Benefits of Raising Children as Atheists: An Experience-Based Perspective
Raising kids without religion can be both a personal and societal choice. One parent, sharing their experience, believes that not only have they had a positive impact on their own children's lives, but also on the lives of their grandchildren. This article explores the pros and cons, based on their firsthand experience.
Often, unconditional support from one's parents can lead to a freer and more fulfilling childhood. The author, who was raised without religion, states, I was raised without religion and my life has turned out just fine. This perspective is reinforced by the outcomes of the author's children who, too, have thriving lives despite abstaining from traditional religious beliefs.
The Pro: A Mind Unshackled by Mythology
Perhaps one of the most significant advantages of raising children as atheists is the release from mythological and superstitious beliefs. The author notes, There’s a good chance your child won’t grow up a judgmental superstitious twat who can’t think for themselves. By not being indoctrinated with religious myths, children can develop critical thinking skills from an early age. In the author's case, both her sons have completed their degrees and have successful professional careers. Moreover, they have formed compassionate, kind relationships and are well-adjusted members of society.
The Educational Perspective
The educational journey of the author's children is another testament to their open-minded and thoughtful upbringing. The author mentions that her older daughter completed a master's degree in comparative religion and remains an atheist. The other son, who was raised as an atheist, has not included religion in the lives of their five grandchildren. All of the grandchildren are described as great kids with great potential. This consistent secular upbringing suggests that it is entirely possible to thrive and succeed without the burden of religious dogma.
The Psychological Benefits
Another benefit of not growing up with religious beliefs is the escape from religious anguish and the need to reconcile contradictory information. The author provides personal insight: Never been in any trouble. Kind compassionate people. They too have not included religion in our 5 grand kids lives. The author's experience shows that her children did not suffer from the psychological stress and doubt that often comes with religious teachings. Furthermore, they did not have to go through the process of deconverting later in life, which can often be emotionally challenging.
Exposure to Religion in Early Life
One of the strategies the author employed was to expose her children to religion early on, but gradually wean them off as they grew older. She recalls, We exposed our kids to my parents religion when they were small then in early grade school told them that we really didn't believe it and that if they didn't want to go to church anymore we would not. This approach allowed her children to have a taste of religion without having to embrace it fully. This was further reinforced by the author's actions: They immediately agreed to not go to church. If the grandparents asked them about church they would not exactly lie but they didn't rub their grandparents' face in the fact that we were not going. This approach suggests that children can be taught about religion without feeling the pressure to believe.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
From the author's experience, the benefits of raising children as atheists appear to outweigh the potential drawbacks. While the author acknowledges that not every child will turn out exactly the same, the overall experience has been positive. As the author concludes: Today they are happy people. One is almost 31 the other 27. They have good jobs that they enjoy and are in relationships with guys we like. They outgrew their belief in gods and religion about the same time they outgrew Santa Claus. By choosing not to have religious beliefs, the author believes her children are living happier, more fulfilling lives.