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Freedom to Believe
Teens Share Their Thoughts on Religion By Carma Haley Shoemaker
Answers to questions about religion or God reflect belief and opinion, not objective truth, says Dr. Paul Coleman, author of How to Say It to Your Kids.
"While the content of your answers may differ from someone who possesses a different set of beliefs, the tone behind the words should show interest in the topic and a sense that the mystical aspects of God and religion cannot always be understood, but that it is accepted," Dr. Coleman says. "Parents do not have to know the right answers to questions their children ask about God and religion. They do need to answer the questions that are asked of them to the best of their ability regardless of what religion it pertains to."
Do teens wish to know more about religions other than their own? Yes, say the majority.
"I don't know anything about any religions other than mine," Holly says. "But I think it would be neat to learn about other religions. I would like to learn about what other people believe in."
Chessy, a 16-year-old from Summit, N.J., agrees. "It doesn't really belong at school unless it's a certain type of school, such as a Catholic school," she says. "Not everyone would participate and lots of teenagers would rebel."
Religion regardless of belief touches every life one way or another. Parents can help their teens accept their own beliefs and those of others by offering their input and allowing their children to ask questions.
"Polls show that 96 percent of adult Americans believe in God," Dr. Coleman says. "Your children will hear about these ideas regardless of your personal beliefs, but your influence will be the most important."
