Religion - Marietta,GA

I think this is a perfect time to teach your children that there are many different ideas and beliefs about religion in this world. Share your beliefs and tell them that's what you believe and why. Let your husband tell them why he doesn't believe and let them know that not everyone does believe and they're lucky enough to live in a country where everyone isn't required to believe or believe in a certain religion.My 3 year old already gets that people feel differently about God and there are lots of different beliefs in the world.

This is a difficult situation, but it's one you can triumph over with God's help. Remember that you are not only setting the example for your children, but for your husband too! As he watches your faith in action and the strength of your faith as you teach your children, he will notice, and you will be planting seeds in him also. If you say you believe but do not teach your children, you will be showing him that your faith is not strong and you will miss an opportunity all around to strengthen and protect your whole family. If you truly believe, let your light shine and let your whole family see it! And pray every day that God will open your husband's heart, so that he will someday share your faith and set a Godly example for your children.
Blessings to you all.

hi!i know this is late but just want to encourage you to let the child ask questions if they are interested in any one religion...myself and my husband are both aethists and this is a very close bond for us, it will never change but we agree to let our daughter be exsposed to religion ( she goes to a Jewish Day School) and to answer any questions she may have in the future w/ out forcing her to define her spirituality through any one faith

Hi C.,

Well, we have a somewhat similar situation in our home. My husband does not claim atheism or anything like that, he is, however, very "open" to all beliefs and whatever works for the individual. I, on the other hand, am a very devout Christian (you're either for Him or against Him)! My husband has no problem with me taking my son to church and reading the Bible to him, but I know as he gets older, my son will want to explore my husbands views as well. I do agree that it's good to have info on other religions because it brings more validity to my own beliefs. I, personally, am going to do everything in my power to make sure he knows where I stand in my faith while I have the opportunity! That includes involvement in church, Bible reading and singing songs together. I will set the best example of Christian living I can and most importantly, I PRAY daily that the Lord will impress Himself upon my son's heart (been doing this since I found out I was pregnant) and my husband's too!!! You don't want to push too hard because they'll run in the other direction. Just do what you can and leave the rest to God. I will pray for you and your family & and if you ever want to talk, please feel free to contact me!

God Bless!

I am catholic but respect everyone to worship as they think is best for them If I were you, I will introduce your children to your relegion and let them know that not everyone have the same relion belives and that is okay Also let them know that living here (in the US) there is freedom of religion and that is one of the great things about this nation DO the best you can that is the only thing you can do and when they are older they will follow the path they feel is right for them Hope this helps

If you believe in God, it is your moral duty to teach your children that He exists and that He loves them. What will your husband do? Tell them that God isn't real when he knows that you believe He is? Well, God has a way of speaking to the hearts of children, so tell them now about Him and teach them of His great love for them. When dad tells them he does not believe that, perhaps God will use his children to speak to his heart. You just never know. God does work in mysterious ways. You can let the children know that Dad has never met God, so does not know of His existence, but that you have met Him in your heart and maybe one day, Dad will, too. Let them know that loving God back is a choice they make and let them know it does no harm to them to love someone who loves you.

We have a similar situation in my house. I talked with my husband and told him I felt it was important for my daughter to learn about my religious beliefs. That once she was old enough to make decisions for herself, then she could choose her beliefs, try not to confuse them and be open with your husband. My husband is ok with me teaching my daughter about Christ.

Let the kids decide. That's what my parents did. My mom is an atheist and my dad is a Christian. They love each other and don't discuss religion. It was our choice when we got older if we chose to believe or not. I was taught that there are different religions all over the place and I even went to several different churches with relatives growing up. I learned that it doesn't matter if you believe in god or not. You can still be a good person, obey the laws, help others and more just the way you are.

Share your views if you believe in Jesus Christ it is your first duty to share it with your family. It is okay that your husband shares his. When my husband and I first had kids he did was not a christian. He now is but we still differ on things of that subject. It is only our duty to tell and show leave it to God and he will speak to there hearts. You might even be surprise by your husband coming to believe. Just don't nag or put your religion above his. Remember God loves you. That is the hard part of being unequally yolked I know I've been there. May God give you wisdom. Email me if you ever want to talk. Where do you go to church at?

My husband and I have to compromise on this one. He is wiccan and Im Christian. There is a basic set of rules for all religions and aside from that we are going to leave the decision to our daughter once she is old enough to figure it out for herself. Within our family we have Jewish, Catholic, Jahovas Witness, Native American, Church of God, Baptist, etc. So she is going to be exposed to a huge variety of religious beleifs and although Im sure it will be very confusing to her, at least her exposure to many religions will enable her to make an educated decision on how she chooses to worship.

C.,
We don't have conflict, but I believe I can help. You are wise and following God's commands to raise our children to know Him. You are responsible for planting the seeds in your children's minds. God is responsible for making them grow. If you seek the Lord in this matter He will give you wisdom in how to handle the conflict. The most important way you can teach them is by example. Your husband may not be so eager to teach them opposing beliefs as you think. Don't let the fear of that keep you from following your instincts. God can work in his life to bring him to faith.

It is very clear that God is sovereign and He will call your children to Himself if they are part of His covenantal chosen. Your duty as a Christian is to show Christ's character in everything you do. Your actions speak more loudly than any words. Look for God's instructions to women in the Holy Scripture (start at Proverbs 12:4, 18:22, 19:14, Proverbs 31 (whole chapter). Read about the notable women in the Bible (Ruth, Hannah, Abigail, Esther, Lydia, etc.) and emulate their characteristics: a devotional spirit, modesty, labor of hands, wise, virtuous, loving, caring, etc. Answer your children's and husband's questions directly. They will all come to an understanding in their own time if you trust God to do the teaching through you.

Has he ever been in a foreign country or a foxhole?
Anyway, both can be shared - you just have to tailor it to the age of the children. Growing up, I didn't have a religious atmosphere until teenage years. Then my Aunt taught me to start off. My dad had been brought up (until teenage years) as Church of God, Holy Rollers. Then he changed to Baptist, then nothing. Mom was Methodist (we had lots of relatives-preachers, etc). I became a Methodist as an adult. Dad later (before he passed away) became Jehovah Witness (surprised us all). It's a matter of teaching what you know, in a good way, not disparaging the other.

You should allow your children to learn about your beliefs as well as your husband's. Children should be exposed to different beliefs and be allowed to develop their own beliefs with the support of their parents...regardless of whether or not the children's beliefs are the same as or different than those of their parents. It is very one sided to share only your beliefs and not your husbands. Your children can learn a whole lot by seeing that there are different beliefs in their own home and that their parents can get along regardless.

Take your children to church (or temple or wherever you practice your religious beliefs at.) Raise your children in the way they should go and they will always go back to it. YOur husband may share his beliefs but if they are exposed to and supported by a religious community they will see the truth of what you teach them. Good luck with this

Have you thought about a more subtle approach? Such as saying your own private blessing at every meal, going to church by yourself, having a christian meeting in your home or daily devotions by yourself? It may be a way for you to express your beliefs to your child while letting the child come to you with questions, rather than forcing them and causing conflict with your husband. good luck and stay strong in your beliefs, I know it must be hard every day to love someone whom you know isnt a believer of Christ.

God is in charge. Fear of your husband sharing his beleif is the devil causing you to think about not saying anything. Who has more power? You have to trust in the Lord for this. If you have a pastor you trust you might talk to him. You should be showing your faith in eveything you do so the children see Jesus in you everyday! Showing your faith is even more important that telling them but they won't know what they are are seeing if you don't tell them why you choose to act the way you act. If you ever need any encouragement feel free to contact me!

Blessings,
K. B

My suggestion is that you live such a life in front of the child that SHE WILL ASK you how come you can be so positive, or kind, or unselfish, or truthful, etc.,etc.? Then you can quietly share about what's in your heart that makes you the way you are. Actions speak louder than words. Striving for this personal testimony before your family will make you more careful as to how you act or react in the home. God will honor your example and the Holy Spirit will take that testimony and magnify it to your child. Don't worry about the negitive things she may hear from others. Just do your best and leave all the results in God's hands. Matt. 5:16 says: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

I feel it is important to teach children that there are different views about religion, and that each view is valid to the individual. This will help teach them tolerance for others beliefs, and help them learn about you and your beliefs.