Religion in a multicultural world
In Canada, families worship God, Allah, Jehovah, Brahma, Yahweh, to name a few. But the majority of Canadians, 77 per cent, identify themselves as Christian. Another 2 per cent identify themselves as Muslim, one per cent identify themselves as Jewish and half a per cent claim adherence to the Hindu, and Buddhist religions.
The chances are that your child has at least one friend who celebrates a faith different from yours. In helping your child understand different religions, you may find the analogy of a diamond useful. Explain that there isn't just one right way to look at a diamond. Every facet has a different sparkle, and every religion sparkles in its own way. Every facet of the diamond is similar, as are many beliefs of the world religions. All religions believe in something greater than the individual, and believe that all life is one. In almost every religion the golden rule -- do unto others as you would have them do unto you -- pops up. All religions preach that human beings should love one another.
Developmental stages of faith
Children are realists, but they combine that with elements of fantasy to explain the new and different to themselves. Some kids see God as a man with a long beard who lives on a fluffy white cloud. Other kids hold God closer and imagine him or her skateboarding beside them. By adulthood, you may have incorporated both images and feel God as a presence beyond you, yet close. Often the faith of a child is very pure. Children want to believe that God cares for us and turns our suffering into good.
Early childhood (before age 6)
At this age, children see God as the person who made everything. They may consider prayers as a magical way of getting what they want.
Middle childhood (ages 6 to 10)
At this age, kids unconditionally accept the existence of God, but may find it difficult to imagine God's presence in their own life. Their interest in cause and effect often prompts the question "If God created everything, who created God?"
Late childhood (ages 10 to 13)
As children enter puberty, doubts and confusions about God begin to appear. A child may feel frightened that God doesn't exist and, in the face of injustice and suffering, may point to his apparent absence or disinterest. Older children want reasoning and logic where mystery exists. Their emerging critical thinking abilities may make them either demand proofs or struggle with the concept of accepting on faith alone.
