Comment by millered35 on March 8, 2012 at 10:03am

Man you sound just like me.  We are also dealing with the 7 y/o kid (in 1st grade - public school) that came home talking about christmas being about baby jesus. He said that's what the teacher told the kids in response to their questions. I am trying to figure out the best way

to keep him from the religious influence until he is old enough to understand.

Good luck

Comment by Dogly on March 8, 2012 at 10:58am

Now that you began looking around for us, you'll find a few atheists everywhere.  When you find out what other atheists parents are concerned about in your own community, you'll get some ideas of what you can do about it.  Activism means doing something.  Now that you've started, you're in for the ride of your life.

Comment by Richard ∑wald on March 8, 2012 at 11:38am

"I am trying to figure out the best way
to keep him from the religious influence until he is old enough to understand."

 ~ millered35

Try the most basic approach:

There is a difference between knowing something and believing something, people believe in a lot of different things. Just because a person believes something, doesn't mean it's true.

Comment by The Antic Atheist on March 8, 2012 at 1:40pm

Thanks for the feedback. I still can't get over how much people want to discuss their religion with my kids. Imagine a scenario where I started telling my daughters friends about how awesome it is to be an Atheist. Her friends parents would flip their lid. So why is the reverse seemingly OK?

Comment by Richard ∑wald on March 8, 2012 at 2:06pm

Yes you can, though the later one starts making this a priority, the harder it gets. That said, it's never too late to start. One good way to help your child understand the difference between "belief" and "truth" is books like...

Maybe yes maybe no

See also the links at the bottom.

Comment by Richard ∑wald on March 8, 2012 at 2:47pm

Very weird, the first part of my post was truncated.

Some parents will try to tell you that "you can't reason with kids". Yes you can, though the later one starts making this a priority, the harder it gets. That said, it's never too late to start.

Comment by Reason Being on March 8, 2012 at 3:56pm

Good for you!  I too have been an atheist for a long time and am just starting to feel the need to become an activist.  That is why I started my blog and have become active in a local atheist group.  With the political scene in the U.S. being what it is, I felt I could no longer sit by and let others dictate theist policies to me.

Comment by Napoleon Bonaparte on March 8, 2012 at 4:30pm

The Reason Rally on 24 March sounds great but I don't think i will go because I live in Europe.

If you think you can make videos, go for it. These can be viewed here.

There are groups here catering for more specific interests and you can also create your own group.

I think you will find what you need including an audience.

Comment by Steph S. on March 8, 2012 at 9:20pm

Cool .. I think it is great that you are becoming an activist

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