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Philosophy/religion

Join our Philosophy forum to discuss religion and spirituality.

Explaining who God is

58 replies

SciFiG33k · 28/05/2017 03:13

Was with my 6 year old DSD today and I said to her please don't say 'oh God' because God doesn't like it and its not something me or my Grandmother who we see lots of would want to hear. Her patents aren't religious at all but I am.
DSD then of course asked me but who is God and why doesn't he like it. To which I fumbled through a terrible explanation making it clear though that not everyone believes and that's OK.
So my question is how do you explain who God is to a child whose parents don't believe.

OP posts:
9toenails · 03/06/2017 17:06

vdbfamily: "I am interested in what the atheists who are commenting here would do if asked a question about God from a child that they knew came from a Christian family."

-- It depends on context and the relationship with the child (and age, too, of course).

As a teacher, for instance, I used to be very careful about even letting pupils know my opinion about religion/metaphysics/philosophy in general; 'I'll let you know what I think when you've left school ...'. (Same goes for volunteer school activities, obviously.) I used to find children appreciated hearing the reason for such a stance too (given at an appropriate age-level, again.)

For small children I don't know well, the issue never arises. Children I know well? Not many of these, really, but I tell them the truth if they ask me. That seems something of a duty to children as well as adults, no?

People in authority over children should take care in such cases, largely because of that authority and its likely consequences for developing youngsters subject to it. (Actually, come to think of it, I could mention a few religious people I've known who need(ed) reminding of this. So it goes.) Otherwise, though, 'tell the truth' is a good rule for life in general. If other people think what you say is wrong, get them explain why. That's also something to say to any child, at any age.

MyUsernameIsInvalid · 06/06/2017 10:50

How to explain God to someone?

Quite easy if you yourself know God and have a relationship with him.
I wouldn't have a hard time explaining God to someone, just as I wouldn't have a hard time explaining anyone I know to someone, my wife for example. I know who she is, I know what she likes and dislikes, I know things she's done, how she's supported me and loved me.

It says a lot that you believe God exists, don't want to offend him, and yet you know very little about him.

ollieplimsoles · 06/06/2017 11:48

I wouldn't have a hard time explaining God to someone

Lets have it then.

MyUsernameIsInvalid · 06/06/2017 21:24

Lets have it then.

I've read your previous posts. Telling people to defend themselves and attacking their opinion is not something I want, care about or need if I'm being honest.
Infact, saying "Let's have it then" is immediately trying to provoke me into whatever little argument you wish to have, and seen as you're only here to argue I don't see a point. Arguing on the internet is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but gets you nowhere.
Ask nicely and have a genuine interest in other peoples opinions and I may, just may give you mine, but I get the impression you'd just attack my faith, and what's the point in using any of my time reading that? None really. It serves very little purpose but to fill your desire to be ^feel^ right, regardless of wether you actually are.

ollieplimsoles · 06/06/2017 21:41

That is your prerogative. But this is a thread about discussing god with a six year old girl with secular parents. I take that very seriously, we are dealing with young impressionable minds that have a right to the truth. Not biased opinions based on no evidence.

I dont wish to have an argument with anyone, but I do take issue with telling children things are true when they are not. Especially when its not your place to do so.

I take it your are referring to niminys post of this thread, that was not an opinion, it was a list of statements backed up with no evidence, it needed to be challenged.

If you consider your faith so flimsy you cannot defend it to an armchair atheist who just sits around all day arguing on the internet, then you shouldn't engage.

You made a statement, I asked for clarification, I found your post inflammatory and worthy of the clarification I asked for l, if you don't want to give it, no one is forcing you.

MyUsernameIsInvalid · 06/06/2017 22:29

Without me saying anything about my faith, you call it flimsy.... point proved.
You are only here to try to put people down.

Have you thought about the fact it's none of your business what people tell their kids?
And that telling your kids their is no God is just the same as saying their is?
Unless children are given no information, throughout their entire lives they will at some point experience religion and the concept of god, no?
Also:
I take that very seriously, we are dealing with young impressionable minds that have a right to the truth

What truth is this?

ollieplimsoles · 06/06/2017 22:47

You are only here to try to put people down.

Have you read the thread, I had a pleasant conversation with the op.

Have you thought about the fact it's none of your business what people tell their kids?

Read the thread, the op is asking for advice on what to tell her six year old step daughter with a mother who is not a believer. I dont care what other people tell their kids.
And that telling your kids their is no God is just the same as saying their is?

What on earth gave you impression that I think children should be told there is no god? Again, read the thread.

What truth is this?

Nice try. I'll kindly explain, but answer my question first, or discussion over.

scottishdiem · 14/06/2017 01:39

What truth is this?

That there is no evidence for any God so the decision to live as if there is one or is not one is entirely a normal human choice with nothing special attached. We all make decisions with varying levels of evidence. Its just one that we try to foist on others or make claims of superiority about.

Anyway....

I think its ok to explain to a child who asks the general concept of God and Gods that various religions around the world have. That is a very different think to telling a child what belief and faith is.

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