Should children be taught the beliefs from many religions?

Question

Or should they be restricted to only being taught the beliefs of the religion of their parents?

Answer 1

They should definitely learn the beliefs of other religions. For one thing, they need to have an understanding so that if they meet someone of a less common religion for their area, they do not see the person as weird or foreign and have a troubled relation with them.

I personally believe that there is truth in all religions, and it is foolish to not confine yourself to only the wisdom of one religion.

Answer 2

I think they should be taught through observance (going to church or whatever) the beliefs of their parents. But that they should also be taught that other people believe differently and, depending on their age, have a working knowledge of what the major world religions believe.

Answer 3

I've let my son have his own opinion about religion, he knows there is a God and you should try to do your best. No one is perfect and I don't think there is one religion that I am comfortable with completely. I don't go to church nor do I take my son but I don't totally ignore or disrespect others religious beliefs. In some families where religion is strong, the children learn those ways and that's what they are taught and some bend the rules with their religions. I don't believe that God will hate me because I don't go to church, wear pants, smoke cigarettes, drink and have a good time or sleep in on Sunday (day of rest) instead of getting dressed up and going to church to sit and listen to someone tell me how bad people are and how sinners are bad people (we're all sinners). I think when a child gets older they should have their own beliefs and opinions.

Answer 4

Thats a awesome question and it will be interesting to see how people answer it.

I think its important to teach your children your morals and beliefs but also to keep them open minded about other peoples beliefs and cultures. Ignorance causes hatred. Having said that, you run the risk of confusing your children (especially if they are younger) if you teach them that they should believe and follow all religions. When they are younger they look to us to show them the way (whether it be to God or mother earth or whomover). I was 14 when I was baptisted and before I made that decsion, I read up on all different types of religions to make sure that I had no doubts about my faith and that I was chosing to be baptised because thats what I believed and not because I felt I felt pressure from family. I hope my daughter does the same.

Answer 5

In my opinion, not until they are old enough to ask about it.

While my parents believe in God, they do not attend any church. While growing up, they would answer any questions my brother and I had with all the information they had on the many religions, but they did not force us to go to church.

I ended up going to several though, more to answer questions for myself about how the Church runs than to worship.

My brother is now Catholic and I am atheist. While providing the information, the choice should be left to the child.

A good friend of mine's mother was a Catholic nun. He is now a Buddhist. He had all the information he wanted, but in the end, made his own decision on beliefs.

Answer 6

Of course! That doesn't mean that they're expected to accept them all as true. But a real, honest look at the beliefs of each religion should be as mandatory as learning the alphabet. It would be complicated to do, and there's no doubt that some people just wouldn't be able to help giving some sort of slant, but overall it would decrease religious hatred so much. People would understand that Muslims aren't destruction-loving loonies, Christians aren't power-hungry morons, Jews aren't miserly pigs, Wiccans aren't devil-worshipping hippies, and so on. Yeah, I think it's a fantastic idea.

Answer 7

You didn't say whether you meant at home or in school, but my answer would be the same in either case: yes.

It is entirely appropriate to teach children about the many cultures (including religions) of humankind. Helping kids understand the beliefs of their neighbors is a good thing. Understanding one another is the first step toward cooperation, and that's something we need more of.

Answer 8

This is a great question. I am christian and my husband is muslim. I make a point to always tell my children about the teachings of all religions. I believe that your relationship with a higher being is so very personal. Ultimately they will make their own decision on the matter. I hope that I give them the knowledge to make a choice that is best for them.

Answer 9

Children should be taught that there are many religions and also that some people don't follow a religion. That's the only way to assure that they can choose their own path freely.

Answer 10

Children should be taught to be open minded of other religion. Not nesseccarily follow them all, but should be aware that there are many beliefs.