"Personally, I discourage imaginary friends. I just dont think it is a healthy practice and maybe I have watched too many movies . . . but that is how I feel about it."
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Although Ranpha Franboise is my favourite character in the anime/manga/game "Galaxy Angel", even I acknowledge she's completely fictional. And that's the difference.
"Personal conviction. I think that parents have to make their own choices to raise up their children in the way they should go . . if we cause one of these little ones to sin . . . We must teach our children at an early age what is right and wrong and what pleases the Lord."
As for my parents, my father had the typical Yorkshireman's pragmatic & practical attitude: 'If it doesn't pay the rent or put food on the table, it has no place in my house!'. My mother's attitude to religion was your typical British one of 'take it or leave it'; the only time(s) we went to church was purely for christenings, weddings & funerals - but mainly for the parties/receptions/get-togethers afterwards, for the food, drinks & socialising - the most important thing(s).
My parents instilled in me & my sisters what would (certainly in my case) become the basis of my Humanist (and thus Atheist) philosophy: 'Treat others as you would want them to treat you'. 'I wouldn't like being killed/harmed, nor have my property stolen/damaged, so why should I do the same to others?'. 'Commit acts of gratuitous kindness'. 'Be good for goodness' sake'.
No imaginary ('God') friend required.
Your call, BlessedinHim & everyone else on Ruptured Retards.