Should we enforce our religious beliefs on our kids?

Question

I was sent to a christian school because of the beliefs of my parents and i must say that i cant believe that they were alowed to spoon feed me religion as they did. I am now a strong atheist and cant believe that from birth, children are being read bible stories and being made to attend curch. There are even books such as 'bible stories for children' published. I think this is an absolute discrase and if i had it my way, it would be illegal to even mention the word religion to a child until they are 16 or so and able to truely make their own decisions. I wonder if that was to be the case, how many 16 year olds would actually adopt a religion? Im guessing not very many cos the priciple reason why people believe is because of parental enforcement.

~Donna~:
Thats exactly what the bible wants you to do, its like a genetic disease! People have to learn to let children have a fair start in life ny exposing them to as little religion as possible

By the way, i would also prefer children not to be 'educated' by religion either. I cannot believe the amount of bible stories and stories of other religions that i am aware of from my school days and just wish that i could have that space in my brain free for more usefull information. I respect thateveryone has different views on the subject but i dont want to be tought about them unless i consent to it

Answer 1

Depending on where you live, religion might be a choice or enforced. I agree to a point with what you are saying but, if people were to simply filter out and use ONLY the morality, spirituality and common sense religion CAN teach one, then I say teach away. Unfortunately the belief in the intangable is rampant even in this modern day and age.

Answer 2

That is not true at all most of the young people ages 16 and up don't believe because they feel that whatever they cannot see then it is not real. The reason why your parents sent you to school was because that they really wanted to help shape a solid foundation for you and that it will help you in the long run. They wanted you to have the knowledge for you to be able to stay strong and know when the evil one is trying to take something from you whether it is your joy, peace, self-control or even your life.

I'm sure that you heard in the bible that when the devil is around he is here to do three things and that is steal, kill, and to destroy. If he can get any one like yourself that means that his job is half the battle.

Don't get angry about this.... I know you feel that is wrong for your parents to do this to you, but if they didn't how do you think they would have felt if something happened to you and they didn't try to instill the best thing for you?

I am a parent of two young boys ages 11 and 9 and yes I make them go to church with me every Sunday not because I am trying to force anything on them it is something as a parent I have to do. And when they get older then they too will have a choice but at least as a parent I can say that I tried my very best to do what was right for them. And your parents was thinking on the same line as well.

The only reason why you feel that way is because you have doubts about religion and possibly beliefs as well too that is why you asked this question. I'm sure if you did banned the word religion I guess in a way you will be doing Satan a big favor because you are right there wouldn't be not one of your younger generation that would take on a religion. The reason why I said that is I read every message that is posted on this site and I must say that I am very dissapointed and shocked at how many of our young people have no belief at all and that is terrible. So when you think about your parents for what they did think about what they did to save you for when the time comes by your actions you are writing right now you are giving Satan a foothold that he needs.

Answer 3

I was brought up to make my own decision about religion, and I did. I am raising my kids the same way. I do not believe that brainwashing children into believing something is true faith. At 12/13 I started exploring different religions. I do not now partake in organized religion, but solitary I have taken things from many religions. Isn't the point to live morally and believe in God?

Answer 4

No, however you should teach them your beliefs and values and then let them make the decision on there own, with your help of course. Also, it should be illegal not to teach children morals. I am 24 and I believe in Christ, not because of my parents but because it makes more logical sense than believing in no God or some other god, e.g. Allah, Nirvana, Ancestor worship, etc. further more the idea of not teaching(not forcing) children the Truth when they are young is foolish and the only reason you want it is because you don't believe aren't you being a hypocrite to suggest that course of action? Think about it buddy.

Answer 5

I'm guilty of the same thing. In my religious nutter days, I sent my oldest son to a Christian school. He's still suffering the consequences of it several years later.

I've deconverted since then, and he knows it. His mom forces him to go to church, which means he no longer believes that stuff deeply, so maybe no serious permanent damage was done.

But no, I don't agree with the idea of criminalizing the teaching of religion to your own children. Such a law would be impossible to enforce even if it were a good idea - which it isn't. I might agree with criminalizing the teaching of religion to someone else's child though.

Answer 6

In answer to your religion question, I think that it is perfectly acceptable to teach your children about religion and about your personal beliefs. When children are taught the fundamentals they are better equipped to make to make an educated decision. Once they reach a certain age, the parent should step back and let them decide on their own, whether it goes against what they are taught or not.

Answer 7

Personally, I believe that people shouldn't force religion on children, but informing them is another thing. Perhaps introduce them to all the religions, and let them pick themselves? At 16, i changed religions from my parent's religion, so here's one 16 year old who would adopt a religion, anyways.

Answer 8

I agree with your sentiments.... I was sent to a Catholic school and resented the religion simply becasue it was forced on me.

Now, however, I do actually beleive in God, but not as Catholics do...I have developed my own personal faith which is closer to Lutheran beliefs.

I strongly feel about this, and when I have children of my own, I am going to make sure the options are open to them, if they wish to follow a religion (ANY religion) but I certainly won't force it upon them.

Answer 9

It is our responsibility as parents to educate our children in religious matters. Not to shove it down their throat.
We can only present and hope they find the enlightenment we all deserve.
I am not sure why you think children's bible stories are a disgrace though. Do children not deserve to find inner peace also?
I guess it's a good thing for all of us that you do not get your way all the time :-)

Answer 10

I respect your opinions, but I must say that I strongly disagree. I am a christian, who grew up in a christian home and I am glad that my parents wanted to instill their beliefs in me. I was able to make up my own mind by going to church and attending bible study. I could choose to reject it. I chose not to. I believe that it is the truth. I am instilling my beliefs now in my children and it is a joy to see them enjoying God's Word. See I believe that Jesus is the truth and it is important to teach our kids the truth. Since you are an atheist I understand your point of view, but are you being a hypocrite by teaching your children that there is no God? Instead of letting them make up their own mind? It goes both ways, you know.