I’m in the same ballpark but I do understand the value of religion (other than Islam) in teaching the basic values of what is right and wrong. Yes, good parenting can do that also, but believing in a higher power of something far bigger than self has lots of redeeming value IMHO.
Perhaps some Sunday school while growing up but then let the child make up their own mind about whether or not to continue going to church would be one alternative to an all or nothing approach.
Read Dennis Prager’s new book, The Rational Bible.
My opinion - regular church attendance but allowing kids to learn deeply about their own and other faiths. That’s what I did and I stayed where I am, after evaluating and rejecting other options
It's why we're here lol (imho). I was raised with the whole religion program. But never knew God until AA. Step 11: "...praying only for knowledge of his will for us, and the power to carry it out."
That changed my life. Key word: "only."
I ask God what he wants me to do, numerous times each day. And I get signs, some blatent, some subtle, of which direction to go. When I follow the signs, my life is great. Never been happier, and never felt this real higher power before. Now it's a consious thing, and I am sooo grateful.
I don't get guidance from a 2000 year old book, or self appointed religious masters. I get it directly from the source! Some would call that blasphemous. I don't care. I call it enlightenment. And it works. Happy, joyous, and free!!!
And know I KNOW there is something after death. Our spirit lives on. Not believe...I actually KNOW. Very freeing. So happy, so grateful. Each and every day.
Organized religion didn't bring me to God. It prevented it.