What would be wrong with introducing our children to all faiths & belief systems including those who choose not to adhere to any, and then let them decide?? Maybe when they turn a certain age, 16 or 18?? If nothing else they would be better educated and therefore able to deal with differing opinions....Let me know what you think about this.........
2006-07-28 09:54:42 · 13 answers · asked by carpediem 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I was raised a Baptist, but have spent a lifetime exploring religions of all kinds. I think your idea is wonderful. It not only shows you have trust in your children to decide for themselves, but that you respect them as individuals.
By the way, in my studies I have discovered that people who do what you suggested quite often raise children who become intelligent and understanding adults who don't judge others to be bad or evil based on their faiths, but merely different in their faith. In short, they aren't prejudiced against other faiths as much and tend to see individual actions as the choices of each person rather than a "Muslim" or "Jewish" or "Witches" type of thing.
2006-07-28 10:04:17 · answer #1 · answered by certifiedtarotmaster 4 · 6⤊ 1⤋
That's what I want to do, but will obviously have to decide this with whoever I marry. I would also not have a problem letting my child go to church (even though I am not christian) as long as I could still teach them that there are other religions out there also, and make sure they weren't being brainwashed or taught to be intolerant. I was raised athiest (I chose a religion later) and was also taught very good morals, so I don't believe the two need to be related.
2006-07-28 17:01:29 · answer #2 · answered by Molly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great Idea.....if only everyone else would do the same. I just hope the children don't turn out really confused when they grow up. But if you are saying let them choose what faith they believe is best, then I guess thats a perfect idea.
2006-07-28 16:59:28 · answer #3 · answered by toxic_candy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How confusing. The bible tells me to "raise up a child in the way he should go, and he will not depart from it". If I believe Jesus to be the only way to God, I would not confuse a child by putting forth a "salad bar" of beliefs.
That being said, I would force no one to believe what I do, but I would not "spread" what I believe to be false information before an impressionable child. If he came to me about other religions, I'd answer based on (1) what they are about and (2) how they conflict with what the bible says. Children have an uncanny ability to hear and resolve things for themselves; I would pray and trust the Lord for the result.
2006-07-28 16:58:18 · answer #4 · answered by christian_lady_2001 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd hope by 18 the parent is willing to let their kids make their own decisions.
I remember learning about the basic beliefs of other religions,mostly because my perents wanted kids with the ability to treat others with respect and understanding. Then, through my teenage years I developed a strong testimony of my religion,
but I still remember when I moved away to college at 17, and with no parents around had to make the decision for my own to wake up and go to church by myself. I cherish that decision that I had to make. I really think you hit the nail with the late teens age rang.
Best wishes
2006-07-28 17:10:29 · answer #5 · answered by daisyk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
AGREED!!!!!!!!! I have heard so many parents complain that their children don't like church (or other religious gatherings, yes... even pagan children complain), they don't the religion, etc... but the kids don't like it because it's more of a chore than anything. Parents turn it into a job. I've raised my child without religion at all. I answer questions when I can, if not we both look them up. So far, he prefers the basic pagan idea, but has not really went any further than that with it... he's 16.
2006-07-28 16:59:59 · answer #6 · answered by Kithy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a good idea, but will never work. If they aren't brainwashed from birth, they'll be too likely to make an intelligent, informed decision. In that case, the Churches of the world will be losing scores of followers.
2006-07-28 17:03:51 · answer #7 · answered by Ann Tykreist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you 100 percent. If we as parents and educators don't provide good information for our children, how can we expect them to make good choices. We cannot live their lives for them but we can provide them with different roads in which to choose. Information and communication are the greatest tools we have to better our childrens lives.
2006-07-28 17:04:13 · answer #8 · answered by robert t 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm really secure in the fact that I can read and do math, too. Should I not teach my child anything and let him form his own opinions about those subjects as well?
2006-07-28 16:59:49 · answer #9 · answered by BigRichGuy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i agree.
Everybody is responsible for his/her faith.
On the other hand parents' religion is an easy way to teach morals to a kid.
But i will let my children decide by themselves(if i ever have any)
2006-07-28 17:01:16 · answer #10 · answered by denizbt 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋