How has Parenting Beyond Belief been received?
Many readers who were worried that it would be “anti-religious” have expressed pleasant surprise after reading it. “Remarkably even-handed” is a common response. Though some contributors are strongly critical of religious ideas, others express a continuing affection for it. The first sentence of Julia Sweeney’s essay, for example, is “I loved being Catholic.” Others urge secular parents to be religiously literate, to empathize with believers, and to applaud the good works of religion—at the same time urging them to stand up against the hatred, ignorance and divisiveness that can also flow from religious belief. Most of all, the book reveals that believers and nonbelievers share most of the same values. Like people of religious faith, nonbelievers value love, honesty, kindness and generosity, are captivated by wonder and moved by the mysterious, seek consolation in times of loss, and treasure the companionship of others. We want to raise children who are ethical and caring. Nonetheless,
