Relax, It’s Just God: How and Why to Talk to Your Kids About Religion When You’re Not Religious by Wendy Thomas Russell

Relax, It’s Just God: How and Why to Talk to Your Kids About Religion When You’re Not Religious
by Wendy Thomas Russell

Synopsis from Goodreads:

For nonreligious parents looking to raise critically thinking, religiously literate, and highly tolerant children capable of making up their own minds about what to believe, "Relax, It’s Just God: How and Why To Talk to Your Kids About Religion When You’re Not Religious" is the secular equivalent of a godsend.




With a thoughtful voice infused with humor, author Wendy Thomas Russell seamlessly merges scientific thought, scholarly research, and everyday experience in a book that gives nonreligious parents a toolkit to assist with their unique and complex issues. Among other things, "Relax, It's Just God" teaches parents how to avoid indoctrination; communicate openly but kindly with religious relatives; confront and manage “religious baggage” so as to not hand it on to the next generation; talk about death without the familiar comforts of religious imagery; give kids a broad overview of various world religions; and show children how to practice true religious tolerance while also vaccinating them against the intolerance of others.




A rapidly growing demographic cohort in America, first-generation nonreligious parents are at the forefront of a major and unprecedented cultural shift. Unable or unwilling to fall back on what they were taught as children, secular parents often find themselves at a loss for how to approach religion with their young children—so they don’t. But, as "Relax, It’s Just God" shows us, silence is not the answer

My Review

5/5 Stars

It will definitely be one that I refer back to as my children grow older and come to grips in what they do or do not believe and to try and help out with their questions about other religions ( It has a nice cheat sheet in the back that gives a quick basic look at a variety of other religions)




Not only does this book give great examples and at times humorous ones from her life which will help me guide my kids into understanding and tolerance of all religions ( and a few I could actually relate to) but she also points out how religious literature could help out with the tolerance, and who doesn’t want their children to be well read?






I think the topic of religion was handled well and with compassion and facts. She didn’t single out any religions or say being religious or non religious is bad but she focused on acceptance, tolerance and education. She focused on how to teach our children to think for themselves and to be tolerant and accepting of all religions.






I for one found this book to be just what I needed as my children are growing older and being introduced to different religions and people ( and already both have encountered the “ You don’t go to church so you’re going to go to hell” ). I didn’t know how to talk to my kids about religion(s) now with this book ( and its recommendations )I have a wonderful guide full of facts, understanding and compassion to help me and to help them.