Childhood Quote by Margaret Atwood
![“I learned about religion the way most children learned about sex, [in the schoolyard]. . . . They terrified me by telling me there was a dead man in the sky watching everything I did and I retaliated by explaining where babies came from. Some of their mothers phoned mine to complain, though I…” quote by Margaret Atwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/859/margaret-atwood-40_childhood_i-learned-about-religion-the-way-most-ch_699817.jpg)
““I learned about religion the way most children learned about sex, [in the schoolyard]. . . . They terrified me by telling me there was a dead man in the sky watching everything I did and I retaliated by explaining where babies came from. Some of their mothers phoned mine to complain, though I think I was more upset than they were: they didn't believe me but I believed them.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, “The Art of Fiction,” 2015
The speaker describes learning religion through fear and rebellion, comparing it to childhood sexual education, and confronting adult authority with personal truth.
In simple terms: Childhood fear of religion leads to questioning and defiance.
Key Takeaway
Challenge imposed beliefs with personal understanding.
Themes
religion
authority
childhood
rebellion
truth
Mood
defiant
reflective
Type
personal
anecdotal
critical
When to use this quote
- family discussions
- school lessons
- personal belief formation
- intergenerational conflict
Key Concepts
fear
socialization
skepticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do early religious teachings shape adult belief?
- When does rebellion become constructive dialogue?
A Different Perspective
The anecdote may overgeneralize personal experience and not reflect broader religious education.
