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Relax, It's Just God: How and Why to Talk to Your Kids About Religion When You're Not Religious
Featured on the PBS NewsHour!
A step-by-step guide to raising confident, open-minded, tolerant kids
A rapidly growing demographic cohort in America, non-religious and progressively religious parents are at the forefront of a major and unprecedented cultural shift. Unable to fall back on what they were taught as children, many of these parents are struggling -- or simply failing -- to address issues of God, religion and faith with their children in ways that promote honesty, curiosity, kindness and independence.
The author sifts through hard data -- including the results of a survey of 1,000 secular parents -- and delivers gentle but straightforward advice to atheists, agnostics, humanists and open-minded believers. With a thoughtful voice infused with humor, Russell seamlessly merges scientific thought, scholarly research and everyday experience with respect for a full range of ways to view the world.
"Relax, It's Just God" goes beyond the numbers to assist parents (and grandparents) who may be struggling to find the right time place, tone and language with which to talk about God, spirituality and organized religion. It encourages parents to promote religious literacy and understanding and to support kids as they explore religion on their own -- ensuring that each child makes up his or her own mind about what to believe (or not believe) and extends love and respect to those who may not agree with them.
Subjects covered include:
Talking openly about our beliefs without indoctrinating kids Making religious literacy fun and engaging Talking about death without the comforts of heaven Navigating religious differences with extended family members What to do when kids get threatened with hell
A step-by-step guide to raising confident, open-minded, tolerant kids
A rapidly growing demographic cohort in America, non-religious and progressively religious parents are at the forefront of a major and unprecedented cultural shift. Unable to fall back on what they were taught as children, many of these parents are struggling -- or simply failing -- to address issues of God, religion and faith with their children in ways that promote honesty, curiosity, kindness and independence.
The author sifts through hard data -- including the results of a survey of 1,000 secular parents -- and delivers gentle but straightforward advice to atheists, agnostics, humanists and open-minded believers. With a thoughtful voice infused with humor, Russell seamlessly merges scientific thought, scholarly research and everyday experience with respect for a full range of ways to view the world.
"Relax, It's Just God" goes beyond the numbers to assist parents (and grandparents) who may be struggling to find the right time place, tone and language with which to talk about God, spirituality and organized religion. It encourages parents to promote religious literacy and understanding and to support kids as they explore religion on their own -- ensuring that each child makes up his or her own mind about what to believe (or not believe) and extends love and respect to those who may not agree with them.
Subjects covered include:
Talking openly about our beliefs without indoctrinating kids Making religious literacy fun and engaging Talking about death without the comforts of heaven Navigating religious differences with extended family members What to do when kids get threatened with hell
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2015
102 people are currently reading
1270 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Thomas Russell
8 books24 followersWendy is an award-winning journalist and author. She spent the bulk of her career as a news reporter, writing about criminal justice and special projects. Since leaving newspapers in 2008, most of her work has focused on writing for and about children. She authored three books for the Girl Scouts of the USA — including MEdia and BLISS — which advocate media literacy while keying teenage girls into their own strengths and aspirations. The books were published in December 2010. Her latest nonfiction project, Relax, It’s Just God, was borne out of her experience as a nonreligious mom trying to introduce her daughter to religion in a healthy, open-minded and honest way. She lives in Southern California with her husband and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 9, 2015
I first read about this book in a Psychology Today article The Atheist at the Breakfast Table, and while it seemed intriguing, I promptly forgot about it until I saw in mentioned in a recent issue of Library Journal. At that point, I knew that as a religious person myself, I had to read it, even if it meant buying my own copy (which I did, because our library system didn't own it).
If you are a religious person who has a reflexive response to the title of this book, and its audience, I want you to do the same thing that Russell asks her readers to do...relax. The first thing you need to learn is that certain famous loudmouths notwithstanding, the "a" in "atheist" doesn't stand for "against" it stands for "without", and there's quite the difference between being against religion for anyone (which, ironically, seems to be its own religion) and simply not seeing a need for it yourself. And then there are the agnostics who pretty much say that they just don't know.
So what is this book about? It's a guide for non-religious parents on how to talk about religion to their children without getting all freaked out, without painting us all with the same brush, and while allowing them to make their own choices on the subject. Yes...this is a book about how parents who are wary of blind religious indoctrination can avoid doing blind indoctrination of their own with their children.
One thing that you may not expect is that it tries to show parents how to be kind in their dealings with other family members who just don't get it, and who think that they've "turned against God" (a God, who never made himself known well enough for them to turn against or hate in the first place). It similarly tries to show those parents how to teach their kids to be kind, by not going to the playground shouting "Your religion is stupid! There's no such thing as a god with an elephant head!" even though children who claim to come from religious families are being mean to them because they're "immoral atheists."
While this book was obviously written for parents who are non-believers...in anything...it's one that I would definitely recommend to those who are religious. At the very least, you'll see how they see us, and how they think we see them. Better though, you'll understand their very real concerns, and might even realize some serious missteps you've made with non-believers in the past.
If you are a religious person who has a reflexive response to the title of this book, and its audience, I want you to do the same thing that Russell asks her readers to do...relax. The first thing you need to learn is that certain famous loudmouths notwithstanding, the "a" in "atheist" doesn't stand for "against" it stands for "without", and there's quite the difference between being against religion for anyone (which, ironically, seems to be its own religion) and simply not seeing a need for it yourself. And then there are the agnostics who pretty much say that they just don't know.
So what is this book about? It's a guide for non-religious parents on how to talk about religion to their children without getting all freaked out, without painting us all with the same brush, and while allowing them to make their own choices on the subject. Yes...this is a book about how parents who are wary of blind religious indoctrination can avoid doing blind indoctrination of their own with their children.
One thing that you may not expect is that it tries to show parents how to be kind in their dealings with other family members who just don't get it, and who think that they've "turned against God" (a God, who never made himself known well enough for them to turn against or hate in the first place). It similarly tries to show those parents how to teach their kids to be kind, by not going to the playground shouting "Your religion is stupid! There's no such thing as a god with an elephant head!" even though children who claim to come from religious families are being mean to them because they're "immoral atheists."
While this book was obviously written for parents who are non-believers...in anything...it's one that I would definitely recommend to those who are religious. At the very least, you'll see how they see us, and how they think we see them. Better though, you'll understand their very real concerns, and might even realize some serious missteps you've made with non-believers in the past.
April 11, 2015
As a minister in the Presbyterian Church, I wanted to read this book for a couple reasons. 1. How do I raise my children not be intolerant of different view points? 2. How to engage with their friends and relatives who are not Christians? This book answered those questions for me very clearly. I would highly recommend this book to my friends who are Progressive in their religious beliefs as well as my friends and relatives who are secular in their belief system. I found the book, blog and article recommendations to be very helpful because it gives me next steps now that I have finished this book. Thank you and well done!
August 1, 2015
I read this book not from the perspective of a parent, but as a non-religious aunt and cousin and child within a religious family. It's a well-written, quick read and is a helpful resource to any parent or family member who wants to (help) raise children to be respectful and tolerant of many religions and cultures. Though it is written mostly for non-religious people (ranging from the loosely religious to the militantly anti-religious) I really think any parent would benefit from learning how they can give children the freedom and knowledge to decide their own beliefs and to learn and discuss the beliefs of others in a tolerant way. All the recommendations are open meaning you need to know your own beliefs and how you ultimately want to share them, and you also need to know the children in question and explain or answer questions in a way that is relevant to them. A lot of the heavy lifting is still left up to you, to problem solve in your own context, but there are lots of great discussion topics, ideas on how to build religious literacy and recommended reading for various ages.
December 26, 2016
I received a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Wendy Thomas Russell's Relax, It's Just God is a no-nonsense, straightforward, informative book about how to approach the subject of religion with children who haven't necessarily been raised in "the church" or a religious environment.
In contrast to the New Atheists and the numerous others who have a negative opinion of believers and/or organized religion, Russell addresses the subject of how to talk to children about religion from a much more level-headed, relaxed point of view. Her authorial voice, at least in this book, is patient, kind, and understanding; perfectly suited for addressing parents anxious about how to talk to their kids about religion. On many occasions as I read, I could picture myself sitting across the dining room table from Russell over a glass of Merlot having an amicable, indeed pleasant, discussion about how to guide children in thinking about their religious belief.
I live in the buckle of the American Southern Bible Belt, where many children are aggressively indoctrinated from a very young age in a specific and idiosyncratic system of belief in some version of the Christian religion. To preserve marital peace, I have long attended church in a specific denomination. I have continued to do so in order to establish myself as enough of an authority to credibly answer my children's questions about religion and to make sure they trust my interpretation of religious teachings over those of the highly conservative, evangelical, Biblical literalist teachings of their Sunday school teachers and Pastor.
More than most, I have read and studied many and varied religious texts and traditions. As a result, there was little in Russell's book that was new or particularly helpful to me in thinking of different ways of talking to my children about religion. However, that's not to say that I found little of value in Russell's book. To the contrary, Russell offers a lot of good, accurate, considered information about how to think about and talk to children about the predominant forms of religion in America today. I found her book to be refreshing and, much to my surprise, nonconfrontational in its approach. As an added bonus, the end matter contains descriptions of and information about some of the more common religious traditions in other parts of the world, presented accurately and without judgment as to their validity or value.
I highly recommend this book for parents who have little religious upbringing themselves or who are just plain confused about how to talk to their children about how or what to believe.
Wendy Thomas Russell's Relax, It's Just God is a no-nonsense, straightforward, informative book about how to approach the subject of religion with children who haven't necessarily been raised in "the church" or a religious environment.
In contrast to the New Atheists and the numerous others who have a negative opinion of believers and/or organized religion, Russell addresses the subject of how to talk to children about religion from a much more level-headed, relaxed point of view. Her authorial voice, at least in this book, is patient, kind, and understanding; perfectly suited for addressing parents anxious about how to talk to their kids about religion. On many occasions as I read, I could picture myself sitting across the dining room table from Russell over a glass of Merlot having an amicable, indeed pleasant, discussion about how to guide children in thinking about their religious belief.
I live in the buckle of the American Southern Bible Belt, where many children are aggressively indoctrinated from a very young age in a specific and idiosyncratic system of belief in some version of the Christian religion. To preserve marital peace, I have long attended church in a specific denomination. I have continued to do so in order to establish myself as enough of an authority to credibly answer my children's questions about religion and to make sure they trust my interpretation of religious teachings over those of the highly conservative, evangelical, Biblical literalist teachings of their Sunday school teachers and Pastor.
More than most, I have read and studied many and varied religious texts and traditions. As a result, there was little in Russell's book that was new or particularly helpful to me in thinking of different ways of talking to my children about religion. However, that's not to say that I found little of value in Russell's book. To the contrary, Russell offers a lot of good, accurate, considered information about how to think about and talk to children about the predominant forms of religion in America today. I found her book to be refreshing and, much to my surprise, nonconfrontational in its approach. As an added bonus, the end matter contains descriptions of and information about some of the more common religious traditions in other parts of the world, presented accurately and without judgment as to their validity or value.
I highly recommend this book for parents who have little religious upbringing themselves or who are just plain confused about how to talk to their children about how or what to believe.
June 25, 2015
Relax: It’s Just God is valuable for so many reasons. The book offers helpful timelines for how to talk to kids about religion at every age and includes a handy appendix with the CliffsNotes version of each major religion of the world, along with ways to observe their holidays in a secular way. The book’s full of useful tools that you and your kids can use when confronted by religious peers and well-meaning family members. Best of all, the book handles a potentially heavy topic with a lighthearted sense of humor, giving the reader the sense that we really can relax about it. (Note: my forthcoming interview with Wendy Thomas Russell will be published in the Summer 2015 issue of True Parent magazine.)
For those who want a comprehensive-yet-brisk understanding of the Bible, I also recommend reading Mark Russell's (no relation) irreverent God is Disappointed in You. In fact, I think the two books would be very well suited as a bundle for any nonbelievers interested in having honest conversations about Christianity with their kids.
For those who want a comprehensive-yet-brisk understanding of the Bible, I also recommend reading Mark Russell's (no relation) irreverent God is Disappointed in You. In fact, I think the two books would be very well suited as a bundle for any nonbelievers interested in having honest conversations about Christianity with their kids.
September 11, 2015
very common sense and practical thoughts on families, kids, and religion and spirituality and truth and open mindedness and trust and how to be a humanist.
January 4, 2023
Great message, good advice, highlighted lots of things for later reference. Could've been shorter.
April 6, 2015
I can't say enough good things about Relax, It's Just God. Ms. Russell brings a much-needed and extremely refreshing approach to secular thought and parenting, providing a wonderful collection of techniques for educating children about religion. And, in so doing, she also provides the parents excellent material for their own reflection, thoughtful discussion, and growth. With this book, Ms. Russell walks a perfect path of compassion and understanding, with reasoned thought and touching, heartwarming stories, and humor sprinkled throughout--but without ridicule. Relax, It's Just God is an absolute joy to read, and refreshingly free of the sour, elitist, intolerant vitriol which dominates the writing (and/or comments sections) of some other writers in the atheist/agnostic/secular/free-thinking community.
I've been an avid reader of Ms. Russell's blog for several years. The book is much more than a mere compilation of blog posts, containing more information, but is in some ways a perfect distillation of the blog, both equally clever, smart, and obviously motivated by genuine compassion and caring. Although Relax, It's Just God is intended mostly for non-religious parents, it is most definitely not to the exclusion of the religious. Regardless of where readers may fall on the religious spectrum, I think only the most unreasonable on either end could actually come away from it with serious complaints. The book sets and maintains a tone that is more--much more--than mere tolerance or coexistence. It successfully delivers the messages that actions matter more than belief and that an approach which embraces free-thinking religious literacy and education--not indoctrination or silence--is the most promising and effective.
To be clear, Ms. Russell is absolutely NOT advocating a "teach the controversy" position or one which claims all sides are equally valid or true. Rather, Ms. Russell's position here is similar to Dale McGowan's: teach the facts, honestly and without bias, but also include un-biased education about beliefs which the child will likely encounter. Lead/encourage children to be free-thinkers, well equipped to make decisions and conclusions on their own, and to better understand/appreciate society, culture, arts, politics, etc.--all of which have many influences from religion.
In short, Relax, It's Just God advocates a mature, well-reasoned approach to fostering religious literacy that stresses fact, education, understanding, and compassion. As such, it is the one with the best chance of ultimately effecting a positive change. Pure excellence.
I've been an avid reader of Ms. Russell's blog for several years. The book is much more than a mere compilation of blog posts, containing more information, but is in some ways a perfect distillation of the blog, both equally clever, smart, and obviously motivated by genuine compassion and caring. Although Relax, It's Just God is intended mostly for non-religious parents, it is most definitely not to the exclusion of the religious. Regardless of where readers may fall on the religious spectrum, I think only the most unreasonable on either end could actually come away from it with serious complaints. The book sets and maintains a tone that is more--much more--than mere tolerance or coexistence. It successfully delivers the messages that actions matter more than belief and that an approach which embraces free-thinking religious literacy and education--not indoctrination or silence--is the most promising and effective.
To be clear, Ms. Russell is absolutely NOT advocating a "teach the controversy" position or one which claims all sides are equally valid or true. Rather, Ms. Russell's position here is similar to Dale McGowan's: teach the facts, honestly and without bias, but also include un-biased education about beliefs which the child will likely encounter. Lead/encourage children to be free-thinkers, well equipped to make decisions and conclusions on their own, and to better understand/appreciate society, culture, arts, politics, etc.--all of which have many influences from religion.
In short, Relax, It's Just God advocates a mature, well-reasoned approach to fostering religious literacy that stresses fact, education, understanding, and compassion. As such, it is the one with the best chance of ultimately effecting a positive change. Pure excellence.
September 11, 2015
I checked this out from the Kindle Users library and it was a good read.
What I liked:
Her no nonsense easy to read prose with lots of suggested dialogues. I also enjoyed her personal stories.
I loved her message of tolerance all around. I feel like that sometimes this gets lost in discussions about how to teach your kids about religion. Not just for religious parents but also secular parents.
I liked her idea of teaching kids about all religions at once in a non-judgmental way. She also clearly supports children in making their own choices which sometimes feels unusual for many parenting books.
I really appreciated her chapter on death. I could have used it when Frank (cat) died when my oldest was 2.
What I didn't like:
I worry that she glossed a bit too much over the potential for discrimination in public schools. Yes - kids will be made fun of for curly hair or because they like to wear pink but rarely in those cases do school officials and parents support kids for this discrimination. There are several current situations in the US where secular kids are being mistreated by public school administrations for being open about their lack of religion.
I also don't agree with her in sending kids to religious institutions. Not because I worry about intolerance but because I don't want my money supporting missions. But I realize that's a personal preference. It's just not an argument she addressed in the text.
While I like the idea of using children's bible stories and other religious literature to inform kids about other religions I think finding ones that are age/child appropriate is harder than it seems. Much of religious literature is filled with death and destruction. Things which my girls would find too scary. I'm not saying they're better than Disney (who kills off at least one parent in every story) or many other fairy tales, but many kids are not yet desensitized to this kind of violence and I think that's ok. It would be great if they had a G rated book of religious stories - perhaps that can be Wendy's next book.
I would highly recommend this to any parent. Not just secular parents. Her message of tolerance is one I think many need to ponder.
What I liked:
Her no nonsense easy to read prose with lots of suggested dialogues. I also enjoyed her personal stories.
I loved her message of tolerance all around. I feel like that sometimes this gets lost in discussions about how to teach your kids about religion. Not just for religious parents but also secular parents.
I liked her idea of teaching kids about all religions at once in a non-judgmental way. She also clearly supports children in making their own choices which sometimes feels unusual for many parenting books.
I really appreciated her chapter on death. I could have used it when Frank (cat) died when my oldest was 2.
What I didn't like:
I worry that she glossed a bit too much over the potential for discrimination in public schools. Yes - kids will be made fun of for curly hair or because they like to wear pink but rarely in those cases do school officials and parents support kids for this discrimination. There are several current situations in the US where secular kids are being mistreated by public school administrations for being open about their lack of religion.
I also don't agree with her in sending kids to religious institutions. Not because I worry about intolerance but because I don't want my money supporting missions. But I realize that's a personal preference. It's just not an argument she addressed in the text.
While I like the idea of using children's bible stories and other religious literature to inform kids about other religions I think finding ones that are age/child appropriate is harder than it seems. Much of religious literature is filled with death and destruction. Things which my girls would find too scary. I'm not saying they're better than Disney (who kills off at least one parent in every story) or many other fairy tales, but many kids are not yet desensitized to this kind of violence and I think that's ok. It would be great if they had a G rated book of religious stories - perhaps that can be Wendy's next book.
I would highly recommend this to any parent. Not just secular parents. Her message of tolerance is one I think many need to ponder.
April 6, 2015
I can’t believe this topic hadn’t been broached in a book before. I would agree with the other reviewers that this book is for the religious and nonreligious alike. It’s more than just about talking to your kids about religion, it’s about how to teach your children tolerance and respect for other cultures and ideas. What I loved was the author’s emphasis on “religious literacy,” how to introduce young children to different philosophies and cultural concepts, and in turn teach them how to value other people’s ideas and humanize other points of view. The “cheat sheet to world religions” in the appendix was especially helpful for me as we adults know so little about the myriad religious customs and practices around us. I am so grateful as a soon-to-be parent for this wonderful resource and I’ll definitely be utilizing the lessons as I raise my child.
November 20, 2015
I wish this book was around when I was a kid. I was raised in a secular home but have religious relatives. My classmates in school came from a variety of backgrounds--Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Buddhist,etc. So when I asked my mother about God and religion she responded "Don't worry about that, religion is for adults". Of course, I knew she was lying.
I think it is important that parents--both secular and religious--should teach their kids about the major world religions. This book is a good starting point for secular parents raising young kids. As the author points out, avoiding the topic won't make it go away. Kids are curious by nature and will seek out answers if they are not satisfied with the ones adults give them. (I should know, I grew up and got a PhD in Religious Studies!)
I think it is important that parents--both secular and religious--should teach their kids about the major world religions. This book is a good starting point for secular parents raising young kids. As the author points out, avoiding the topic won't make it go away. Kids are curious by nature and will seek out answers if they are not satisfied with the ones adults give them. (I should know, I grew up and got a PhD in Religious Studies!)
December 15, 2015
As a non-religious person, having my child come home from school and explain that she was thankful for god because he made us was a wake up call that I needed some tools and vocabulary too discuss these issues with her. This book was a great comfort and has provoked many great conversations. I want my child to grow up culturally and religiously literate, open-minded, tolerant, and supportive of the views of others. I am happy to have read this book because it made me realize that my approach of never talking about religion was not going to instill in Lark those values and might even lead to unintended consequences (e.g. shame at her lack of knowledge, thoughts that religion is taboo, etc.) I recommend it for any parent, religious or non-religious, who wants a framework for discussing religion with kids.
December 24, 2024
My second time through this book, and definitely won’t be my last. This is an incredible, funny, honest book for non-religious or religiously open parents, teachers, friends, etc on how to raise kind, religiously literate kids without indoctrinating them one way or another. It’s nonjudgemental and practical, giving little scripts that you can use or strategies to help your kid explore religion with curiosity and treat everyone’s beliefs with kindness. It’s also very intentional throughout the book in reminding parents to let go of their biases and not pass their spiritual hurt onto kids. I think I highlighted almost the whole book lol
December 10, 2015
The book is largely focused on being open with children about your views on religion, and showing them how to be knowledgeable about, and tolerant of, the many different belief systems in the world. I'd recommend it for any non-believers who have young children. If you are on either extreme of being devoutly religious or strongly against it, then this book likely won't suit you with it's message of informing your children about other cultures, and letting them ultimately decide for themselves what seems reasonable to believe.
December 11, 2015
In a country dominated by those who describe themselves as religious, how should
one raise children with the aim of them becoming aware of the cultural aims of society,
without some necessity of adherence to an establishment nor its dogma? This little
book offers a guideline to using the natural curiosity of children as a tool to use for
them to become aware of what others are striving for in religious activities, but more
importantly, as a plan for what they may gain from a balanced awareness of a solid
moral stance, supporting all of society.
This is a Goodreads First Reads book.
one raise children with the aim of them becoming aware of the cultural aims of society,
without some necessity of adherence to an establishment nor its dogma? This little
book offers a guideline to using the natural curiosity of children as a tool to use for
them to become aware of what others are striving for in religious activities, but more
importantly, as a plan for what they may gain from a balanced awareness of a solid
moral stance, supporting all of society.
This is a Goodreads First Reads book.
July 28, 2015
A helpful book, concise with lots of concrete examples and scripts for parents to use or modify. I flat out cried through the whole section about taking to your kids about death, btw.
Of note: "As long as you are raising your kids to be self-confident critical thinkers with a strong moral base and a genuine understanding of religious ideas, your kids are very unlikely to accept any closed-minded religious dogma as true."
Of note: "As long as you are raising your kids to be self-confident critical thinkers with a strong moral base and a genuine understanding of religious ideas, your kids are very unlikely to accept any closed-minded religious dogma as true."
May 27, 2017
This book had some excellent advice, but it would've benefited from an acknowledgement of Christian privilege in the United States. Without that, some of its advice for parents of children who are being bullied for their nonbelief came across as rather flat and victim-blamey. So did the "both sides" equivocation of atheists who are intolerant of religion and Christians who are intolerant of atheism.
January 20, 2016
Helpful for sorting your own thoughts
An easy, thought-provoking read that (hopefully) has me prepared for my children's questions about life's biggest questions. At the core, this is a book about raising children to be respectful toward any religious beliefs. A good guide for any parent--religious or not--who is interested in teaching religious literacy and tolerance.
An easy, thought-provoking read that (hopefully) has me prepared for my children's questions about life's biggest questions. At the core, this is a book about raising children to be respectful toward any religious beliefs. A good guide for any parent--religious or not--who is interested in teaching religious literacy and tolerance.
June 25, 2017
excellent message
Russell's message is excellent for religious and non-religious parents alike. She handles the topic of religion with tolerance and understanding-exactly what I want for my children.
Russell's message is excellent for religious and non-religious parents alike. She handles the topic of religion with tolerance and understanding-exactly what I want for my children.
July 22, 2015
Talking about religion with my son and making sure he is understanding and accepting of religious and non-religious people is very important to me. Russell writes concisely and straightforwardly about a sensitive topic for many of us. Definitely recommended.
August 23, 2015
As a secular parent with a daughter in Catholic school, this book helped out with questions I had and questions I didn't have. Filled with great parenting advice that goes beyond religious issues.
April 6, 2016
Although geared towards non-believers, it's a good common-sense approach for non-believers and believers alike.
October 28, 2015
Helped amazingly, and couldn't have come at a better time.
December 30, 2016
Practical advice on discussing religion and God with children.
July 24, 2024
I’m so thankful for this book! As a non-believer raised in religion, I’ve had no script for how to handle this topic. It’s important to me that my children have religious literacy and tolerance and respect for all beliefs and ways of thinking. I feel so much more confident in how I plan to approach this important topic with my kids.
Many writings I’ve read by atheists leave a sour taste (understandably so), but it was very refreshing to see this author call us ALL out for the chips we carry on our shoulders and have an incredibly inclusive and respectful tone. Beautifully done.
Many writings I’ve read by atheists leave a sour taste (understandably so), but it was very refreshing to see this author call us ALL out for the chips we carry on our shoulders and have an incredibly inclusive and respectful tone. Beautifully done.
dnf
November 16, 2023DNF.
I can't read a book about not judging others from a judgemental person. There is an area where she mentions seeing a goth couple with a kid then describes how the couple looked then proceeds to label them as the Morrissey type. A few paragraphs later she she mentions them again and this time she chose to label the couple as hipsters. So I chose not to finish because I'm not going to read a book about tolerance by an author who chooses to judge someone because they dress different.
I can't read a book about not judging others from a judgemental person. There is an area where she mentions seeing a goth couple with a kid then describes how the couple looked then proceeds to label them as the Morrissey type. A few paragraphs later she she mentions them again and this time she chose to label the couple as hipsters. So I chose not to finish because I'm not going to read a book about tolerance by an author who chooses to judge someone because they dress different.
April 14, 2017
I wasn't raised religious, so when the author started talking about the confusion that children feel when their friends know about stories and customs they do not- really struck home with me. It was disorienting not to know about something everyone else did. This book has book recommendations, and good examples for approaching religious literacy with your child and to promote critical thinking in a tolerant, and thoughtful way. I think this is a great book for any parent- secular or religious looking to have conversations with their child about the nature of belief and to help their kids navigate the world in a tolerant manner and to promote their own curiosity without accepting what anyone else tells them as truth. Even yourself as parent. Good read.
April 18, 2015
It will definitely be one that I refer back to as my children grow older and come to grips in what they do or do not believe and to try and help out with their questions about other religions ( It has a nice cheat sheet in the back that gives a quick basic look at a variety of other religions)
Not only does this book give great examples and at times humorous ones from her life which will help me guide my kids into understanding and tolerance of all religions ( and a few I could actually relate to) but she also points out how religious literature could help out with the tolerance, and who doesn’t want their children to be well read?
I think the topic of religion was handled well and with compassion and facts. She didn’t single out any religions or say being religious or non religious is bad but she focused on acceptance, tolerance and education. She focused on how to teach our children to think for themselves and to be tolerant and accepting of all religions.
I for one found this book to be just what I needed as my children are growing older and being introduced to different religions and people ( and already both have encountered the “ You don’t go to church so you’re going to go to hell” ). I didn’t know how to talk to my kids about religion(s) now with this book ( and its recommendations )I have a wonderful guide full of facts, understanding and compassion to help me and to help them.
Not only does this book give great examples and at times humorous ones from her life which will help me guide my kids into understanding and tolerance of all religions ( and a few I could actually relate to) but she also points out how religious literature could help out with the tolerance, and who doesn’t want their children to be well read?
I think the topic of religion was handled well and with compassion and facts. She didn’t single out any religions or say being religious or non religious is bad but she focused on acceptance, tolerance and education. She focused on how to teach our children to think for themselves and to be tolerant and accepting of all religions.
I for one found this book to be just what I needed as my children are growing older and being introduced to different religions and people ( and already both have encountered the “ You don’t go to church so you’re going to go to hell” ). I didn’t know how to talk to my kids about religion(s) now with this book ( and its recommendations )I have a wonderful guide full of facts, understanding and compassion to help me and to help them.
October 15, 2015
This book is not a page longer than it needs to be, and that is a blessing. Religion is such a major cultural force that parents must discuss it or risk having no input on the matter whatsoever (Russell compares it to the sex talk in this way). But rather than just discuss the parameters of this discussion, Russell also presents an FAQ for other related issues. What are the flavors of "not religious" and what exactly do they mean? How do you explain that to your child? How do you explain that to your family so as to understand your parenting decisions? How can you expose your children to a variety of religions in a child-accessible way? Russell's answers are short, sweet, and to the point. Best of all, they provide plenty of room for individual interpretation.
March 5, 2016
This is an excellent book about how to teach your children religious tolerance, whether you are religious or not. It has good, practical advice about how to talk to your children about the fact that different people have different religious beliefs and ideas. I love that the author references Todd Parr, one of my favorite children's authors who writes wonderful books about inclusiveness, diversity and self-confidence. I received this book free to review from Netgalley and I highly recommend it!
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