Overview

Featured on the PBS NewsHour! A step-by-step guide to raising confident, open-minded, tolerant kids Relax, It's Just God delivers a refreshingly compassionate and light-hearted approach to addressing issues of faith in secular families. For anyone looking to raise critically thinking, religiously literate, and highly tolerant kids capable of making up their own minds about what to believe, Relax, It's Just God may well be considered the secular equivalent of a godsend. A rapidly growing demographic cohort in America, secular parents are at the forefront of a major and unprecedented cultural shift. Unable to fall back on what they were taught as children, many of these parents are struggling, or simply failing, to address issues of God, religion and faith with their children in ways that promote honesty, curiosity, kindness and independence. Author Wendy Thomas Russell sifts through hard data, including the results of a survey of 1,000 nonreligious parents, and delivers gentle but straightforward advice to both non-believers and open-minded believers. With a thoughtful voice infused with humor, Russell seamlessly merges scientific thought, scholarly research and everyday experience with respect for a full range of ways to view the world. Relax, It's Just God goes beyond the numbers to assist parents (and grandparents) who may be struggling to find the right time, place, tone and language with which to talk about God, spirituality and organized religion. It encourages parents to promote religious literacy and understanding and to support kids as they explore religion on their own -- ensuring that each child makes up his or her own mind about what to believe (or not believe) and extends love and respect to those who may not agree with them. Subjects covered include: - Talking openly about our beliefs without indoctrinating kids - Making religious literacy fun and engaging - Talking about death without the comforts of heaven - Navigating religious differences with extended family members - What to do when kids get threatened with hell

Full Product Details

9781941932001

Table of Contents

Reviews

This gem of a book explores religion from a nonreligious perspective, guiding parents without guilt, dogma, or indifference...This singular book is recommended for all Libraries. -- Library Journal (starred)

In this gem of a book, journalist Russell explores religion from a nonreligious perspective, helping parents guide their children in a healthy, exploration-oriented direction without guilt, dogma, or indifference... This singular book with a clean style and respectful approach is recommended for all libraries. - Library Journal (Starred Review) Written for secular parents from a nonreligious perspective, this guide explores methods of teaching youngsters about God, religion, and spirituality.... [Russell's] easy-to-read style is down to earth and conversational: 'When it comes down to it, 'tolerance' is just a way of asking people not to be total dicks to one another.' Contains a wealth of information for secular or mixed-religion families preparing for the God talk with kids. - Kirkus Reviews If only we all could have a mother with the approach to religious literacy described in Relax Its Just God. Wendy Thomas Russell conducted a fascinating survey of parents for this important book, and the results deserve wide discussion... 'Relax It's Just God' is a friendly and wise and highly readable guide to teaching children about religion so they can respond with openness and intelligence. - Robert Tulip, Booktalk.org Ultimately, what Wendy Thomas Russell points out is that in the absence of forethought and deliberate effort, nonbelievers may inadvertently inspire in their children the kind of mindless, mean-spirited intolerance that they've criticized from the devout. I think it's a valid point and one that makes reading this little book well worth the time and effort. - TheHumanist.com 'Relax: It's Just God' is valuable for so many reasons. The book offers helpful timelines for how to talk to kids about religion at every age and includes a handy appendix with the CliffsNotes version of each major religion of the world, along with ways to observe their holidays in a secular way. The book's full of useful tools that you and your kids can use when confronted by religious peers and well-meaning family members. Best of all, it handles a potentially heavy topic with a lighthearted sense of humor, giving the reader the sense that we really can relax about it. - True Parent Magazine An eminently frank, personal, honest, and informative exploration of how to approach religion and secularism with your children. Rich with sociological data, engaging case studies, and a plethora of helpful techniques and strategies, this thoughtful book should be warmly welcomed by that growing population of Americans who are raising their kids without religious faith or involvement. - Phil Zuckerman, author of Living the Secular Life: New Answers to Old Questions Since first encountering her work, I have been ceaselessly impressed by Wendy's dedication to showing non-religious and religious parents alike a more compassionate way to approach religious differences. Hers is a vital voice in the world today. - Chris Stedman, author, Fatheist: How and Atheist Found Common Ground with the Religious Wendy is a strong, funny, articulate new voice in secular parenting. - Dale McGowan, author and editor, Parenting Without Belief: Raising Ethical, Caring Kids Without Religion One of the best things I've read in years. - Karen Loethen, co-host of The Secular Parents Broadcast Wendy is remarkably versatile, expert at explaining the inexplicable (say, God), compassionate, refreshingly effortless with language, tireless in her investigations and research and, finally, a joy to read. If I were to take it upon myself to create a new publication, on the first day I would hire Wendy Thomas Russell, and on the second day I would rest. - Tim Grobaty, columnist, Long Beach Press-Telegram If only we all could have a mother with the approach to religious literacy described in Relax Its Just God. Wendy Thomas Russell conducted a fascinating survey of parents for this important book, and the results deserve wide discussion... 'Relax It's Just God' is a friendly and wise and highly readable guide to teaching children about religion so they can respond with openness and intelligence. - Robert Tulip, Booktalk.org This well-written, thoroughly researched work that mixes advice humor and history . . . contains a wealth of information for secular or mixed-religious families preparing for the God talk with kids. -Kirkus Reviews An eminently frank, personal, honest, and informative exploration of how to approach religion and secularism with your children. Rich with sociological data, engaging case studies, and a plethora of helpful techniques and strategies, this thoughtful book should be warmly welcomed by that growing population of Americans who are raising their kids without religious faith or involvement. - Phil Zuckerman, author of Living the Secular Life: New Answers to Old Questions Relax, It's Just God is athought-provoking entry in the expanding category of secular parenting advice. -The Humanist Magazine In this gem of a book, journalist Russell explores religion from a nonreligious perspective, helping parents guide their children in a healthy, exploration-oriented direction without guilt, dogma, or indifference....This singular book with a clean style and respectful approach is recommended for all libraries. -Library Journal (starred review) Wendy is a strong, funny, articulate new voice in secular parenting. -Dale McGowan, author and editor ofParenting Beyond Belief: On Raising Ethical, Caring Kids Without Religion If only we all could have a mother with the approach to religious literacy described in Relax Its Just God. Wendy Thomas Russell conducted a fascinating survey of parents for this important book, and the results deserve wide discussion... 'Relax It's Just God' is a friendly and wise and highly readable guide to teaching children about religion so they can respond with openness and intelligence. -Robert Tulip, Booktalk.org Wendy Thomas Russell never shies from the big questions. Her fresh, funny take on non-religious parenting is a much-needed addition to the secular landscape, and her book is an invaluable resource for parents who are raising kids without religion. -Katherine Ozment, author, Grace Without God: The Search forMeaning, Purpose & Belonging in a Secular Age 'Relax: It's Just God' is valuable for so many reasons. The book offers helpful timelines for how to talk to kids about religion at every age and includes a handy appendix with the CliffsNotes version of each major religion of the world, along with ways to observe their holidays in a secular way. The book's full of useful tools that you and your kids can use when confronted by religious peers and well-meaning family members. Best of all, it handles a potentially heavy topic with a lighthearted sense of humor, giving the reader the sense that we really can relax about it. - True Parent Magazine Since first encountering her work, I have been ceaselessly impressed by Wendy's dedication to showing non-religious and religious parents alike a more compassionate way to approach religious differences. Hers is a vital voice in the world today. - Chris Stedman, author of Fatheist: How and Atheist Found Common Ground with the Religious One of the best things I've read in years. - Karen Loethen, co-host ofThe Secular Parents Broadcast Wendy is remarkably versatile, expert at explaining the inexplicable (say, God), compassionate, refreshingly effortless with language, tireless in her investigations and research and, finally, a joy to read. If I were to take it upon myself to create a new publication, on the first day I would hire Wendy Thomas Russell, and on the second day I would rest. - Tim Grobaty, author, I'm Dyin' Here: A Life in the Paper This well-written, thoroughly researched work that mixes advice humor and history . . . contains a wealth of information for secular or mixed-religious families preparing for the God talk with kids. -- Kirkus Reviews -...well-written, thoroughly researched...mixes advice humor and history...for secular or mixed-religious families preparing for the God talk with kids.- -- Kirkus Reviews -This gem of a book explores religion from a nonreligious perspective, guiding parents without guilt, dogma, or indifference...This singular book is recommended for all Libraries.- -- Library Journal (starred) .. .well-written, thoroughly researched...mixes advice, humor and history... -- Kirkus Reviews This gem of a book explores religion from a nonreligious perspective, guiding parents without guilt, dogma, or indifference...This singular book is recommended for all Libraries. -- Library Journal (starred) In this gem of a book, journalist Russell explores religion from a nonreligious perspective, helping parents guide their children in a healthy, exploration-oriented direction without guilt, dogma, or indifference.... This singular book with a clean style and respectful approach is recommended for all libraries. -- Library Journal (starred review) Written for secular parents from a nonreligious perspective, this guide explores methods of teaching youngsters about God, religion and spirituality... Contains a wealth of information for secular or mixed-religion families preparing for the God talk with kids. -- Kirkus Reviews Relax, It's Just God is a thought-provoking entry in the expanding category of secular parenting advice. -- The Humanist Magazine Wendy is a strong, funny, articulate new voice in secular parenting. -- Dale McGowan, author and editor, Parenting Beyond Belief: On Raising Ethical, Caring Kids Without Religion If only we all could have a mother with the approach to religious literacy described in Relax Its Just God. Wendy Thomas Russell conducted a fascinating survey of parents for this important book, and the results deserve wide discussion... 'Relax It's Just God' is a friendly and wise and highly readable guide to teaching children about religion so they can respond with openness and intelligence. -- Robert Tulip, Booktalk.org One of the best things I've read in years. -- Karen Loethen, co-host of The Secular Parents Broadcast 'Relax: It's Just God' is valuable for so many reasons. The book offers helpful timelines for how to talk to kids about religion at every age and includes a handy appendix with the Cliffs Notes version of each major religion of the world, along with ways to observe their holidays in a secular way. The book's full of useful tools that you and your kids can use when confronted by religious peers and well-meaning family members. Best of all, it handles a potentially heavy topic with a lighthearted sense of humor, giving the reader the sense that we really can relax about it. -- True Parent Magazine Hers is a vital voice in the world today. -- Chris Stedman, author of Faitheist: How and Atheist Found Common Ground with the Religious

In this gem of a book, journalist Russell explores religion from a nonreligious perspective, helping parents guide their children in a healthy, exploration-oriented direction without guilt, dogma, or indifference... This singular book with a clean style and respectful approach is recommended for all libraries. - Library Journal (Starred Review) Written for secular parents from a nonreligious perspective, this guide explores methods of teaching youngsters about God, religion, and spirituality.... [Russell's] easy-to-read style is down to earth and conversational: 'When it comes down to it, 'tolerance' is just a way of asking people not to be total dicks to one another.' Contains a wealth of information for secular or mixed-religion families preparing for the God talk with kids. - Kirkus Reviews If only we all could have a mother with the approach to religious literacy described in Relax Its Just God. Wendy Thomas Russell conducted a fascinating survey of parents for this important book, and the results deserve wide discussion... 'Relax It's Just God' is a friendly and wise and highly readable guide to teaching children about religion so they can respond with openness and intelligence. - Robert Tulip, Booktalk.org Ultimately, what Wendy Thomas Russell points out is that in the absence of forethought and deliberate effort, nonbelievers may inadvertently inspire in their children the kind of mindless, mean-spirited intolerance that they've criticized from the devout. I think it's a valid point and one that makes reading this little book well worth the time and effort. - TheHumanist.com 'Relax: It's Just God' is valuable for so many reasons. The book offers helpful timelines for how to talk to kids about religion at every age and includes a handy appendix with the CliffsNotes version of each major religion of the world, along with ways to observe their holidays in a secular way. The book's full of useful tools that you and your kids can use when confronted by religious peers and well-meaning family members. Best of all, it handles a potentially heavy topic with a lighthearted sense of humor, giving the reader the sense that we really can relax about it. - True Parent Magazine An eminently frank, personal, honest, and informative exploration of how to approach religion and secularism with your children. Rich with sociological data, engaging case studies, and a plethora of helpful techniques and strategies, this thoughtful book should be warmly welcomed by that growing population of Americans who are raising their kids without religious faith or involvement. - Phil Zuckerman, author of Living the Secular Life: New Answers to Old Questions Since first encountering her work, I have been ceaselessly impressed by Wendy's dedication to showing non-religious and religious parents alike a more compassionate way to approach religious differences. Hers is a vital voice in the world today. - Chris Stedman, author, Fatheist: How and Atheist Found Common Ground with the Religious Wendy is a strong, funny, articulate new voice in secular parenting. - Dale McGowan, author and editor, Parenting Without Belief: Raising Ethical, Caring Kids Without Religion One of the best things I've read in years. - Karen Loethen, co-host of The Secular Parents Broadcast Wendy is remarkably versatile, expert at explaining the inexplicable (say, God), compassionate, refreshingly effortless with language, tireless in her investigations and research and, finally, a joy to read. If I were to take it upon myself to create a new publication, on the first day I would hire Wendy Thomas Russell, and on the second day I would rest. - Tim Grobaty, columnist, Long Beach Press-Telegram

If only we all could have a mother with the approach to religious literacy described in Relax Its Just God. Wendy Thomas Russell conducted a fascinating survey of parents for this important book, and the results deserve wide discussion... 'Relax It's Just God' is a friendly and wise and highly readable guide to teaching children about religion so they can respond with openness and intelligence. - Robert Tulip, Booktalk.org

Author Information

After an award-winning career in journalism that spanned more than a decade and brought her out to California from her native Missouri, Wendy Thomas Russell left newspapers and fell, as fate would have it, into the surprisingly fascinating world of secular parenting. Her groundbreaking blog, Relax, It's Just God, offered a thoughtful and often hilarious look inside her own life as she navigated the thornier sides of religion with her young daughter. Her no-nonsense yet compassionate approach to religion detailed in her book has been hailed as a breath of fresh air for progressive parents looking to raise well-informed, open-minded children who feel empowered to make up their own minds about what to believe. Russell is co-founder of Brown Paper Press, an independent book publishing company, and contributed an online parenting column to the PBS NewsHour. She also co-authored ""ParentShift: Ten Universal Truths That Will Change the Way You Raise Your Kids"" (2019). She lives in Long Beach with her husband and daughter.

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