If you're telling children that they could go to hell, you're mentally abusing them.
Telling children that they could go to hell will not improve children's behavior. Why?
Because you also teach them that they can just repent and say they're sorry and still go to heaven so, what's the point?
2006-07-02 07:49:27 · 6 answers · asked by Black Atheist 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
if they live in the south, they can learn about hell from their public school teachers...
2006-07-02 08:01:19 · answer #1 · answered by Gabrielle 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christians tell them the truth, when they are old enough to hear it. Before they are old enough, the children know that it is very important to follow God's word because it could effect people greatly in the long run. In no way is that abuse. If you lead your children right from the beginning there shouldn't be a problem. My mother did a great job of teaching me, and when I got involved, I really felt it was right. Being a christian makes you want to be nice to everyone, never do anything bad, judge people, and always try to understand people. You can repent if you really mean it.. You can't just be like "I just had sinned and I'm sorry, okay?".. It doesn't quite work that way, and it's important children know that...So I believe I was raised greatly... Hope this answered your question...
2006-07-02 14:56:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it's not mental abuse. It's truth.
Do you tell your kids not to play in the highway? Do you tell them that tieing a blanket around their neck and jumping off a buliding doesn't make them Superman? Have you ever told your kids that drinking bleach would kill them? Ever told them that the stove is hot? Is that mental abuse? Nope. It's protection.
Warning of hell is not about changing behavior. You can't "act right" your way out of hell. We tell them about hell because it's true. We also tell them about Jesus so they know the way to avoid hell if they choose.
I'm astounded by the amount of misunderstanding among atheists.
2006-07-02 15:05:54 · answer #3 · answered by Hyzakyt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its the same as telling them if you steal something you go to jail. telling someone they will be incarcinated is no diff. from telling them they will go to hell. Detaining/correction facilities aren't exactly Disney Land. Once theyr'e old enough to make their own decisions they can choose to beleive or not believe what they want. Most people that have negative feelings/thoughts towards christian belief say thay want nothing to do the word or anything, if thats the case the rest of the pepole that have some belief are more than willing to your money off your hands if the thought of a supreme being bothers you that much, i believe it says "in GOD we trust".
2006-07-02 15:00:42 · answer #4 · answered by Chunky G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christians tell their kids that hell is a possibility and that they can repent and be forgiven by God/Jesus - but even if the kid just says they're sorry they won't really understand why they're "off the hook" until they're older and mature enough to understand "forgiveness" from God.
2006-07-02 14:54:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is our responsibility as Christian parents to instruct our children in the ways of Christianity. This includes teaching them a moral code with consequences, but also assuring them that God is a forgiving God.
2006-07-02 14:54:06 · answer #6 · answered by lookn_4_laffs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋