Is it ethical to indoctrinate young, impressionable children to only one religion?

Question

I don't feel that it is because young children often believe what their parents and other adults in their life tell them, regardless of whether they offer any evidence or justification whatsoever. Later, such children are much less likely to question these teachings, regardless of whether or not they are compatible with their own judgment and experiences. But clearly, many people disagree with me. Why? Why is it ethical to take away a child's right to choose their own system of beliefs?

Answer 1

Of course, as a parent that is what you do. When that child is old enough they can and do question everything. It is then that they make an informed decision. Do you expect a Catholic to teach Islam? This is really a silly question.

Answer 2

The Bible says to raise a child in the way he should go and to teach the child from the scriptures. A parent's duty is to teach the child responsibilities and his religious heritage.

Once the child is of age he or she will start making their own determinations as a course of nature. If their experiences takes a turn for the worst they have their foundation to turn back to.

Imagine letting a five year old experiment with drugs even "different drugs" BECAUSE someone else thinks a parent should let the child experience life and make his or her own decisions. A Parent that has any worth looks out for their children as best they can and can not let some Doctor Know-it-all or anyone who believes "their" ways of doing things is best, to dictate what religions should or should not be taught to their kids.

What you're saying is - its alright if I take your kid to a KKK religious rally -OR - if you are black, take your child to a racist Nation of Islam as run by Louis Farrakhan. Get my drift? These ARE religions too you understand and they both feel they are right.

Answer 3

I have often wondered this very thing! It's exciting to hear it from somebody else who feels the same way. Parents should not be taking their young children to religious services because not only are they not old enough to understand the depth of such ideas, they will accept them blindly and without questioning. This is almost the equivelant of brain-washing, which I guess is what most religions want. They need to hook their followers at an early age, before they can make the decisions for themselves and become accustomed to a certain way of life which they will most likely stick with just because it's what is comfortable. I'm one of the lucky kids who realized the abusurdity of my religion when I grew old enoug to think for myself, but I wonder about other kids my age (18) who have had religion so severely shoved down their throat, that they can't even see beyond their own experience.

Answer 4

This is the best answer I can offer you and is only my personal views and opinion. I am Anglican. I have an Indigenous heritage which screams conflict in the eyes of conventional Christianity, in that Indigenous beliefs are often said to be or viewed as myths and a form of Occultism. My parents are both good people but did not raise me with any religious teachings. My faith is something I chose for myself when I was about 17 after an experience I encountered. After many years of searching my souls and beliefs, I am now at a comfortable place in myself with my combined beliefs in God and my Indigenous heritage. I have seen and experienced things from both facets of my life. I also believe that God has left a plce for me to recognise my Indigenous beliefs and practices or he would not have created my people. I no longer care whether people agree with me or my beliefs anymore. They are between myself, God and my departed ancestors. So my mind is open to many things. I talk to my Children about everything from God and Christianity to Indigenous beliefs, Hinduism, Buddism, anything. I try to give them the best guideance I can and we explore things together. They are well rounded and open minded, compassionate and loving kids that take all experiences into their hearts and minds and yes they too believe in God. A decision they arrived at themselves without my interference. But they also believe in some aspects of other religions also and that is OK with me because their beliefs are based on the good and the positive and that is something I feel God would appreciate in them, that their hearts are good and they do not pass judgement on others.

Answer 5

I'm agnostic, but when my children were young, I took them to my in-laws church on a regular. We also visited several other churches on multiple visits, and they attended vacation bible school at several churches. I discussed with my kids the beliefs of the different denominations.

I have been very open with my children about my agnostic beliefs (or lack thereof), but told them that I might be wrong. I wanted them to be able to make their own decisions. I felt that my job as the parent was to give them a basis so that they could make their own decisions.

My children are now 15 and 19, they and I often have philosphical discussions about religion, spirituality, life, and purpose. I think I've succeeded in letting them think for themselves, and decide for themselves.

I think taking the kids to church helped me to solidify my beliefs as agnostic.

Answer 6

I believe the basis of religion at a young age is to really just teach them MORALs.

The original Jesus stories all that - Later in the life, the child can choose.

More often than most if something is pushed down their throat, they'll completely rebel later!

Answer 7

it isn't such a bad thing to baptize a kid.
he/she can decide which religion to follow later in life anyway.

but i think it is perfectly ethical not to as well.
the trouble is that you could be maknig it difficult for your child if he isn't like the rest of his peers........ i know it sounds bad, but that's just the way things are in some societies and it will take a while for everybody to be tolerant of other everybody else's choices.

if i had a kid i'd probably ask around to see what i think would be best......
i'm not really sure what i'd do.

Answer 8

Parents have the legal right to raise their own children in the church that they wish. No country, state, or city has the right to take away a parent's right to raise their own children. For a state to take away this right is extremely unethical.

Answer 9

Children are incapable of choosing their own system or beliefs, which makes the parents' job that much more important.

Answer 10

Christians are commanded in the Bible to "train up your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord". I think that is a pretty positive statement that it is ethical.