If so, do you think that what the grown-ups did to the children was right? Do you believe that a child should learn about religion at a young age, or be allowed to grow up and see the world/read the bible for themselves before making decisions about the existence of any kind of 'God' (or the non-existence of)?
2006-11-15 15:29:24 · 12 answers · asked by Richard Dayy 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think every family should raise their kid with their values and teach the beliefs of their family. BUT I feel that if the family follows a religion, maybe the really deep and scarier stuff should be saved until kids are a little older. To learn their family's beliefs is one thing, but that "Jesus Camp" stuff is far over the edge of being a healthy level.
2006-11-15 15:34:53 · answer #1 · answered by Indigo 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion, children should be taught about religion at a young age to encourage moral behavior. Moral behavior can be incited other ways, but religion is the most direct and sure-fire way, I think.
However, they should be taught that their religion is not the only religion and that others exist that have different views and beliefs from theirs.
Children should be taught and shown by example, not ordered and told that something is true without evidence.
As for this particular case, I think these parents go too far. These children are already thinking that they are right, anyone that does not believe what they believe is wrong and that everyhting they believe is absolutely true when there is no evidence to support it, or at least none they actually know of.
2006-11-15 23:52:49 · answer #2 · answered by Michael M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I cannot comment on the Jesus Camp video because I have not seen it. But every parent should raise their child with an awareness of God. "Let them make their own decision" is the arguement of people who don't believe in God and wish more people agreed with them!
By the way, I once thought about being an atheist. But then I thought things through, looks at the world around me, and realized I didn't have enough faith to believe so a thing in the face of the overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
2006-11-15 23:35:36 · answer #3 · answered by JamesWilliamson 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion can be taught young...as long as it's academic.
The problem with indoctrinating kids into a religion is that the children are taught that THIS IS THE TRUTH. All other religions are wrong. Children are robbed of being able to view religions objectively.
Most religious people follow the religions of their parents. Is this a coincidence? Not at all. When children have these ideas imprinted in them, it is hard to shake it off. Some people do shake it and can actually convert to another religion.
It's fine when you teach a child the stories of Mohammed, Lot, and Jesus. But when a child is taught for several years that he must follow one path or else suffer a lifetime in Hell, then the child is pretty much scarred for life. It's hard for that child to consider other religions, as that child is taught to reject all other religions.
So, religion is a fine subject to teach, as long as you don't go overboard. Sadly, zealots (of any religion) do go overboard.
2006-11-15 23:30:22 · answer #4 · answered by Rev Kev 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
nothing wrong with learning it when you are young, you can always move on when you get older if you don't like it. I raised my children in the church and let them decide which direction they want to go in when they got older. Who am I to force my will on them, even God gives free will to all men. But to teach them a way of life that has been so great to me, why not?
If I taught them to yell for some sports team and chug a brew you wouldn't ask about that, but teach them about God and the Bible and people start calling parents names and making it look like they did something wrong.
Be honest, what would want your child to do, drink,smoke and do drugs or go to church and read the Bible?
2006-11-15 23:36:33 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I saw a clip of it.
I was shocked. It reminded me of PLO TV that shows little Palestinian children saying how they want to die as martyrs.
To have a 6 year old kid say he wants to be a solider in Jesus army, and right after saying that its either us or them is the same thing.
I have no problem with religious education, in fact I support it. But to teach kids a military like attitude at such a young age. Is wrong and leads only to violence and hate.
2006-11-15 23:32:35 · answer #6 · answered by Gamla Joe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please understand that most North Dakotans are not like that. I went to college up there, and they were great. Lived there for over a decade. I've seen the film, and I was nauseated. Just like across this whole nation, there are small groups of freaks that abuse children. I am so glad the film helped bring about the closure of such a place.
BUT... are there more?
2006-11-15 23:40:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I did not get to see it but I want to! I dont think it is right from what I have heard about them, where would we find more information on watching the documentary.
2006-11-16 00:28:34 · answer #8 · answered by bbear20 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Jesus Camp" had negative results (people were criticized for brainwashing children), and the real camp is being closed.
The article is below:
2006-11-15 23:32:18 · answer #9 · answered by SB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I haven't seen it, but I've heard about it, so can't make a judgement about it. Yes, children should learn about Jesus at birth!
2006-11-15 23:35:22 · answer #10 · answered by Red neck 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋