When I reflect on my upbringing, I realize that my exposure to religion was minimal at best. My understanding of a higher power was limited to vague mentions of a “Creator” and the occasional gift of a children’s Bible, which remained untouched on the shelf. Most importantly, I was told, “As long as you treat others well, that’s what matters.” What a profound message that is.
I was never baptized, never taken to church, and never instructed on what beliefs to hold. Interestingly, my parents, who were devoutly religious, particularly my mom, prioritized teaching me kindness over any specific religious doctrine. They believed that instilling good values didn’t require a particular set of rules or rituals. Their main focus was on nurturing my character and integrity, allowing me to find my own path rather than imposing their beliefs on me.
Now that I’m older and hopefully a bit wiser, I appreciate their decision to let me explore my own beliefs. I don’t intend to instruct others on how to raise their children, religious or not, but I can confidently say that growing up without religion has shaped me into someone with a strong moral compass.
There’s a common misconception that a lack of religion leads to a lack of morals. People often ask, “Alex, how can you have morals without God?” Let me share an experience that shaped my understanding of compassion.
When I was eight, I witnessed a horrific car accident unfold before my family. My father, without hesitation, parked the car and rushed into the street to help. He comforted one of the victims, guiding her through a panic attack. As others joined to assist, I realized the profound impact one person can have in a moment of crisis.
Throughout my childhood, I was taught to care for others, look out for my community, and lend a hand whenever possible. While these lessons are echoed in many religious texts, I didn’t need a holy book to learn them. When I think about my morals, I remember the look of relief on that woman’s face as my dad supported her through a traumatic event. Whether or not a higher power was present that day, my father was there, embodying compassion.
From an early age, I understood that doing good mattered—not because of a promise of reward or fear of punishment in an afterlife, but because it can genuinely change lives in the present. My dad was a beacon of hope in that moment, assuring her that she was not alone.
I grew up aspiring to be that light for others—not out of obligation to a deity or ancient texts, but because I want to foster kindness and empathy in the world. My parents instilled in me the belief that my generation would shape the future, and that every act of kindness or cruelty contributes to that future. I’ve never forgotten that.
Contrary to what some might think, I didn’t develop a sense of purposelessness or despair. Instead, I grew determined to be a catalyst for positive change, reaching out to those in need and providing clarity amid chaos.
What does a kid raised without religion believe? My brother has his own answers as a moderate Christian, while I identify as a liberal atheist. It’s a testament that children raised without strict religious guidance can grow into diverse individuals. I’m just grateful my parents allowed me the freedom to discover my beliefs without the weight of predetermined worth or morality.
When I identify as an atheist, I often encounter discomfort or even hostility, but I’ve learned to brush it off. I focus on addressing pressing issues like mental health stigma, creating safe spaces for the LGBTQ community, advocating for social justice, and educating others about systemic inequalities. As my parents taught me, I strive to make the world a better place.
This post is a reminder that despite being raised without “real” morality, I’m doing just fine. If you’re interested in exploring more about different aspects of parenting and self-discovery, you might want to check out this blog post. For those looking into options for at-home insemination, Make A Mom offers excellent products. Additionally, if you’re seeking information on pregnancy and home insemination, UCSF’s resource provides valuable insights.
In summary, growing up without religion has allowed me to develop my own moral framework based on empathy and kindness, demonstrating that one can lead a fulfilling life filled with purpose and compassion, regardless of religious background.
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