Why Raising Kids with Religion Without Being Religious Matters

Being open-minded toward religion does not necessarily mean a person needs to be involved in any religious affiliation. However, simply being opposed to religion is not being open-minded. Ideally, a person that doesn’t think about religion can still have a respectful and open-minded attitude towards it. This is especially important when raising children who might be influenced by the beliefs and practices of others. The key is to ensure that your children remain open-minded and respectful, rather than becoming overly involved.

Adopting an Open-Minded Household

The primary goal is to raise children who are open-minded about religion, meaning they are respectful but not overly involved. You can achieve this by fostering an environment where religious beliefs and practices are not the central focus. Instead of referring to specific gods or scriptures, focus on providing your children with the care, love, and guidance they need. Just like religious parents, you need to make sure your kids are well cared for, well-educated, and safe. Throughout their lives, you should guide them through the challenges and joys they will face.

Exposing Your Kids to Various Religions

You don’t have to be a believer yourself to introduce your children to different religions. For instance, you can take them to places of worship such as a mosque, synagogue, or Christian church without necessarily agreeing with the beliefs expressed there. This exposure can broaden their horizons and help them develop a greater understanding and respect for different religious practices. For example, visiting the Vatican was a great experience not because it made me more religious, but because of the stunning architecture. Exposing your children to these places can help them understand the importance of openness and respect towards various religions.

Being a Role Model for Open-Mindedness

Your kids will look up to you, and it’s crucial to set a good example by being open-minded yourself. Show them that you can accept and respect different religious beliefs without necessarily adopting them. For example, my own religious background is diverse. My grandfather was a Muslim, my father is a Catholic, and my mother is Church of England. None of them were or are religious, and their religious beliefs do not define them. By being open-minded and allowing them to see the diversity of religious practices, you can help encourage a similar outlook in your children.

Encouraging Critical Thinking

It’s important to encourage your children to think critically about religion. You can do this by exposing them to a wide variety of religious thoughts and beliefs, either through books, discussions, or meetings with people from different faiths. Encourage them to read a wide range of texts from different religions and to form their own opinions. This critical thinking will help them make informed decisions about their beliefs and ensure they don't become overly influenced by the views of others. Ultimately, you want them to be able to make up their own minds, and you should support them regardless of their decision.

Conclusion

Raising kids with religion without being religious does not preclude you from being an open-minded parent. By setting a good example, exposing your children to diverse religious practices, and encouraging critical thinking, you can help them develop a respectful and open-minded attitude towards religion. This approach not only helps your children navigate the complexities of religious beliefs but also instills in them the values of compassion, understanding, and acceptance. Remember, the goal is to raise good, well-rounded individuals who can coexist peacefully with people of different beliefs.