World Religion Day symbol[/caption]Carol Forsloff---Many children grow up with no religion or one that teaches theirs is the best or only one of significance, when there is a world of people with differing beliefs; and the fact that is not emphasized has created prejudice and intolerance, leading to strife and war. How can we change that focus and teach our children religious tolerance?
Brad Hough has an idea that makes that kind of good sense to make a difference. He hopes to publish a children's book that emphasizes the fact that all people are part of God's world and that most religions believe in the same God, but may refer to Him with a different name.
Like the song, "One God," recorded years ago by Barbra Streisand and Johnny Mathis, and its most recent Internet recording by Kathy Songbird and Mark Hall, and recently described in this magazine, there are many paths to God, according to the concept put forth by Hough and others like him, of various faiths around the world. That is why World Religion Day is celebrated across the United States and in other places where people are open to sharing religious ideas.
Hough tells us, "
We all pray to the same God....whether we realize it or not. About 5 years ago I told a bedtime story to my daughters. Fast forward to today and they're still talking about it, so we figured it was time to share with the world. My now 10-year old daughter and I took the time to animate the story. She helped with voices, drawings, and even an original piano piece.
After a very positive response, we decided it was time to create it into a children's book."
To do that Hough hopes to raise enough money to self publish and to obtain guidance to direct the marketing so that it opens the door to readership.
Brad Hough is a software engineer at Exelis, Inc. He received his degree in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1993. He volunteers in his neighborhood as a teacher of virtues classes for children from 1st to 5th grade. In his spare time, he likes to write and edit videos. He currently resides in Brambleton, VA with his wife Nassim, two daughters (Sarah 13, Layla 11), and their dogs Chloe and Jasmine. He is a member of the Baha’i Faith, which teaches that all religions are one.
Other recommendations given by experts on parenting about how to teach children religious tolerance that include first understanding your own spiritual values, defining them and deciding how you want your children to learn and practice them. Treat religious discussions as education, focusing on developing curiosity and respect for others, as a value. Provide information on how in many parts of the world religion becomes part of the culture and focus of family traditions.
There are many ways to help children learn about religion and respect the beliefs of others. Hough focuses on teaching children directly through stories, while others through concepts; but however the belief is developed it becomes a way to bring new generations to understanding and goodwill that may reduce conflict and war, often with their roots of religious intolerance.
The word God is man made from the Latin word creator. Thus, a supernatural force that scientists and men of the cloth debate requirements not to reason why... Therefore, to believe in good is our only survival.
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