I had a thought earlier today that if something happened to one of my family it would be me that would explain what death was to my brothers.
I'm an atheist. My brothers go to a catholic school and we have a very weird relationship with religious discussion in my household. Both my brothers are young and so believe as they are taught to believe, in God and heaven. So if something happened to a member of the family is it acceptable to tell a child that -enter person they love here- is in heaven and will be watching over them?
Even take it as children who have not been brought up to believe in God. Take a family where religion wasn't talked about. Is it still a harmless statement?
I know it is said in comfort, and it is said in comfort to adults as well, but I have a problem with it. I feel it is a lie and a false comfort, however I can understand why you would do it. It's a very hard subject.
Opinions?
I'm an atheist. My brothers go to a catholic school and we have a very weird relationship with religious discussion in my household. Both my brothers are young and so believe as they are taught to believe, in God and heaven. So if something happened to a member of the family is it acceptable to tell a child that -enter person they love here- is in heaven and will be watching over them?
Even take it as children who have not been brought up to believe in God. Take a family where religion wasn't talked about. Is it still a harmless statement?
I know it is said in comfort, and it is said in comfort to adults as well, but I have a problem with it. I feel it is a lie and a false comfort, however I can understand why you would do it. It's a very hard subject.
Opinions?
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