Is religious indoctrination of children a form of child abuse ?

Answer 1

I believe so. Children are vulnerable, they'll believe anything adults tell them. I think it's irresponsible to brainwash them at such a young age. I think if people had to wait until their child was reasonably old enough to make their own, informed, decisions to introduce religion, the results would be quite startling to the religious community.

Answer 2

That's sort of like saying that forcing your child to eat peas is child abuse. I think saying it is child abuse is a little strong, but I don't agree with it. Children should be introduced to religion when they are old enough to understand and respect it, and old enough to make their own informed decisions about it.

But for the most part, parents who do indoctrinate children into their own religions are trying to do what they see is best for their child in their own eyes, they are not doing it with the INTENTION of causing harm to their children. Though more often than not rebellion of some form will occur.

Answer 3

No, it is a form of civilizing. To many people, neglecting the spiritual side of living would be a form of child abuse. Transferring a belief system or ethos to a child is part of parenting. That includes the ethos of agnostism and athiesm as well as in a religion.

Answer 4

Is buckling your kids' in their car seats a form of child abuse?

If you care so much for their mortal bodies, why should you care any less for their immortal souls?


People who refuse to give their child a grounding in a solid mainline religion are the ones who are guilty of child abuse.

Answer 5

I taught my daughter what I believed and let her choose if she wanted to go to church. I don't think that teaching religions to children is a form of child abuse, but you should teach them various ones so they are more informed to choose for themselves.

Answer 6

speaking as an athiest I say in most cases NO it is afreedom just like the many freedoms I still enjoy andI will gladly allow your freedom of expression to teach your kids whatever you want them to believe...unless you are in a cult that practices activities that arealready designated abuses by law. but religion itself is afounding freedom in our constitution.

Answer 7

Absolutely!

Answer 8

Yes and it often leads to more serious child abuse, as is well recorded.

Answer 9

I think so..each person should be Free to chose what they believe to have something shoved down your throat at an early age "stacks the deck' and clouds the mind....

Answer 10

It's a form of mind control/brainwashing regardless of how old the person is.

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