To teach or not to teach

To teach or not to teach, that is the question…forgive me for semi-invoking the bard, but have been privy to several conversations in the past month in which people discuss whether or not to teach their children about their path.  So I decided to chime in with my 2 cents worth.

My feeling is that it is our job as a parent, grandparent, village, that we are to teach our young people about faith(s).  Just like any other subject that we are to instruct them on, this one is relevant to their lives.  Who else will teach them truth about what you believe and why you practice as you do?  Some say that it influences them and would make them feel like they have to believe the same way.  And?  Do not other faiths expect to give their young the same foundation?  If as a parent, you walk as a pagan, where are the other examples of how fulfilling that path can be except what is mirrored in front of them?  Children learn by example, so why not from a sound one who has their best interests at heart.  And let them know its okay to explore other faiths as well.  Believe me, if you have a kid in the public school, they will be inundated with the secular faiths, such as christianity because it is the most prevalent.  What to do if they want to go with the others to church or a camp?  I say let them go..How else are they going to know if this is the right thing for them?  Talk about it when they get home, keep that communication going as to how it makes them feel, does it resonate within them or are they simply going along with the group.  Peer pressure is a huge thing, so some of it may creep in, and for a time they follow a path different from you,but if you have been open and honest about your beliefs, and taught them truth instead of some fantasy crap that gets tossed around occasionally, then they at least have a way to compare and see what works for them in their lives.  I think if one allows a child to learn about the faiths and talk about what each one brings to the table as far as fulfilling ones spirituality(not talking doctrine or dogma here), then it gives a broader view of humanity and fosters respect for others point of views.  And in truth, that is what we as  a “village” should be trying to provide to the children in our world…respect for one another as human beings and peace in knowing that they are unique and valued for who they are and are destined to become.

Peace out