We don’t often hear someone say, “I’m a born atheist,” but this week’s “Highland Views” column asks the question:

“Isn’t Every Child Born an Atheist?”

Provocative, to be sure, and I hope it stirs more reflection in religious communities, and perhaps opens deeper dialogue between “naturals” and “supernaturals”.

An excerpt from the column (to be published this Saturday):

“When a child is born, their parents are the only gods they know—their protectors, their Providence. Later, when the child is old enough to understand (if they do indeed understand), the parents may shock their offspring by explaining there is a Higher Parent, a greater Mother or Father over and above the gods (adults, teachers, clergy) they have known in their life. The Almighty doesn’t approve of atheists, so a child must choose. To prove they are no longer a non-believer from birth, specific required rituals or recited creeds are designed to assure the family and community a child has chosen to believe acceptable beliefs. Have they freely chosen? Has there been an honest choice?”