i was thinking?

Question

a lot of people take their kids to church, sunday school, and have them prey. but should parents back off and not try to push their religious beliefs on their kids and let the kids, when ready, make the decision on what religion and what beliefs to have. I'm not saying don't teach them morals, ethics and discipline, but let them make their own decision on what they want?

Answer 1

Children have a closer relationship with God than most adults because they haven't been their minds cluttered,kids already believe it's the big people that are screwed up.If their parents set a good example at home that's what they need and nurtured,churches for the most part will turn them into a big sinner.

Answer 2

You should make your children go to church with you. But if they hate it you should reevaluate. You also have to let the child grow up and gain a testimony at their own speed, or when they get away from home they go wild with sin. The best thing to do is live the way the lord teaches us to live so the children know of the happiness you receive from doing what is right. If pushed to hard to do the right thing instead of letting them choose to do it they will rebel

Answer 3

That is the way, I was raised. That is the way I am raising my children. My husband is christian and I am pagan. We are teaching the kids all about God and Jesus, The Goddesses and the Gods. From Ancient Egyptian religion, to Wicca. They will know something about all religions, and be able to choose for themselves whether they want to believe in something or not.

Answer 4

The bible says that parents should raise their children in the way that they should go. How dare anyone just allow their child to let them dangle out in the world full of child molesting priests, and incestial monks, and even blood sacrificing monestaries. That's worst than hanging them in a pit of lions, tigers, and bears. A believer should introduce and impart the teachings of Jesus from the time of their understanding until they are unable to.

Answer 5

That is how I am with my children. They are exposed to all religions but none are pushed on them. When they ask about something they are given the information to look at for themselves. I know that they are both intelligent people and can make their own choices.
Love & Light
Sharon
One Planet = One People

Answer 6

That's what I would do. Or if you bring them to church, make sure to tell them all about the other religions out there. There are more than one answers to most questions (especially those on religion) so give them all the answers, not just the ones you use.

Answer 7

very good point! but if the kids were left to make their own decision, they would choose the most logical ones, which would make some religions extinct. And, if we still teach our kids morals and ethics, religion is almost inevetible.

Answer 8

I agree, brainwashing needs to end. A child is not ready to make those decisions and can't when they're parents are constantly forcing their beliefs onto them. I consider it to be a light form of child abuse but, still child abuse.

Answer 9

Well I believe in the bible and almighty God. I have complete faith in Him. I will teach my children about Him and to obey Him. When they grow up (as all children do) they will decide if my teaching is correct. Then they will follow what they want. That is human nature.

If you think that's wrong go have your own children and raise them your way. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Answer 10

I look at it as planting seeds. Whether or not it takes root, or whether my kids decide to follow the same path I have taken I have no control over. But, faith and spirituality is important to me and I would hope they follow some path of faith.
I do try to keep them from "preying..." and myself as well :)