Comments on: What God, Ghosts, Santa Clause & Other Imaginary Things Have In Common

By: Doug

Doug — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:04:48 +0000

Kids will invent the supernatural without outside influence. I’m sorry, but I, too am a hairs breath from 40, but I can recall the mushy mindset before critical though set in. No one told me there were monsters….I saw things an misinterpreted them as dangerous unknowns in the dark. I kind of think it is a little evolution going on there, movement in the dark=dangerous animal thing is likely a survival instinct when we were prot-homids, if a tad ludicrous now.

I can recall distinctly the electric fire snakes that lived in the walls. I can to that conclusion after seeing the reflection of gas jet being ignited on the shiny sheet metal ash pan of the furnace. And when the furnace turned on there would be sounds of movement in the walls! Sure I know now that It was the ducts sheet metal expanding as it heated, but try telling that to the me of 5 years old.

By: Rascaduanok

Rascaduanok — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:42:32 +0000

I don’t think it’s just adults talking about tooth fairies and so on that leads children into a superstitious world of paranormal phenomena and makes them ripe for religious conquest. Think about it: little babies and children cry out, and all of a sudden the magic and soothing father/mother figure appears from nowhere to make everything all right, feed the baby, clean the baby, see to the baby’s every need… Just interacting with a child like that will make it susceptible to the ‘paranormal’. And there’s nothing we can do about it in that respect!

By: 40 Year Old Atheist

40 Year Old Atheist — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:15:00 +0000

A quick google is all I need to see your record, Timotheus. I used their experience to expedite my decision. Why would I subject my readers to your lunacy when I know all there is to know about you? Bye now.

By: Timotheus

Timotheus — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:47:42 +0000

You broke much quicker than the others. What’s wrong with some harmless opposition? Why can’t atheists take what they dish out?

By: 40 Year Old Atheist

40 Year Old Atheist — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:21:09 +0000

Timotheus,

I’ve seen your inane ramblings on other atheist blogs and you will get no audience here. I will delete every comment you post here. You are a troll. Move along. This is the last comment of yours that I will even read. Bye bye now, little troll.

By: Timotheus

Timotheus — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:18:50 +0000

Teaching your children that imaginary things are real, on the other hand, warps their little minds and destroys their ability to think critically. It is in effect child abuse.
- – - – - – - – -
Did you child abusers teach your kids about man made global warming yet?

By: Rodin.Independent

Rodin.Independent — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:26:00 +0000

Using their magination, pretending, making up fantasy worlds, are great ways for kids to play and expand their aptitude for creative thinking. It is wonderful to spend time with your children in imaginary play.
Teaching your children that imaginary things are real, on the other hand, warps their little minds and destroys their ability to think critically. It is in effect child abuse.

By: Atheist

Atheist — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 22:26:34 +0000

I wrote an article a couple of weeks ago pointing out the danger of allowing (or encouraging) our kids to believe in such things ( The Santa Scam). My position was that Santa, specifically, is like religion "lite", as it introduces concepts such as judgement, reward, punishment and superstition. It's a slippery slope and surely not the best way for our kids to start out in life. The responses from theists were predictable, accusing me of "hate" and removing joy from people's lives.

By: Elaine

Elaine — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:12:47 +0000

loved your comments. Just to let you know that I was one who was raised without believing in God or Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny…at appropriate ages, despite the fact that my Dad always told me the truth when I asked, “is there a santa claus?” I would believe whatever I wanted to believe and never “lost out” on that fantasy life that kids can so easily channel, BUT the fact is that he never lied to me and as I grew up, I so appreciated that. I raised my children in the same way. Kids are going to believe whatever they want to believe. You are not hurting them in any way by telling them the truth and for ensuring a trust in you that you will never lie to them.

By: Joy

Joy — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:24:35 +0000

Great link–thanks! It lead to more and more good ones, too.