Do you think it's wrong to raise a child as an atheist, agnostic, pagan, etc.?

Question

Similar to the way that christians (as well as many others) often pass along their belief systems to their children.

I agree that it's important to let a child come to their own conclusions, but it is impossible to be completely neutral regarding your own beliefs...

Answer 1

What is most important is to raise ones children to be able to make intelligent, well informed choices and to be willing to live with the consequences of those choices.

Answer 2

Wrong is such a general term. I personally think morality and "goodness" are more important concepts than specific "organized" religions; but that is the right and choice of the parents. I would not judge the parent(s) or the child. I do think the child has more to gain by developing a more positive and or socially acceptable religion or belief system; but that's only my opinion...and I could be the one that is, in fact, wrong. The existing belief systems are there for a reason... and to put a child into an environment where they will probably be ostracized is not a good move.... in my humble opinion.

Answer 3

Do you think it's wrong to raise children as Christian? I was raised Catholic, and was confirmed before I even knew what religion was about, and that was really not my choice since I knew nothing else. You also have the right to raise children however you want. Some people seem to think that you cannot have morals without religion, but clearly many religious people can also do immoral things. A child just needs to know basic common principals, like to respect others, and treat others as they'd like to be treated, and they'll be fine.

Answer 4

As a pagan - sure, that sounds great. It doesn't appear to be a religion that has any negatives or would warp a child.

Atheist - perhaps not a great idea. I mean, if you're just telling them there is no god, no nothing.

Agnostic seems a better idea. If you're an atheist, it might be a better idea to raise your children this way. You can certainly tell them what you believe, but I think you should leave them open to form their own conclusions. Give them the tools to decide for themselves, logically.

Answer 5

I am a Pagan and my husband is Catholic. I am also a novice religious scholar (I am hoping to one day earn a Doctorate in religious education). We raise our children to understand many beliefs, we teach them our own beliefs and then let them think about how they feel about these things. Of course as they get older they will change their minds several times. Once they are adults we plan on supporting them in the religious denomination of their choosing.
My sons are baptized Catholic and the oldest attends a Baptist Vacation Bible School in the summer. They will attend several different religious ceremonies throughout their lives and i plan on teaching them respect for all traditions.
I think that giving your children hope in something and a tolerance of all beliefs is the most important thing.

Answer 6

I don't think it is wrong at all for a parent to educate their children in what they believe. In the end the child will grow up and choose what works best for them. I teach my children a little bit about each religion that I have learned about and I already encourage them to make their own choices.
Love & Light
Sharon
One Planet = One People

Answer 7

I think it's normal to pass on what you believe in to your children. Everyone does that, even if they're not trying to, because kids pick up on what you believe. But, they will all have to grow up and choose for themselves what is right and how they want to make their own way through life. It's important not to teach hate in any way. Your child could very well grow up to be something you taught him/her to hate. If my son decides not to be a Christian when he's a man, I will always love him. I cannot decide for him. I try to teach him that many people view the world differently.

Answer 8

i've got considered my proportion of grownup "witch wars", particular. i've got considered my proportion of McWiccan adolescents telling some ordained extreme clergymen/Priestesses of 15-20 years that they (the greater matured elders) are thoroughly incorrect and are not "actual Wiccans." and for sure, there are some Wiccans that sense that the only way one can be a actual Wiccan is to be initiated right into a coven, collectively as others have confidence which you would be able to truly walk a solitary course protecting to the ideals and movements of Wicca and nonetheless be considered a actual Wiccan. No team is proof against human nature. the only undertaking I very hardly see from any Wiccans are tries to tell those of alternative religious paths that Wicca is the *basically way* - because of the fact for sure, it style of feels the generic public persons sense that spirituality is a private undertaking and is not a "one length fits all". Wicca only isn't good for *everybody* only as Christianity isn't the suitable course for *everybody*.

Answer 9

I don't think it's wrong. I do however think that people who follow these belief systems (I fall under the etc.) are probably more open to exposing their children to different beliefs and letting them find their own path. I know I will if ever I have children.

Answer 10

If you truly teach children to think for themselves and question everything. Then it is likely they will become atheists on their own. Religious beliefs such as Christianity and Islam are much too absurd to be chosen by rational people without early childhood brainwashing.