Many parents think it's okay to start forcing your child to believe in religion, most notably Christianity, at a young age. Let me start by saying I think this is wrong for a few reasons.
I believe that telling a child they will be sent to hell for all eternity if they don't repent for their sins when they aren't even intelligent enough to refute the idea of Santa Claus is just unacceptable. What kind of effect do you think this will have on a child's mental state, especially in the future?
How is it fair to force a child, who is likely to believe anything their parents tell them, to conform to your religion, when they aren't old enough to have complicated thoughts and make decisions based on their own opinions?
And the last point i'd like to make is, if you are FOR childhood indoctrination, how would you feel if another parent were to say something along the lines of "My child is a republican child." or, "My child is a pro-gun child." when the child is clearly not old enough to have logical political views or views on whether or not guns should be allowed in the hands of the public?
I'm interested to hear your answers. I'm not asking for a flamestorm here, i'm just interested in the subject. Thanks.
@ Ron
Interesting perspective.
I would not raise my children to specifically be atheists. I would teach them about the concept of religion in an unbiased manner (at an appropriate age) and Iet them decide for themselves. I think it's healthy to let our children make their own decisions, develop their own individuality.
The point you made that I did like, though, was the one about parents genuinely believing their child's soul is at stake. I can sympathize with that. However, I do believe it should be used mainly as a guideline in earlier life.
@ Mikk
I actually haven't read it.
As for adopting others' opinions, I wouldn't really say I do that. I form my opinions based on my own experiences.
I believe that telling a child they will be sent to hell for all eternity if they don't repent for their sins when they aren't even intelligent enough to refute the idea of Santa Claus is just unacceptable. What kind of effect do you think this will have on a child's mental state, especially in the future?
How is it fair to force a child, who is likely to believe anything their parents tell them, to conform to your religion, when they aren't old enough to have complicated thoughts and make decisions based on their own opinions?
And the last point i'd like to make is, if you are FOR childhood indoctrination, how would you feel if another parent were to say something along the lines of "My child is a republican child." or, "My child is a pro-gun child." when the child is clearly not old enough to have logical political views or views on whether or not guns should be allowed in the hands of the public?
I'm interested to hear your answers. I'm not asking for a flamestorm here, i'm just interested in the subject. Thanks.
@ Ron
Interesting perspective.
I would not raise my children to specifically be atheists. I would teach them about the concept of religion in an unbiased manner (at an appropriate age) and Iet them decide for themselves. I think it's healthy to let our children make their own decisions, develop their own individuality.
The point you made that I did like, though, was the one about parents genuinely believing their child's soul is at stake. I can sympathize with that. However, I do believe it should be used mainly as a guideline in earlier life.
@ Mikk
I actually haven't read it.
As for adopting others' opinions, I wouldn't really say I do that. I form my opinions based on my own experiences.