If you have kids some day will their religioun be important to you?

As long as they could spell their RELIGION, I would be okay.

refreshing post. I can't remember the last time I canme across an atheist who wasn't hell-bent on belittling every aspect of religion and spirituality. which is why I avoid associating myself with that label

for a while I've had the same mindset as yours i.e. giving my kids spiritual freedom regardless of my own beliefs. the only dilemma that's lingered on my mind is: kids = undeveloped minds. while it's good to encourage them to make their own choices, could freedom of choice in something as complex as religion/spirituality be potentially overwhelming? I dont believe in absolute freedom of choice. not everyone can handle it. I've observed countless examples of people who had that freedom and got consumed by it, so to speak.

this is something that you would want to discuss with the person you end up with. based on my own upbringing, I'm likely to encourage at least a spiritual upbringing in my kids. definitely helps having a grounded/disciplined/strong foundation (and that's considering that everyone's different). once their mind matures they are free to find their own way, no matter what way that is. obviously I still need to give this more thought myself

I'd just play with all the cards on the table.

I'd say: there are people who believe X, people who believe Y, people who believe Z, et cetera. You can think for yourself and decide what you believe.

If my child asks me what I believe, I'm going to answer truthfully. But only if they ask me.

I grew up with a ton of different religions around me, without being forced into any one, and I feel like that helped with ultimately allowing myself to be very aware of the options out there.

I feel like way too often, religion isn't actually a choice - it's just whatever you were born into. It's like showing someone a whole array of different kinds of foods, but telling them they must eat _____ - and when you're young, that really sticks with you.

Personally, I would simply educate my children about religion itself. Teach them about all the major ones, about what my partner and I believe in, and leave the rest up to them while still giving guidance.

I'll let them know that when asked the question "what's your religion?", saying, "I don't know yet" is a valid answer.

So many problems because of lame stories written ages ago, and no progress at all....

That's an important factor to consider when choosing a mate for marriage, anything to do with raising children is, really. Don't worry too much about it, just communicate openly with your partner about it, observe their example and get to know their family well (or at least how involved they will be in your life) before you decide to settle.

I'm spiritually open minded and I started talking openly about God to my daughter since she could talk, maybe sooner, but she's only been to church once. She believed in God so readily that it was somewhat uncomfortable for me at times. But she's also kind of questioned God's existence already, which also made me uncomfortable (turns out it was because of the whole God can't be seen thing). If my beliefs were more rigid, teaching her would probably be easier, but they are loosely defined and subject to shift with reason. However, consistency is very important to children, so sometimes you have to fake it a little. I never really wanted to give my daughter the conventional idea of God, but I've had to at times. I try to never give her the idea that I've ever questioned God's existence or that there is any reason to, even though it seems unfair. She will question it on her own soon enough and we'll have some great discussions then. In the meantime, God is a comfort to her, such as when she's afraid during a thunderstorm and prayer is a great way for kids to learn to organize their thoughts/not worry about unnecessary things.

I'm an athiest and if I ever hypothetically ever had kids I believe it's their choice to believe whatever they want and I'd support that decision 100%, the only time I'd have a problem with it is if a religion is imposed on the child before they have enough cognitive ability to decide for themselves

This is one of the reasons I don't want to have children. On one hand, I'm sure my religion would expect me to teach the child about the religion. On the other hand, is that ethical? Is that fair? At what age are children capable of understanding all of the facets of a religion? So I'd rather not have to deal with this difficult decision.

As a nihilist, I understand your predicament and sympathise. We just do the best we can, I suppose.

Atheist here. So long as it isn't hurtful to themselves or others, no. I would be disturbed if my kids became fundamentalists of any sort, but I wouldn't make any grand attempts to stifle their religious or philosophical development.

Religion is very important to me so yes I would love for my future husband and kids to have and believe the same faith as me.

Cualquier religión menos el islam

I imagine I would open the conversation up when they're around 8 or 10 and see where they're at, or earlier if they asked about it.

No

Lets be honest if I ever get married and actually have a kid the woman will be deciding everything about the child.

We're a generation of men raised by women. I'm wondering if another woman is really the answer we need.