Reply #14: Sharing opinions about the existence of God vs. proselytizing.

[ozone_man]

There's a fine line between sharing opinions and proselytizing. There should be some indication that opinions are welcome or that it's appropriate to share them. The truth about God may not be seen as truth by others, in fact won't be seen that way by believers, so there's always the risk of causing bad feelings.

I think the best time to provide some guidance is when there is an indication that it may find fertile ground, sort of throwing out a life line of reason and free thinking. This is really the best and safest way to go. Teach the child (or adult) to think in a rational way, to be a free thinker. The rest will fall into place. A little help at the critical times is key too.

I remember reading Richard Dawkins' letter to his 10 year old daughter about free thinking. In God Delusion I think, or was it Devil's Chaplain?

I think with kids, we shelter them and tell them fairy tales and they watch Disney movies, so that by the time they're 12-13 or so, there is an abrupt confrontation with reality. That there is no sky God to hold our hand when we die is difficult to accept at first. That we die all alone is scary. But having others who understand this and are available to talk to them rationally is comforting.