Hey look, something real! (but I've got two sets of questions to do later)

[mellymell]

Jonah and I had our first theological discussion last night. It came a lot earlier than I thought it would. But I guess I shouldn't be surprised how it came about since he goes to preschool at a Baptist church.

We were driving to the post office when we passed a yard that had a nearly life sized nativity in it. He was chowing down on a piece of granola bar that I had shared with him and I thought he was saying "that's good". As it turns out, he was saying, "God, that's God." When I asked him to clarify, he said, "in the manger, that's God." I asked him if he learned that in school and he said, "yes."

Most of you know I don't identify myself as Christian, but I wouldn't be upset if Jonah winds up doing so for himself. I really don't care what religion or belief system he adopts and I'll be happy to objectively help him in his search for something that makes sense to him. So, I took the most objective and informative stance as possible and it was probably more than a three-year-old needed to hear.

I told him, "yes, Jonah, Christians believe that Jesus was the son of God and they celebrate his birth on Christmas Eve. But there are lots of religions and each one has their own god or sets of gods." Then I poorly attempted to explain pagan Yule to him since yesterday was indeed the solstice. I don't think he understood it all, but my main point was to make sure he knew there were other beliefs out there and not to limit his scope to what they teach in school. It's not so much that I want to drive him into the same search I've been in since I decided to turn away from Christianity. More so, I want to teach him that other religions are just as valid and I want him to respect all beliefs, no matter what one(s) he chooses for himself.

I kind of hope this is the first of many open discussions he and I can have on the subject.

Comments

[jamos-fire.livejournal.com]

tough subject...

[mellymell.livejournal.com]

Indeed. And not one that you can really dumb down to toddler level either.

[aranel13.livejournal.com]

Wow. You make me dread the early conversations with Owen.

[mellymell.livejournal.com]

Heh, and I didn't even share the ones about "what's that mommy?!" when pointing at various body parts in the shower. ;) I think I'd rather talk religion honestly. o.O My kid's probably going to be the one that teaches all the other kids the proper words for such things. Other parents are going to hate me.

[malachus.livejournal.com]

Solidarity, sister.

[mighty-docnose.livejournal.com]

I think keeping him aware that there is more to know is the best approach. The various modes of spiritualism really need to be explored on one's own at one's own pace. I hope you have many conversations in the future. He will probably make new connections you have never considered.

[mellymell.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm certain he'll find new possibilities I never imagined. There's so much to be explored and since it is such a personalized thing, who knows where his explorations are going to take him. It'll be interested to see how he decides to develop in this area and I do look forward to many of these conversations (though perhaps in a more sophisticated manner, heh).

[buttahcheeks.livejournal.com]

interesting subject. You're the second person I know who sends their child to a christian daycare even thought they don't believe. I agree with everyone's comments. Tell him there are different religions, but I wouldn't tell him too much so he doesn't go trying to teach his teachers and students. cause then yeah, you might be hated by parents :).

[mellymell.livejournal.com]

They tend to be cheaper and this one in particular can NOT be beat for convenience to our house. Also, these are area kids and most likely the ones he'll go through school with as long as we're here. We have the option of putting him into Vandy's Montessori, which is probably a much better school overall. But for the latter two reasons, we haven't.

Yes, I definitely don't want him trying to teach the teacher. I don't think there's a lot a preschooler really needs to know yet anyway. Christianity is as good a vessel as any to teach the kind of morality he'll need until he's 5 and even well after.