here people go when they die. For an atheist parent answers to these questions can be hard. It should be explained that some people believe in the afterlife (in the case of death). There is never only one answer to questions like these, a kid should know about different beliefs so that they can decide for themselves. Whether someone wishes to be spiritual or not should be there own decision not someone else's. Some may argue that without faith a child will not learn morals and strength. The parents regardless of any religion should teach these things. As Joshua G. Rushing states in his comments on Brandt's essay, "Children can be taught moral values and courage without religion" (Brandt 194). Morality and personal confidence do not involve religion. Some people may use beliefs for strength and piece of mind but values should be learned early in life. I know many people that have been raised with no religion in there life at all and they are very good and moral people. Values need to be instilled by parents not the church. If parents send their child to Sunday school and expect them to learn all the morals they will need in life, they will be very disappointed. Church can only teach so much, and this is assuming that the kid is listening and understanding the teachings. "If God is dead, wrote Dostoyevski, then everything is permitted. It hasn't happened" (Brandt 196). As religion has slowly decreased in it's following in America, Gustin 4not much else has changed. We are not living in chaos. Being a devoted believer in god does not make someone morally good. Just as not believing in god does not make someone inherently evil. Parents should not be discouraged if their children choose not to practice faith. Religion is not for everyone and many live happy, fulfilled lives without a belief in god. I do not think that anyone under the age of twelve has the ability to fully comprehend religion. He or she may understand ...
