To be miffed at school for telling DS Jesus loves him

[wwdorado]

DS is 5 and started reception at an infant school that is not (officially??) affiliated with the church.
Obviously I understand that this is a Christian county and they do the Lord's Prayer/grace etc learn about religion (s) but since starting school he has started talking about Jesus and God. All the time. He says he loves god and Jesus and that Jesus loves him.
Someone must be telling him this?
Is this normal?
We are both just WTF - both of us not religious in the slightest.

Someone tell me it's just a phase?

[Hazardswan]

Has he got a religious school friend?

Bit for a non church school to be saying that.

[Sparklingbrook]

Are you sure it's the school telling him this? Not any of his new school friends?

[cheminotte]

I would complain to be honest. Most schools are C of E but they shouldn’t be influencing him like this. My DS had one particular TA like this and when I mentioned it they said they’d talk to her about it as she shouldn’t be influencing him to that extent.
I tended to respond - yes ‘some people believe that...

[MongerTruffle]

Even a church school really shouldn't be saying that.

[Marshmallow91]

I'd let my 5yo carry on, but if he asks, then explain that some people believe in God and some people don't.
I would be irritated that a school "forced" this issue, but to me it seems a good opportunity to do some craft days for lots of different religions, and showing him that everyone can believe in different things, but still be friends.

[wwdorado]

I suspect it must be a teacher/TA because most of the children he is with he has known from nursery and pre school...

I would have a word with them but don't want to look OTT especially if he will forget about it soon.

He asked Santa for a children's bible

[Jupiter13]

Thank the Lord

[WH1SPERS]

I hope Santa gave him what he wanted.

Because I’m sure Santa believes in freedom of religion and belief.

And Even a five year old doesn’t HAVE to hold the same interests and beliefs as his parents.

I don’t like football but I got my kids one when they asked for it for Christmas.

[wowbutter]

Are you sure it's not a church school? It could be called some innocuous that you may not have realised. St Stephens or something?

[TheClitterati]

I chose non religious primary when we moved last year - every 2nd primary here is religious. This Svhool is completely evangelical - the kids are force fed religion, prayers, religious songs etc every day. The dc are appalled. It's come as a shock for us all.

Pity there isn't somewhere else suitable to move them to.

[treaclesoda]

Sounds like every primary school I know to be honest.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

I always thought saying that Jesus loves you was a gentle insult...

[ZigZagIntoTheBlue]

My son's school is like this - I'm happy for him to learn about religion but I wish they'd learn it's 'what some people believe' rather than being presented as fact.
I'm waiting until he's better behaved to kick up a fuss, I need them onside at the moment

[livs1987]

While I can see why you’re annoyed, I think a lot of use can personally vouch for going through the same forced Christianity at primary school (hymns at assembly etc)

[LongWalkShortPlank]

Why shouldn't he love God, or feel like he is loved by Jesus?
I'm not religious myself, but my daughter attends a c of e school, year 1. I don't take offense at what she is being taught. I think that the Christian values are a great thing to teach children just in terms of the way they should be acting. You're focused on such a small part of religion. Your child will grow up and develop their own beliefs. But to do that first they need to understand what's out there. Do you have a problem when they talk to your child about santa? Or the Easter bunny? Or something else that you don't believe in?

[lilyboleyn]

VA / VC schools are pressured by the churches they are linked with to follow certain criteria - they can get into trouble for not doing so. We have a diocesan inspection due and we have to make sure the children can do lots of things (like explain Jesus loves them) otherwise we’ll be marked down and it’s almost as bad as an ofsted fail.

[Pissedoffdotcom]

DD goes to a church school, this is the sort of thing she comes out with after their weekly church visit. Sounds like someone is whittering religion at him quite regularly tbh; you at least expect it from a church school

[MitziK]

Schools are required to hold collective worship of a Christian nature unless they are of a different faith tradition. No exceptions.

Something about the country supposedly being Christian and it's British to do so/wibble wibble/politicians/exams getting easier/vote for them because if you don't your grandchildren will have to pray to Mecca in school/other racial insults/etc.

You can withdraw your child from it, but then they usually end up sitting outside the library with the secretary and don't get awarded the Star of the Week/give performances because they aren't in assembly.

It's crap. Blame the Government. And the CofE/House of Lords.

[QwertyLou]

Just tell him your beliefs. Have a gentle word to the school if you’re uncomfortable.

[jessstan2]

I think it is sweet and perfectly natural for a five year old.
You obviously didn't mind him believing in Santa Claus!

[PoutySprout]

Most schools are C of E

WTF? No they aren’t!

I think that the Christian values are a great thing to teach children just in terms of the way they should be acting.

Absolutely no need for good values to be wrapped in a sky fairy of any flavour.

Do you have a problem when they talk to your child about santa? Or the Easter bunny? Or something else that you don't believe in?

Abso-fucking-lutely I do.

[PoutySprout]

DD asked, aged about 5, why we celebrate Xmas. I told her all about the winter solstice, saturnalia and how the Christians came along and stole the festival and the stories and pretended they were their own.

Seems to have done the trick.

For Easter I’m teaching her this.

[Pissedoffdotcom]

There is a HUGE difference in believing in santa/the easter bunny/the tooth fairy & believing in god ffs.
My DD came home once in floods of tears because she knows i don't believe in god...she had been told that if you don't believe in god you can't go to heaven & will die forever. She was hysterical for ages.

[AdamBarlowsQuiff]

That does seem odd for a non church school. I would just ask the teacher about it, see what they say. When my eldest told me they were praying in school I asked about it and it turned out to be the type of thing mentioned above - a kind of government box ticking weekly prayer but more around being thankful for different stuff and no mention of Jesus.