to go with her. It's not legal to discrimate in such a way (taking away a child over religion) in the U.S. at least. That doesn't mean it doesn't happen, it just means they have to make up other excuses to do it. And I agree, it's stupid.
3 people like this
14 Feb 07
I brought my son up to be able to make his own mind up on such things. I didn't exactly hide the fact that I was a pagan from anyone, the subject of religion simply wasn't discussed that much at home and while my son was at school I was quite happy for him to learn about different religions.
3 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
14 Feb 07
Thanks for your reply!
2 people like this
• United States
14 Feb 07
I do not have children, but I am the only Pagan in my family. A few years ago my aunt found out about my religious choice and sat my dad down to talk about it. She talked to him for hours about it, convincing him that it was a bad choice on his part to let me choose this religion because in her eyes it was "evil" and "devil worshipping". I was young, so I didn't have much of a say when he told me to keep my religion hidden when family was around. A year ago I turned 18 and decided not to hide my beliefs anymore. My aunt is fully against it, my grandmother "had a cow" when she learned of my beliefs, and my mom and I got into a lot of arguments. And it's all because I do not believe what they want me to believe. My mother even told me I'm going to hell. I think that the parents may be doing the smart thing in protecting their children. Until people can learn to "live and let live" and accept other viewpoints, there will always be a worry about showing beliefs that are not mainstream or seen as acceptable to most. I'm really not sure how to approach this. To get my father, boyfriend, and friends to understand, I sat them down and explained to them my beliefs. I told them why I felt the way I did. I showed them how my beliefs related to the Pagans in history. I gave them time to digest this information, ask questions, and share their points of view. I told them I would be open to any questions at any time from that point on as long as they weren't rude. I can tell you that high school was tough when I encountered those who were flat out disrespectful of anything that did agree with their train of thought and religion. Thank goodness that it didn't happen too often, but it still happened all the same. I say that if your child is strong in their beliefs and can handle any scrutiny when they get older, let them choose for themselves whether they want to be open or not, explain to them what they may have to deal with, but let them choose; however, when they are young, try to keep them safe from this discrimination because they will be dealing with enough of the same youthful problems that come to all growing kids and they really won't need more things to deal with.
4 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
14 Feb 07
Thanks for your response! Thanks for sharing your story! That's a very good point about letting them choose whether to be open themselves later on. I hadn't really given much thought that far down the road (my son is a baby so this is all really early) but it's a great point!
4 people like this
• United States
14 Feb 07
I'm like Pin. I have no children. Though I'm too young to have them to begin with is besides the point. I also am the only pagan in my fairly large family. My Mother though fully supports my beliefs. My brother still treats me like I can gain all the answers I could ever want from tarot cards, and from my Father's own words he thinks I'm 'silly'...he probably als thinks what I beliis a phase, along with my chosen job I'm going to persue as a career (Private Investigating). The rest of my family doesn't know because religion's never been brought up in conversation..plus they've more concerns than little old me, one grandma's diabetic and the other has alzhiemers. But I've always loved children, and though I've ultimately decided having children of my own'd be an unwise idea, I've always been open to the possibility I might adopt someday. If it happens I do adopt I'll never hide the fact about my beliefs, and Ill answer any questions my children will ask me. I will caution them, whatever they believe that often it is wise not to be terribly obvious about their relgion. But I refuse to hide it. If they choose to, it will be their decision . . but I won't. By law I and any children I would have would be protected..and by Goddess if I had to I'd go to millions of legal battles for the little ones, myself, and what I/we believe in, what they could possibly believe in..and I swear I'd get the best lawyer under the sun and win them all lol. But I'm fully aware that there's still plenty of iffy reactions toward pagans, I'm aware there are very nasty people who try to cause people problems for simply believing something different than them. But this is not the dark ages, this is the age of 'reason' as so many people have constantly reminded me. We shouldn't have to hide or act as if our beliefs are something wrong, something to be ashamed of. Hiding occasioally's okay..but hiding in your every-day life? When you're forced to live a lie you eventually forget the lie not true..and I won't go through that again, and I hope any children I will ever have, won't have to go through it either.
5 people like this
• United States
14 Feb 07
My opinion is that you as an adult can and will do as you please but it should not be forced upon a child. Let them chose the religion they prefer. That does work and has for all 6 of my Mothers children she was Baptist my Father was Nazarene and each of my brothers and sisters are the religion they chose and we are a loving family with different life styles and believes. As for Wiccan (my opinion) that should be a later in life choice.
3 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
14 Feb 07
I don't plan to force my beliefs on my child, but I do want to include him in family rituals (think holidays). I would never tell my child that he had to be the same religion I am. Why do you think being Wiccan should be a later in life choice? Or are you saying all religions should be? It sounded like you were singling out Wicca for that comment, and it rather confused me. Personally while I'm not Wiccan, my beliefs are pretty similar to Wiccan beliefs (just more purely Celtic rather than from many sources), and I first started learning about them when I was four years old from my great-grandmother. I did later investigate other religions, but my core beliefs have not changed. Is there something wrong with the fact that I learned these beliefs so early?
3 people like this
@brokentia (10389)
• United States
21 Mar 07
Honestly, I worry about it some. But I do NOT let my children hide our religious beliefs. We are very strong in our beliefs and the schools and other people will have to get over it. I do not go around attacks other religions. Instead, I teach my children that there are many religions and each person has to follow what is right for them. So, during the Winter Holidays, they know the names of each holiday. And when they come to a certain maturity, they ask about the differences. My daughter brought home a poster with a tree drawn on it. Over that weekend, she was supposed to decorate the tree to be hung in the hallway of her grade. Well, instead of writing Merry Christmas like some others had done, we included many holiday greetings going around that entire poster board. My children's teachers know we celebrate the Yule. And when I saw them, they wished us Merry Yule also. I think the world is coming to a better understanding. And the only way to continue its acceptance is to come out of the "broom closet". :)
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
21 Mar 07
You have no idea how exciting it is to me that your child's schoolteachers reacted in this way. I had so many many problems in school myself over religion as a child, and I've seen many of my friend's children have the same problems I did. It's amazing and wonderful to me that these teachers were so understanding. Thanks so much for sharing!
2 people like this
• United States
14 Feb 07
One day my pre-teen went on the belief.net site and a few minutes later told me, "Hey, Mom, I'm a Neo-pagan!" Since neither one of us really knew what that encompassed, it was actually pretty interesting to read about it and people's beliefs. He's very open in telling people I'm Buddhist, he's Neo-Pagan, etc...He attended a Christian school for a while and was open to that as well, we just let him decided for himself what he believed.
2 people like this
@Ravenladyj (22904)
• United States
15 Feb 07
LOL My kids both did the "Belief O matic" I have too actually and even though I think its more of a for fun type thing it was pretty damn accurate LOL I think letting the kids decide for themselves and giving them the means to learn more of what piques their interest after giving the basics of various paths is definately the best really..not only are we not forcing them into anything they arent comfortable but also lets face it, unless a child is goin to a religious school then they will meet friends of various religous backgrounds so wouldnt it be best for our kids to be educated?? For example I would love for both my kids and mysefl to learn more about Islam since the kids both have Muslim kids in their school..I think for them to be educated on it would be a good idea...
2 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
15 Feb 07
haha Did he do the belief-o-matic quiz? I love that. =p I think it's great that your son can be open about what he believes, with you and with others. Sounds like you're both very open to learning about other beliefs as well. That's lovely!
2 people like this
@FrancyDafne (2047)
• Italy
23 Mar 07
I agree with you for the fact that we have to pay attention with our children. My son is 7 and I live in Italia, a Catholic country in which the majority of people say to be Christian but never go to church and don't know anything about their religion, but it is hard to be something different from Christianity. Pagans are so few that if someone says to be a Pagan, people laughes thinking he/she is joking. My son knows that I am a Pagan and that I never go to church. He likes Christianity and asked me to learn catechism in his church and I allowed him to do what he wants, I am for freedom. So every Saturday I take my child to church but I never enter the church, my child knows this and he will never ask me to enter the church with him: I respect him and he respects me. I never hide to be a Pagan, if someone asks me I tell him. When my son's teacher of religion asked me the reason why I called him "Giuliano" I answered to her: "As I am Pagan I called him with the name of the last Pagan empereor: Giuliano".
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
23 Mar 07
Thanks for your response! I think it is wonderful that you are open with your beliefs, and also that you have respect for your son's interest in Christianity. =)
1 person likes this
• Argentina
2 Apr 07
As a pagan I understand your religious tolerance,but beign a pagan I find it kind of odd that you take your own child to the place where they have ordered the murder of millons of our kind. also knowing the danger of child abuse in christian churches I believe you are beinga little irresponsible to take your child there and leaving him alone. I find it odd, like a jew taking his child to a metting of young Nazis for he sake of political tolerance. With all due respect I think that your actions are totally stupid.
2 people like this
• Philippines
14 Feb 07
I think this may be the repercussion of the Salem massacre. I don't have children yet and I'm not "officially" a pagan but my religious belief comes closest to it but I still am very much scared that when I have children, they'll be discriminated against since I live in a very Catholic country. I'm not scared of teaching them my beliefs when I do have children, after all, Paganism is all about love and respect right? Paganism is all "inclusive" in a way such that it's belief system is very fundamental and rooted in nature that it encompasses others. For example, Christianity's golden rule is "do unto others ..." which is pretty much the same as the Threefold Law - what you put out comes back to you times three. Christians pray and so do I, albeit worded differently. There is no question that I will involve my future children in my beliefs and I am scared to let them know where my spirituality is rooted. Nevertheless, I still very much worried that other people may understand. I guess it is good that I don't believe in preaching and conversion, that may be a good lesson to tell my child as well... Answer when asked and never let anyone believe you're beliefs are superior, because none is.
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
14 Feb 07
Thanks for replying! You do make some good points about things religion have in common. I love to focus on those things rather than what is "different" because it helps to explain my beliefs to others who don't understand. I agree with you on the conversion issue. =)
3 people like this
• India
14 Feb 07
if by pagans u mean atheist then i'm... but i'm never scared of teaching kids the religion beliefs... i will tell him/her to see everything scientifically and judge... believing or not is not upto me... but an open mind is most important...
3 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
14 Feb 07
Well, I wasn't really aiming this at atheists, but the same principles apply when it comes to any minority belief really. So... welcome!
3 people like this
@seamonkey (1976)
• Ireland
11 Mar 07
I'm not 'wiccan' nor do I practice anything formally, but I consider myself a pagan. I really dislike the idea of religion being shoved down a child's throat and we often discuss it at home as both my kids have to attend a school with a religious ethos. In the town we live in, there is no non-denminatinal school. I think it is a real shame that if a kid wants an education he has to learn parayer, etc.
2 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
11 Mar 07
Wow. I can't imagine living in a town where there was no public non-religious school. That certainly gives me something to be thankful for. Where I grew up, there were private schools, but a lot of religion was taught in them. Living where I was, and going to that school, I didn't know that this was unacceptable under the law. At least where I live there are public schools, and if they try to teach religion in them, you can do something about it. I do think it is a horrible shame that a child has to have religion shoved down their throat to get an education!
2 people like this
@alnilam (969)
• United States
31 Jul 07
I am not a pagan and am not a mother, so I can not aid you. This is more of an off topic question for you (hope you won't mind). Can you tell me what does the term pagan mean to you, how do you define your religion (if this is not too personal)... In my country paganism is believing in our ancestors Gods (Perun, Morana, Triglav, Vesna)
2 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
31 Jul 07
Paganism is more a group of religions that one religion, so it's kind of hard to explain. To put it simply, for me Paganism is also believing in the Gods of my ancestors... my ancestry is half Irish and half Native American, and while I at different times in my life studied both paths, the deities that actually called me were the Irish ones. I refer to myself as a Celtic Reconstructionist Pagan when being specific, and I'll break that down a bit here. The word "Celtic" refers to a race of people who inhabited much of Europe at different points of history. The specific beliefs I have came from Celts who lived in Ireland, Britian, and Wales. I call myself a "reconstructionist" because there are some parts of the Celtic religion that were quite simply lost historically, things we can't know because they were passed down orally and when Christianity came to Celtic lands those who had the knowledge were wiped out. Some of it was preserved hidden within stories that aren't seen to be religious at all, other pieces can be found in historical texts or documents written by Romans who observed the Celts while fighting against them, and other parts are filled in by personal revelation, study of similar cultures of the same time, innovation, or family stories (I learned my religion from my great-grandmother, so much of what I do is based on what she learned from those before her). Some Celtic Reconstructionists don't use the word "Pagan" at all, because often here it is given negative connotations, but I actually prefer it because it makes me feel linked with a larger community.
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
31 Jul 07
Hi lecanis, I am not pagan, but I don't believe anyone should have to be ashamed of their belief system, and there should be respect for all. Read my latest post- re Blackmailing our children. You may or may not agree with me.
2 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
31 Jul 07
Thanks for your response, Pose123, and I'll be sure to check out your discussion!
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Feb 07
i have to say i am pretty lucky when it comes to my famly understanding Wiccan. I was one of the first in my family to choose the Wiccan path, followed by my sister, my aunt and my mom. We live in is referred to as the Bible Belt. So everywhere thre are churches and noen of them are too open to Wiccans or Pagans. In a town that is only 7200 we have 41 churches within a 6 miles radius. As far as it comes to raising children in a certain religion, I say keep it open. The best way to make a child or teen rebel against religion is to force it upon them. I have alot of Buddhas in my house because I feel he represents peace to me. My 2yo daughter knows the statues are of Buddha and even kisses one of them. I did not force her to do this. She saw me do it one day and folowed suit. Of cousre my aunt has had people say rude things to her because she has a pentacle tatooed on the side of her neck. I think you just have to be strong in your faith and not let people get under your skin. as for the entire bit abou having your children taken away because you are Wiccan...that would be religious discrimination.
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
14 Feb 07
I grew up in a town that sounds like your town. =P Thanks for sharing your story! I'm glad that you have your family behind you! =)
2 people like this
• United States
16 Feb 07
We are about to become parents for the first time, and have no plans on hiding anything. I feel that being Wiccan is wonderful and I love the religion. I do not feel that we should hide who we are. However, I will tell our child that though we are not ashamed of who we are, there are people out there who do not understand and are afraid because of this. I will also tell him/her that religion is a subject that should not be discussed in school as that is a place of learning not worship. If someone asks a question, then we will take it as it goes. I know children and parents can be mean and not understand. However, I am still not going to hide who I am. THis is why I live in the United States...freedom of religion. If someone bashes us, and claim to be christian...well THEY need to relook at their religion, not us.
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
17 Feb 07
Thanks for your response!
2 people like this
@Wanderlaugh (1622)
• Australia
15 Feb 07
Good topic, lecanis. "Scary" is right, where's that First Amendment of yours? Excuses or no, that judge put his feet in his mouth there, and there would almost certainly be other instances where First Amendment rights could be shown to have been abused. As a former bureaucrat, I can also tell you that false accusations do have a pretty poor record when challenged at law. There's the little matter of invasion of privacy, too, pretty effective against malicious inventions, and damages claims would be available in at least some cases. Add to that the issue of malpractice by government agencies, and you can put together some useful deterrents. These guys are not good at fighting any sort of law, and any cost to them is a real threat. I'm a Celt, too, and I'm just thankful you can't package Celtic beliefs like you can the mainstream religions. Look what happens. Hmmm... I wonder if that means I'm writing "heretical" books, because I write neo Celtic stories? "Pagan" is a blanket term applied by religions to other beliefs. The insularity of the religions is almost beyond belief (excuse pun.) They know absolutely nothing about other beliefs, usually, and the old European peasant schematic of intolerance just kicks in like a reflex. I think forcing religion on people is the main driving gear of this problem. None of the religions really preaches intolerance, only the noisy dogmatists. Most of the genuinely spiritual people I know from mainstream religions are appalled by the ignorant versions of their beliefs. So have these zealots been taught religion, or just given a uniform and told which side they're on? I don't have kids, unfortunately, but if I did, the first thing I'd teach them is that most people have different beliefs, and don't know much about ours, so it's better to leave the subject alone. I can't imagine anything useful coming out of a schoolyard row about religion. Kids have enough to put up with, without this as well. Very disturbing, though, that you've got this rerun of Salem operating without any case law to defend against it. Maybe someone could strike a useful blow by reminding those holy hicks that the US constitution is specifically framed to prevent that sort of thing. Make a nice class action for someone, if you could organize it.
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
15 Feb 07
Thanks for your wonderfully detailed post! It took me a few minutes to reply because I wasn't really sure where to start on such a good post. =p I agree with you that more people of minority religions should step forward to stand up for their rights when discriminated against. It's very scary that such discrimination can happen in the U.S., but often the reason they get away with it is because people don't fight back as they should. Yay, another Celt! Neo-Celtic stories eh? Personally I think it sounds interesting. Eh, as for my use of the word "pagan", I like to use it because it's easier for people to understand than just saying "Celt". I agree with you that religions aren't really intolerant, it's just the specific people within the religions. I know plenty of people from mainstream religions that are tolerant and respectful of other's beliefs, and I'm coming to learn that they are really the majority, they just aren't loud enough. lol Thanks for your input on my topic!
2 people like this
• United States
19 Mar 07
I'm a bit afraid of how my kids would grow up if I taught them about wicca. I mean, I don't want them to be brought up not knowing where I stand on my religious views, nor do I want them to hide the fact that they worship differently. No one should have to worry about that. Personally, I'd teach your children about wicca. I'd talk to them about what it means to some people (those that believe) and then talk about those that do not. Tell them that non-believers often don't understand what Wicca is about and try to claim it is something else. Just be honest. Eventually, you'll have to decide whether to be pagan and proud yourself or to hide it.
2 people like this
• United States
16 Feb 07
I am a Pagan and I understand your worry. I am about to become a parent myself and I have thought of what I would do about my religion and my son. Personally, I would not want to hide my beliefs forms my son. However, I would never force my religion on him. He will have the right to chose whatever religion he wants, not what I want him to be. I will support him no matter what his choice is. When it come to religion, it does become a problem in families. I dont feel there is any reason to hide and type of religion no matter what you are. Even Christanity can be said to be a bad thing in some peoples eyes. The same that Paganism can be veiw as evil or bad. Religion is religion and there is no reason to be ashamed of what you believe in. A child who knows your religion will feel close to you better then a child who has their parents keeping secrets. Any religion can be taught to a child, not just mainstream. However, if your child does not want to have anything to do with your religion, don't force it. Let them find their own path in life. Blessed Be!
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
17 Feb 07
Thanks for your response! I think you made a good point that people can find something wrong with any religion, not just paganism. I hadn't really thought of that, because I'm so used to knowing people that were against paganism. Thanks for sharing that thought!
2 people like this
@krusty1 (68)
14 Feb 07
personally i would inform my child about the religion but not bring them up 2 believe that thats all there is. when he's old enuf to make his own mind up then he will have the knowledge tht you have given him to make his own decision.
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
14 Feb 07
I agree with you. I would never bring up a child to believe that there is only religion that is acceptable. I love learning about other beliefs, and I can't think of any religion that doesn't have something positive in it.
2 people like this