Need your opinion. (religious debate)

[imdying]

Give him my opinion of things, tell him different people have different beliefs, and that he is at the age where he can make his own mind up about his beliefs.

Why would you want to take his head off over it?

Couldn't have said it better myself...

Give your son some credit, he has a life time to work out what his personal beliefs are as he grows up... one assumes that you want him to develop the powers of reasoning.

One also assumes that you don't want him to think that thumping the other guy is the best way to get what you're after.


For all you know, the other guy is correct, and is giving your son a chance to be saved... ain't no better Christmas present than that many would say.

:shrugs:

Someone trying to influence my son when I'm not around really grates me. If he wants to do that to his kids so be it, but what gives him the right to push it on my son?

You would be better off smashing TVs and computers then, much bigger influence IMHO.

[YellowDog]

No offence Jim mate, but I think you have a lot to learn about the cruel world of divorce.

Sure not all divorces end in parents attepting to destroy the ex's character; sadly however a lot of them do and this is a very tricky subject to tackle.

By the way, your comment is absolutely spot on with what should actually happen. All too often it is not an option or possible. A bit of mutual respect for each other and consideration for the best interests of the kid(s) is what is required.

[Steam]

Most Atheists I know appear to be more overtly passionate about their atheism than people with religious beliefs

Riiight... as shown by the millions, yes MILLIONS of people killed by Christians in the crusades? For explicitly religious reasons.

[James Deuce]

No offence Jim mate, but I think you have a lot to learn about the cruel world of divorce.

Sure not all divorces end in parents attepting to destroy the ex's character; sadly however a lot of them do and this is a very tricky subject to tackle.

By the way, your comment is absolutely spot on with what should actually happen. All too often it is not an option or possible. A bit of mutual respect for each other and consideration for the best interests of the kid(s) is what is required.

I hear what you are saying but until this is tried, even if it fails, there is no point "talking" to us. Always aim for the high ground and then you can walk away knowing you did your best, especially when kids are involved.

No offense taken.

[Fub@r]

One also assumes that you don't want him to think that thumping the other guy is the best way to get what you're after.

And I wouldn't. The "taking his head off" comment was to illustrate my anger. I wouldn't do this as it would only jeapordise my access to my son, and no one would "win" in that situation.

My argument is that this (according to my son) is being done without the knowledge of my ex and for that matter mine until now.

If my ex went to a church she would be burned as a witch

Other thing is I don't go to friends houses and teach their kids to be aethiests, why is it ok when religion is being pushed?

[James Deuce]

Other thing is I don't go to friends houses and teach their kids to be aethiests, why is it ok when religion is being pushed?

Dead right, but you need to have that out with the ex and her partner ASAP, before it turns into a festering pile of poo and becomes a block to access of your son.

[Fub@r]

Dead right, but you need to have that out with the ex and her partner ASAP, before it turns into a festering pile of poo and becomes a block to access of your son.

I will mention it to her at some stage, my son is with me for the next 4 weeks so won't rush to it as yet incase I say something rash.

As for my initial post, over the last 8 years I have found when this shit happens with my son is better to get it off my chest in whatever medium then I approach the ex. My wifes sister is going through similar things (not religion based though) with her ex as we speak which is stressing her out. What I say to her is for example:

When you get a false court statement etc, repond to it how you would if you were face to face with them and get it all out say in a letter. Then walk away from it and come back to it later and be more diplomatic etc. Has always worked for me.

Its what I'm doing here, getting it off my chest and getting some feedback before I approach the ex.

[oldrider]

Tell your kid to say one single word... "Why?"

"Why" is my favourite word, it can not be fulfilled unless "you" the one who asks, decrees it so. Why?

I nearly drove my teachers at school mad with it, why? ask yourself!

Why, why, why, why, why, it is the perpetual question, why?

I got a lot of hidings but they were really worth it! Why? Power! John.

[Edbear]

I sympathise with you, as it is a nightmare situation to be in, both for yourself and your son. I see so much tragedy in these issues, especially where there is discord between the parties.

Without making an issue of religion, something well discussed in the Scottish thread, my view is that you should encourage your son to always find the truth for himself. To question what he is told, both by his parents/guardians or those in authority, eg. teachers.

Make the observation to him that there are many sincere people who have strong beliefs, but sincerity, even zealousness, does not mean accuracy. I see strongly expressed opinions on both sides here, and it is readily apparent that some with the strongest views have not done the personal study with an open mind to find the actual facts. That is true for both sides, by the way.

I always encouraged my own children to find things out for themselves, and I tell others not to accept what may be said just because it is said with conviction or seeming authority. Your son may be polite, even respectful of this man, but can tactfully assert that he will listen with the view to doing his own study in order to find the truth for himself.

[98tls]

Tricky suituation you have there mate,having been a young fella when my parents seperated and then having a step-father i tend to think that as far as influencing your young fella you have an advantage as he probably worships the ground his dad walks on as i did mine,if me i would be having a word with the exs partner and ask him to explain the comments he made to your son,nothing staunch,just ask him to explain and go from there.Good luck with it eh.The fact your asking for opinions about it is a from me,good on you.

[YellowDog]

Shoot for the sky and you may hit the ceiling.

Yes Jim. Point accepted. My comments were based upon my own personal experience and the ex in question may not be such an ogre.

[YellowDog]

Riiight... as shown by the millions, yes MILLIONS of people killed by Christians in the crusades? For explicitly religious reasons.

I checked the Herald and also Sky News. No crusade related murders reported. May be it'll be in tomorrow's paper?

See what I mean about obsessive Atheists!

[Fub@r]

Mate your a religious bigot in the highest order. Get a grip.

Who are you calling a religious bigot?

[Toaster]

Sounds like the no bones thing is a bit weird. We all know they existed - the issue is WHEN they existed.

The existence of dinosaurs is easily supported in the bible. It just takes study and effort to understand it - it context - its messages etc etc.

The bible and science go together more than people realise until you really get into it and STUDY it rather than make up uninformed opinions.

Shame the idiot is putting such a stupid notion into yous son's head about the bones. Just stupid and weak.

[Toaster]

But I make one thing clear: Whatever he chooses has no bearings on my love for him, and whatever religion (or not) he decides is for him should also allow the same for him.

Really well said from the mouth of an obviously loving father. Nice one.