Well...despite having been brought up myself in a fundie environment, and knowing the benefits as well as the drawbacks, I am bringing my children up outside of church... I do home learn with them, although fear of religious instruction wasn't a factor at all. We read alot of myths, from every corner of the world. We read about Mohammed, baby Jesus, Zeus, Isis, Thor, etc. etc. etc. Many parents depend on religion to teach their children to become 'good people', which I think is sad. They don't go to church themselves, but send the children to bible clubs or summer camps... then their children come over with notebooks and try to 'teach' my children. At the first such incident I was a tad concerned, but had to laugh when I over heard my child interspercing their 'Jesus save me from hell' song, to her own 'Sun, we miss you in the winter, please come back at solstice' version... I think that honest conversation with your children about what you believe and why is really the only way... My first goal has been to instill a love of learning and a strong sense of self. |