Relax It’s Just God: How and Why to Talk to Your Kids About Religion When You’re Not Religious

A step-by-step guide to raising confident, open-minded, tolerant kids — as featured on the PBS NewsHour A rapidly growing demographic cohort in America, non-religious and progressively religious parents are at the forefront of a major and unprecedented cultural shift. Unable to fall back on what they were taught as children, many of these parents are struggling — or simply failing — to address issues of God, religion and faith with their children in ways that promote honesty, curiosity, kindness and independence. The author sifts through hard data — including the results of a survey of 1,000 secular parents — and delivers gentle but straightforward advice to atheists, agnostics, humanists and open-minded believers. With a thoughtful voice infused with humor, Russell seamlessly merges scientific thought, scholarly research and everyday experience with respect for a full range of ways to view the world. “Relax, It’s Just God” goes beyond the numbers to assist parents (and grandparents) who may be struggling to find the right time place, tone and language with which to talk about God, spirituality and organized religion. It encourages parents to promote religious literacy and understanding and to support kids as they explore religion on their own — ensuring that each child makes up his or her own mind about what to believe (or not believe) and extends love and respect to those who may not agree with them. Subjects covered include: Talking openly about our beliefs without indoctrinating kids Making religious literacy fun and engaging Talking about death without the comforts of heaven Navigating religious differences with extended family members What to do when kids get threatened with hell