Hey guys. I was just wondering: what is the right age to tell my children that God doesn't exist?

Question

I was thinking maybe when they turn 8?

Answer 1

If you want them to live your beliefs or lack of, then let them learn by example.  If you want your child to be arrogant, then be arrogant yourself.

If you let your child believe in Santa and the Easter bunny before they are 8, then you are a hypocrite.

Answer 2

I think when they start asking questions. This is not to say I think a child shouldn't learn religion however. Its part of our culture whether we like it or not. I follow an alternative religion, and yet still teach my son the major religions of the world. He's 8. He asks if I believe that, and I tell him that some people believe this, while others believe differently and religion is something he needs to decide for himself.

Answer 3

You should let them decide for themselves if he exists or not. if you have brougt them up to believe in God why the change of direction?

Answer 4

I can't believe that you would even have the courage to ask a question like that!  I feel bad for your child, and even worse for you. I hope you change your ways before its too late. Good Luck!

Answer 5

You should let them figure it out on their own. Because you can never be too sure you have the right answer. Maybe they will end up teaching YOU something :)

Answer 6

i think you should let them decide for themselves if he exits or not

Answer 7

Whenever you want to perpetuate the lie that God does not exist go ahead and do it. Just remember that disagreeing with the truth DOES NOT invalidate the truth.  Here is a thought, science is simply trying to figue out how God made and did things. Really think on this last statement.

Answer 8

as the parent,. u can choose what u tell them and when u tell them.  But, as your children become teenagers, religion will become less and less important- especially if they arent coming from a very religious family. By the time high school rolls around, most kids dont believe in god- so u probably dont ever have to mention it. When they mix with their peers when they are a bit older, they make the choice not to belive in most cases- xcept for the kids that have it shoved down their throat at home.  so, its your call, but u really dont have to say anything, cuz in this day and age, all faith gets lost for most when they are teenagers!!

Answer 9

i myself don't believe in god but d**n how arrogant of a question that is. when hes 8 he will prolly just think your stupid and go back to playing video games. could you imagine your 8 year old kid in class some how bring up that he doesn't believe in god and that you told him that god doesn't exist. i don't know if they have a worst parent award but i'm pretty sure you'd get one somehow.

i personally feel that believing in god is for the weak minded who cant handle the idea that this is all there is and there isnt some fairytell heaven after we die.

religion is like a basic instinct for human beings and its a good moral code. but i feel like i'm a higher being and am able to be civil and have a moral compass without the guidance of religion

Answer 10

LOL  No judgments from these "christians", at least.

I personally feel it's best to teach your child of all possibilities, and then when he/she is old enough, he/she may reach his/her own conclusion.

Answer 11

I'm an atheist. Like you, I believe that there is no such thing as an intelligent, listening, omnipotent creator (if that's what you mean by God.) But other people do and need to. It gives them hope, helps their world view make sense and keeps them sane(ish!). Perhaps your children feel that way, or will in the future.

I was brought up by people who had varying beliefs atheist, agnostic, Church of England, Jewish and Roman Catholic - some practising, others defining themselves as 'lapsed'.

I lapse too occasionally, when I'm moved to tears by music, an ant, a poem or think really hard about the universe and everything then for a while I can believe in magic  - and I'd win the award for the most sceptical person at a convention for extra sceptical sceptics.

Tell them what you believe if and when they ask you. Be honest and kind and thoughtful and set an example by what you do rather than say. That's far more important.

Answer 12

Lying to children is never a good idea no matter what the age.  You can tell them God doesnt exist if you like, but since he does, he will let them know he is there regardless of what you do.

If you feel the need to protect them from believing in God then it is your right to to say whatever you like to them.  Unlitmately though, they will be told the truth.  So do what you think is best - that is all a parent can do.  And dont worry - you will not s***w them up - they will find out for themselves.  God always makes sure of that.

Answer 13

I think if you push something on them they will just go the other way anyway.  I was raised catholic and that just drove me to other religions cause my parents pushed this messed up theory on me.

Answer 14

Hey,

I really think religion is a thing someone should come to on their own. If they ask you about God or anything religious, give them your thoughts, but don't press anything onto them. It will give them a chance to have an even more open mind, and become who they want to be.

I am assuming you have never really talked to them about God or religion, so just kinda let it be until they have their own thoughts, but be open with them about your thoughts. And if they choose to believe in him, respect their opinions and move on.

Answer 15

So until they are eight you'll tell them he does exist and after that you'll tell them he doesn't? How very bizarre.

If you don't believe in God, then why discuss him with your children at all? Let them learn for themselves what lots of different people believe, and make their own decisions.

Answer 16

It's hard to believe this is a serious question, as most of us who don't believe in God never told our kids that He was real to begin with.  My spouse and I are atheist and agnostic.  We've told our kids since they were old enough to hear about or ask about religion that many people believe there is a God; that we don't; that it's very hard to know for sure who is right; and that when our kids are older it will be up to them to make up their own minds about who is right (and that they always need to be respectful to people of different views).

Answer 17

Don't tell them.

Let them decide for themselves, as they grow older they will be able to make their own choices about religion, and many other things.

Answer 18

you are asking for it with this question, you act like god is Santa or something, you are gonna get alot of c**p for this question.

Answer 19

I explain to mines that God is within us, is first of all our own soul, the reflection of our soul ....

IF you KILL

The LOVE and The Commune Sense Rules asked by God,

and don't let your child to see that the Bible must be interpreted within the conditions in the period of time it was written (they don't have to take it exactly "word by word"), but you just have to see WHAT is the Bible intention, see its wisdom;

So, IF you kill these in your child soul

you shall definitely let to your child "the doors of the h**l" wide opened - it's a way of saying. (don't take it ad litteram)

Let them see first HOW is to love the world.

Else, hate shall come in the place.

I'm not making myself clearly enough, but you shall have your understanding and your right way with your work with your kids. I'm sure that you have your understanding of the issue as well. BUT let your children have theirs.

We all need our own experiences

and we are many times overprotective with our children.

This time, this way proposed in here, shall simply lock a wonderful "door" in their own inner development.

Peace to you.

Love is much more than all the treasures, I would say, but ... you know better.

Answer 20

That is a personal choice to be decided by you.

Answer 21

So then I guess that is the age you will be damning their souls to follow your damned soul.  

MY GOD IS REAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God Bless.

Answer 22

I've always said that when i have kids, I'll let them take religion calsses and make their own decision about whether or not they believe in a higher being. When i was younger i believed in God, I'm 17 now and i don't believe..

You can always just point things out to them. Example; "I wonder why God doesn't do anything about those straving kids in Ethiopia". Or, "You see how those people who believe in God think everything good is done by Him, and everything bad is done by Humankind?"

I'm sure they won't entirely understand even by the age of 8. But, regardless of what you say, your children will take their own paths. You're not being sent to h**l or any rubbish like that.

If someone is so loving, caring, and accepting of every individual (as their God is supposed to be) then they wouldn't wish you to h**l either.

Santa and The Easter Bunny are fun childhood things! They're nothing as complex as how the world was created, by who, and if this being asctually exists! Santa gives presents, Easter Bunny gives chocolate! Don't compare them!

Science is not trying to figure out how God did things. Science has a lot more evidence than the Bible does, and probably ever will. There is ONE missing link in evolution, which makes a lot more sense to me than everything just appearing. If Adam and Eve and their children were the first people on earth, then, im sorry, but we'd all be disabled as a result of incest. Besides, the Bible was translated wrong, Jesus didn't walk ON the water, he walked BY the water.

Have your beliefs, but do NOT force them upon others. Your great God accepts every being for who they are and if you love Him so much, you'll do the same. People should not be "damned" for not believing. It is you believers who're hypocrites.