Parenting Beyond Belief: On Raising Ethical, Caring Kids Without Religion
by Dale McGowan
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 163)
Read in January, 2007
recommends it for:
Y'all Atheists
Parenting Beyond Belief is made up of a wide variety of views. The common thread is parenthood, with a mostly-common thread being atheism. So far my favourite essay is by Julia Sweeney (of SNL fame) about her daughter and their discussions on faith as it relates to Big Things like death. Her honesty with her daughter, and her frank writing style are warm and engaging. It is interesting to see not only what she says to her daughter ("what happens when we die?" "Frankly, darling, we...more
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Read in October, 2007
recommends it for:
A/A parents, friends and family of A/A parents; parents in a "mixed religion" marriage
This is a phenomenal book. It is at once inspirational, educational, humorous, and enlightening. I read it straight through in the first two days I had it, and I've gone back to re-read many of the essays over and over again. I think this is going to be one of those books in my library that will be dog-eared and have notes in the margins.
I grew up and spent most of my adult life in regions where Christianity is not just "the norm," but if you are anything BUT a Christian (let al...more
I grew up and spent most of my adult life in regions where Christianity is not just "the norm," but if you are anything BUT a Christian (let al...more
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this is a fantastic little book. as a freethinking/secular parent raising my children, i have been navigating the waters with nothing but my own (and their mother's) instincts. not that a freethinking/secular parent need a guidebook. this is not a guidebook. but rather a collection of essays on a number of universal topics, including death, morals, tolerance, etc., as well as topics that more directly affect the freethinking household. the essays are written by a variety of folks, from mini...more
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Read in May, 2008
recommends it for:
Any open minded individual, interested in this topic
Not just for parents...
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of essays on nontheist education and lifestyle. While this book is geared toward parents, and certainly useful for them, I found it highly useful on an individual level as well to think about these issues. I really appreciated the additional resources provided at the end of each chapter, this allows you to take your own pursuit of these ideas much deeper than is allowed in individual essays. Most of the resources also include a note...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of essays on nontheist education and lifestyle. While this book is geared toward parents, and certainly useful for them, I found it highly useful on an individual level as well to think about these issues. I really appreciated the additional resources provided at the end of each chapter, this allows you to take your own pursuit of these ideas much deeper than is allowed in individual essays. Most of the resources also include a note...more
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Has a copy to sell/swap
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Read in August, 2007
recommends it for:
agnostic/aetheist parents
Initially, I didn't want to read this book, but my husband bought it and read me Penn Jillette's essay. Then I was hooked.
Because so many different people contributed to the book, it has a little something for everyone who is trying to raise atheist or agnostic kids. (If you are deeply religious, it would probably be hard to slog through the whole book, as your point of view is given no space here.) It brought up interesting issues, gave some decent advice and was funny in parts. Other p...more
Because so many different people contributed to the book, it has a little something for everyone who is trying to raise atheist or agnostic kids. (If you are deeply religious, it would probably be hard to slog through the whole book, as your point of view is given no space here.) It brought up interesting issues, gave some decent advice and was funny in parts. Other p...more
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Read in August, 2007
recommends it for:
Anyone wanting to understand how to parent (or talk to kids) from a nontheist perspective
No, we don't have children, and no I'm not pregnant. But, I read a really good review of this book in Newsweek and I really wanted to read it. I highly recommend it for those 4 million Americans who claim "no religion". It's basically a compilation of different essays on different perspectives (all non-religious) about raising children. Many of the essays don't agree with the other essays, which I liked -- there are many numerous ways to talk with kids. I got a lot of good stuff ou...more
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A friend of mine was saying how she believed all children to be inherently spiritual. I won't exactly argue that, but what I believe to be more true is that children are inherently little scientists: "why? how come? where? why? how?" A thousand times over until they figure it out for themselves (prepare for damage control) or we satisfactorily explain it to them. Again.
I often wonder if it is the unfortunate introduction of "because God made it/us/them/you that way" that ...more
I often wonder if it is the unfortunate introduction of "because God made it/us/them/you that way" that ...more
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Read in October, 2007
recommends it for:
Secular Humanist/Atheist parents
A great book for parents raising children in a religion-free home. While not an "advice book", offers superb essays from Unitarian Universalist, Secular Humanist, Atheist, Agnostic, and Freethinking parents and scholars. I found it be an excellent source for inspiration on how to answer tricky questions like, "What happens when people die?", in an age-appropriate manner. It includes a great debate on the "Santa Claus Dilema." I recommend it to any parent trying ...more
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A collection of anecdotal essays by parents exploring Life's Very Issues with their children.
Because the authors acknowledge they are writing from personal experience, the book as a non-authoritative tone than I really appreciated. I don't agree with every perspective, but it's okay. I don't have to. But basically, these are people who lack religion, but still have a desire to exist and affect the world in positive, constructive ways.
Theism is valid and valuable. But as a new par...more
Because the authors acknowledge they are writing from personal experience, the book as a non-authoritative tone than I really appreciated. I don't agree with every perspective, but it's okay. I don't have to. But basically, these are people who lack religion, but still have a desire to exist and affect the world in positive, constructive ways.
Theism is valid and valuable. But as a new par...more
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Read in June, 2008
Good book. I, of course, know that it's possible to raise good kids sans religion, but it's nice to find a community out there that feels the same. Also, this book is a wealth of resources about free thought in America and the UK that will be great to have around in the coming years.
The only downside? Could have used a little keener editorial eye, and a strong proofreader. I know, I know - it's just that I have that proofreader eye. :)
The only downside? Could have used a little keener editorial eye, and a strong proofreader. I know, I know - it's just that I have that proofreader eye. :)
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Read in April, 2008
This book is a collection of essays by all different types of people and then grouped into chapters. If you are interested in raising your child as non-religious or as a freethinker there is some good information in here. It's not a "how to" book it's more of a book to see how people have handled situations with their children. I found some very helpful info on raising a non-religious child in such a religion based world.
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Read in March, 2008
recommended to Rae by:
Unitarian Church of Augustarecommends it for: parents, grandparents
This book is a invaluable tool for parents who are raising children outside of a "traditional" church or as agnostics It would also be great reading for the extended family members of these people who are worried about those children. It's not at all light reading but the way it is organized (essays and andecdotes) make it easy reading.
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I am reading this for a book club I am in at school -NOT because I am an atheist, but because I practice tolerance and have an open mind, I am reading it. i think it will be interesting - I am always interested in what other people practice and feel stronly about.
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Wonderful collection of essays about raising children in a non-secular, non-religious manner. I especially loved the discussion about holidays and the Santa Clause debate! Still reading it, but so far it's excellent. Let's hear it for Richard Dawkins!
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Read in October, 2007
recommends it for:
any parent who is raising children without religion.
My favorite parenting book. I own it, reread it, give it as a gift to others who claim "no religion" and highly recommend it in general. Also love Dale's PPB website/blog/forum
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I have not read it all, yet, but it was interesting, compelling, and offered wonderful insights and strategies...
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Read in March, 2008
FABULOUS BOOK - a must read for all parents, especially those who choose to raise their kids without religion.
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someone I know mentioned it and I requested that our library get it. They did. Now I am gonna read it...
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