Given that it’s 2015, I’m still pretty amazed about the assumptions we make on a daily basis; gender identity,  sexual orientation,  marital status, even the amount of money we have. But, I really don’t know why we’re still assuming other people’s religious and spiritual beliefs.

I don’t think we can say that North America is primarily Judeo – Christian anymore. Toronto cannot be given how multicultural this city is, yet people always assume I believe in God and I’m Christian. 

Sorry there, folks, you’re two for two. I was raised Christian and did the whole church on Sunday thing, but as I grew older and had questions and started to think and analyze, I decided that religion just wasn’t for me.

This post isn’t about bashing others’ beliefs but, instead, insisting I get respect for mine.

Mono mono twins are constantly referred to as miracles. Prayers are asked for and given. But you know what? I don’t want your prayers and there was no miraculous intervention that saved my girls,  it was amazingly dedicated, intelligent staff who knew what was wrong and made essential life-saving decisions. And they fought. So, no, it wasn’t God who brought them home, it was them. My girls. They wanted to live. And your prayers?  If they make you feel better or more in control,  awesome, but I’d much prefer you call me or check in on us.

So many times when I’m out and about, random people say God has blessed me and blesses the girls. Really? OK,  whatever.  It seems that it’s fine for them to push their beliefs on me but God forbid (see what I did there?), I say something like “no, thanks, we don’t want to go to your babies and bible class” or “nope, they sure aren’t baptized!” I become the world’s worst mother.

But, how does religion make you a good mum? I don’t believe in God; therefore I can’t possibly understand love, sacrifice,  and I have nothing to teach my children?  I could go into the many ways that that is wrong, but instead, I offer Buds as an example.  The kid is (mostly) well behaved and well mannered. He asks questions about everything and I answer as best I can. I teach him about different countries,  people, and religions. Yes, I teach him about religion because to understand the world, you must understand the people who live in it. He is too young to understand the attacks on my beloved Paris, but one day he won’t be, and I won’t lie to him. Should my children choose to believe in or practice a religion, I will ask them questions, but support them wholeheartedly.  Maybe I’ll have a Muslim son, a (converted) Jewish daughter,  and an agnostic daughter. How fun would family dinners be?!

So, if you really believe that I have failed as a mother because I don’t believe in God,  maybe you should pray on it.