How Do I Teach My Child About Religion? Help!!

I believe that religion is a part of history, and with that being said, why don't you do what Brad Pitt did for his children? Brad put a book case in his house and calls it the "religion book case", filled with books on all religions, this way his children can decide which religion they would like to follow, or they can be a student of all religions.

Expose her to a lot of different kinds of churches/religions. I think that is even more important than "teaching" her about religion, b/c by exposing her to what is out there, you are enabling her to someday make a choice for herself regarding what she wants to believe. Keep an open mind and I think it is very important to emphasize that there are MANY beliefs and one is not more "right" than another.

Start from the beginning. God created the heavens and the earth. Every beautiful design comes from a designer. Instead of teaching religion, try to just teach what is true. Just as every snowflake has an individual design, so do each of us; as well as each of our lives, are a beautiful and perfect thing. Bring her to Sunday school with us! We have a great bunch of kids and teach only bible, no creeds or opinions. www.newlandstreetchurch.com When you get here, ask someone where's D.; I'd love to meet you and show you around. :)

You have already received a lot of good advice about you modeling what you want your child to learn. Here are a couple of resources I found very helpful:

The Word and Song Bible 5CD set. We listen to it constantly in the car. I have learned a lot from it, too, especially the Old Testament portion. Today is Good Friday. My daughter (6 yrs. old) asked to listen to the portion about Jesus' crucifixion and talked about it.

Children's story books by Max Lucado, especially the Wemmicksville seris--You Are Special, If Only I Had A Green Nose, etc. CBD sells the DVDs. I like the books. Hardcovers are expensive even through Amazon. I got softcovers from Scholastics.

Max Lucado's 3:16 is the hottest book right now for adults. It may just be the book for you.

Blessings!

Start by intruducing her to a basic children's bible full of pictures available at any book store. If you feel most comfortable in a Catholic Church make a routine of it and start taking her, it's never too late, this can be a special bond between both of you. CCD classes begin in Kindergarten, take her, she'll enjoy it. Contact your local Church for more information. I believe it's important for a child to be introduced to some spiritual hope. Don't knock yourself for not attending to your religion, it happens to all of us, it will all come back to you. God Bless and Happy Easter!

Hello J., One thing that you want to teach your daughter is not actually RELIGION, You want to teacher her how to have a personal relationship with God. Have you considered going back to church and bringing your daughter. Please check out the following website for yourself. It's needgod.com. I think this will be very helpful. For you to be able to reacher your daughter about having a personal relationship with God, you must need to have one with him first. God bless you and may the Lord bless you and keep you.

Hi J....

I agree with the responses which state that you should go further than teaching "religion". Religion in itself is everywhere. Instead...you should teach your child about having a personal relationship with Christ. In order to do this (because children learn by example)...you should begin to develop yours as well. Try children's books which speak on loving, sharing, giving. As you share these things w/your child...it will take root in your heart as well, and some of those old teachings that you "think" you forgot about...will come back to you. Take time to look into a Sunday School for both you and your child. This should help alot. Perhaps involve your child in a couple of chruch activities (for littles ones). And most of all...pray...ask for guidance. I don't know how your husband feels about you giving your child the opportunity to know the Lord, but since the 2 of you differ, seek the Lord about there being no problems or confusion between the two of you as parents and spouses.

Take Care!!

S. V.
www.dreamplanters.com
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I notice you say "religion" as opposed to "faith." If you want to teach her "religion" then it's more about various belief systems, various rituals, sacraments, etc. in a more general term...which could mean exposing her to a variety of religions. However, if you want to teach her about faith and hope...what you believe, I think you need to spend some time reading, meditating, contemplating and seeking yourself because you can't really teach a faith that you yourself seem a bit removed from.

Of course, living a life of giving, serving, caring and loving are great examples to teach your daughter, but I think you need to find your faith to teach your daughter about God. You can also take her to church so that she can be exposed and learn about their beliefs.

Good luck. I'll kee your situation in my prayers :)

J.

Morals and values can be taught without religion and I'm trying to think of the book that would help you with this. On the other hand, the Unitarian church embraces quite a few approaches and appeals to atheists as well. I will look for that book and get back to you.

Your child has his entire life to find religion.
I teach my children ABOUT all different religions across the world. I do not teach them that one is better or more right than another. I teach him he can decide to believe in whatever he wants, BUT, If he decides to believe in a certain something, he HAS to have a reason why.

This teaches them to explore themselves and their world.

This will also prevent future problems with conflicting beliefs. So that later in life, if they begin to believe different teachings, they won't hold it against you for teaching them a certain religion or belief as fact.

If you don't want to go through the teaching or exploring on your own, just get them into a church, or various churches, they can learn more from bible class.

That will also be a great place to make friends, and get involved in activities.

Hi J.,
I have three children. We go straight to the source, the Bible! Its full of History and reality, gives us all the tools we need to be the best we can be. All of it's promises are real, no Religion or spiritual path will compare. One source: The Holy Bible. It keeps us so close and gives us all the values we need, we also attend a Christian Church (Missionary) and learn how by helping others , we are living in the word. We have made friends for life and share the same values with these friends, putting us on the same page. Life is hard without guidance and honestly the Bible is the tool for all of our needs.
I wish you and your family the best,
God Bless!
L.

I'm not a huge religion enthusiast, but if it's something that's important to you... know that it's not what you say... but what you do that will translate to learning for your child. You are going to have to start living that kind of life again. If you still feel aligned with the catholic church then find one that has a great kids program. IF not, then find a protestant church that has one.

Please remember though, that it's not just catholic and protestant. There are many other religions to choose from that fit your beliefs. If there are some things you don't agree with in the catholic religion then that religion isn't for you. I do have a couple of books that may interest you and give you bonding time with your babe. How old is your child? I have one book that is a book with basic Bible stories in it and it teaches basic stories about Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Noah, Moses, Joseph, Jesus and the Apostles etc. It also teaches about Jerusalem, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Babylon etc. The other book is about things we can learn from what Jesus taught us. That talks about cleaning our room, listening to your parents, manners, not to steal, etc etc. That book has 48 chapters in it. Its awesome and really gets your kids involved and responding to what you're saying so you know they're paying attention. The books are free of charge if you're interested. :)

Hi, J.... You are so blessed to have a husband and a child! And, the best gift that you can give to your child is the knowledge of a Father in Heaven who loves her! Religion is important, because you surround yourself with other believers while you're drawing yourself closer to God and learning what He wants from you; but even more important than religion, is your and your child's RELATIONSHIP with God and Jesus. When you LOVE God, then everything that hurts Him will hurt you, and everything that pleases Him will please you. You will find yourself changing your way of thinking because you don't want to hurt the One Who loves you. Your daughter has a heart that needs to be nurtured, and opened to God's love. Hopefully, you will find a church that will embrace you, that will make you feel "at home", and that will help you to grow in your relationship with our loving Father. But, may I suggest???? One day, real soon, like today, Thank God for the gift that He has given to you, and offer your daughter back to Him as your offering. After all, she does belong to Him. I don't know how to tell you, that He will watch over her when you are not around, and even when you are. He will protect her in ways that you could not even imagine! My children are now 37 and 38, and I could not even start to tell you the accidents that He has seen them through, the miracles that He has done in their lives (and mine), and the ways that He proves His presence..... I wish you well, and will keep you in my prayers. Your 'battle' may seem uphill, but the pleasures that you will experience will more than make up for your experience. If there is anything more that we can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask. I just gave away a box full of books for children... wish I had known just a month earlier! God bless you, and your family!