Christian kids and hippy kids: Should we let our kids play with them?

No. We must not be IN the world or OF the world.

Yes. Though not OF the world, we must be IN the world.

Since we’re materialists, can’t we be both OF and IN?

We're materialists?

Well, technically. Our use of the words “god” or “gods” is merely shorthand to describe extraterrestrial alien entities that are far more powerful and incomprehensible than anything our puny human minds are familiar with.

But what about spells, summoning, and all that other stuff?

In a similar way, they simply denote science and practices so unfamiliar and advanced that, in Arthur C. Clarke’s famous formulation, they are indistinguishable to us from magic.

Oh.

You sound disappointed.

Well, I have to say that I am, a bit.

You’ll get over it. Ask yourself this: what if anything am I losing by thinking of the Mythos in material or, if you will, naturalistic terms? Azathoth still “gnaws hungrily in inconceivable, unlighted chambers”, Tsathoggua remains a gigantic, squat, pot-bellied toad-like creature. And dread Cthulhu continues to lie dreaming at an unspecified location beneath the Pacific Ocean.

You’re right, I feel better already.

Told ya.

Back on topic:

While I don't mind my kids playing (and not praying, mind you) with Christian homeschoolers, I must say the snacks are pretty bad: over-processed junk, all that white flour and white sugar and don't even get me started on the high fructose corn syrup in the "juice" - so I try to limit the contact - or have their kids over to our house for science projects (well, anything that doesn't involve creationism, LOL) and music lessons.

And my kids just think that hippy children smell bad.

So that just kind of dropped off on its own.

I'm curious as to how other CMHers deal with these 'socialization' issues.

I turn it into a Geology lesson in the process. We throw rocks at the gypsy children and we throw stones at the christian children. It also doubles as Physical Education because of the throwing and running away so we aren't spotted. Very useful.

Christian kids and hippie kids seem as good a place as any to start lessons on Calling Up from Ye Dead Saltes. I keep a few in the home gym / catacombs just for said purpose.