Conundrum:Non-believer by default (rejecting, Buddha, Christ, choices)

[old_cold]

If I've never eaten moose meat, I can't possibly tell whether or not I like it.
If a child is brought up in a non-religious household, how are they to know whether or not a religion of some type is for them or not?
A great many atheists were brought up with some amount of exposure to a religion and know what it is we are rejecting.

I'd suppose non-believers do not make sure their kids are exposed so what basis would they have for opting one way or the other?
My kids and grandkids were still exposed enough throughout their childhood thanks to my mom
When they got older and curious about why I never attended, we had many good discussions thereby providing them with a base from which to form their own opinions.
What about when there is nobody else and the exposure is pretty much nil?

[MontanaGuy]

Any child growing up at least in America is certainly going to be exposed to religious beliefs. Even if the parents aren't religious the majority of the population is religious and neighbors, classmates and people that a child will come into contact with are going to share their beliefs and explain their church activities. It would be impossible to grow up and not know anything about religion.

[cncracer]

I think most non religious parents allow the exposure to MANY religions for their children. Our Daughter was exposed to several protestant churches, as well as other faith. She did not recognize my views on religion till she was well into her teens, though I am sure she noticed I never went to church. My wife was much better at exposing her to the church and faith choices than i would have been.
Today she is a young adult, and recognizes many of the errors in religion and the problem with extreme religious views. Her only problem with my view is based on holidays, as I become stressed and as quick to snap as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs during religious periods.
That said, I think she now follows the teachings of Buddha today. I am fine with what ever path she chooses, and know with education it will be a wise choice.

[old_cold]

Yes but........children relying on other children and casual information may well garner as much accurate information as they do about sex.
(In answer to Montana guy)

[Tesaje]

I agree that in the USA you can hardly avoid it. But there is so much misinformation about various religions - even among the adherents to it. I would favor a study of world religions and how they shape societies and the life philosophies of various cultures and sub-cultures as a necessary part of education. Heck, I think all children should have such an education.

[Adrian71]

Originally Posted by old_cold

I'd suppose non-believers do not make sure their kids are exposed so what basis would they have for opting one way or the other?

Why would you assume that? Christianity is such a huge part of Western culture, I'd consider my children culturally illiterate if they DIDN'T learn about Christianity.

My wife was raised in a non-religious home. She and her sister were encouraged to explore whatever religious beliefs they wanted. When my wife and I get around to having kids, I imagine we'll do the same thing. It's their life and their choice to make.

[MontanaGuy]

old_cold wrote:

Yes but........children relying on other children and casual information may well garner as much accurate information as they do about sex.
(In answer to Montana guy)

Well, that's how I found out about sex, my parents never did give me the discussion about the birds and the bees.