God made the earth and all things therein. Genesis tells us about the creation of the earth. As I look all around, I see God's beautiful handiwork. One thing that amazes me is the number of people on this planet and how we all have eyes, nose, and mouth, and we can recognize everyone. Only One could make this happen.

Thanks for the comment.

Fascinating conversation! I tend to break into song:
"Science is real! Science is real! Science is re-ee-ee-ee-eeeeeel. Now I like stories, about angels, unicorns and elves, I like those stories, as much as anyone else, but when I'm seeking knowledge (either simple or abstract) the facts are with science."
If anyone doesn't own They Might Be Giants Science is Real I highly recommend it.

Now, I am the first to admit that science is influenced by the beliefs of scientists (proving whites have bigger brains etc) but in general I try to use science to answer how does the earth work questions and God to answer "Why do I have to be nice to mean people" questions.

My daughter started these conversations around that age and hasn't stopped (she's going on 7). They change over time (from questions, to her making absolute statements "God exists and I am correct!"/"There is no God at all and anyone who believes otherwise is stupid!". Sometimes she believes in heaven. Sometimes hell. Sometimes one and not the other. Sometimes she thinks all gods are real (Thor, Zeus, etc.). Sometimes she makes up her own stories (getting things all muddled up) and boy they are some crazy tales. :)

It's always difficult and always at least a little entertaining to have the talks when she starts them. And it's gotten a lot easier over time to have those conversations with her. We encourage her to ask questions and we tell her what people believe about gods (this religion believes this, this religion believes that). Can't wait to find out what she ends up thinking later in life.

Man I hate it when I accidentally leave off an closing parentheses.

)

There.

Hey Dave! Great post. You even inspired me to write about the same topic today. Thanks! http://4ddad.wordpress.com/2012/06/07/inoculation-against-indoctrination-without-sacrificing-spirituality/

Dave, you handled the situation wisely. Your way is a whole lot better than brainwashing an intelligent and curious child who sounds like she could become a scientist.

And now for a bit of a different perspective: As a parent of grown children, I wish that I had exposed them to spirituality. In my 30s, I didn't have it to give. Today, I do and it is one of the best things that happened to me. That was my path to take, but I think my children would be better off today if I'd been able to give them a foundation that assures them that Someone or Something bigger than them will take care of them, no matter what challenges life throws them.

In the beginning there was nothing, then there was something, then there was light, and a bit later there were strawberries. And they tasted good.

What a sad commentary, someone can't have faith without being berated by someone whom is brainwashed as they come.

My husband and I are not religious/believers. But a year or so ago, my son started asking to go to church, so I found a church close to home and started taking him.

My son, now age 6, asks a lot of 'big whammy' questions that are tough to answer for me to answer because I don't put a lot of stock into the things that he believes in. When he starts asking questions about religion such as, 'When old grandma dies, will she go to Heaven?" I use the response "That is what some people believe."

We talk a lot about different religions and different ideologies that people and cultures have. I want him to be well-informed and tolerant of the fact that not everyone will be believe what he does.