Should children be religiously labelled?

Question

Is it acceptable to call a child a "Christian child" or "Buddhist child" before he or she is old enough to make an informed decision?

Answer 1

Speaking from a Christian standpoint, I believe that a child should not be labeled by a parent at all. When a child grows older and makes a decision for his or herself to choose to be a Christian, then by his or her own testimony he or she can wear the badge of being a Christian.

But I believe that a child should not ever be given a label or be told that they were "born" into a certain faith because when he or she gets older, they may develop a false sense of identity which almost always leads to problems.

Each person has an eternal choice to make for his or herself. Let a child get to that place with God's guidance.

http://www.handlethetruth.net

Answer 2

Personally I think it's a croc to label any child with a religion. Then again I was lucky enough to ahve parents that let me choose. I find it fascinating to look at myspace accounts or other online accounts and see how many teen-agers choose atheist as their religion. After talking to many I've come to believe that it's so forced down their throats that they just decide they don't have one at all. Yet if you're a certain religion the answer to this question would depend on what the religion says. Many believe that if you aren't baptised then you get no protection from the hell that awaits. So if you believe that you probably believe it's not only ok but actaully it is a positive idea to label them.

Answer 3

I don't think so - I agree with Dawkins on this one. Children don't really know what they believe or what they think about anything they can't directly experience - their brains are still developing. Even if you take them to church and never teach them about other religions, wait until they've made an informed decision as to religion on their own (and I wouldn't really believe anyone has made an informed decision on religion until at least 16 - they've been living at home all their lives, which is pretty secluded for many).

Answer 4

I don't really have strong feelings on this, but some religions have taken this into account and have people make a conscious choice whether to stay in the religion once they're older. Jewish people decide when they're 13, Amish decide in their later teens.

Answer 5

Nope. Only when THEY feel old enough to commit to anything. But make sure to give them all the appropriate information.

Answer 6

I think we should label kids with every epithet that fits - and when I say "label," I mean with actual labels, attached like dog tags. That way, nobody will ever be confused about how to prejudge them.

Answer 7

No way. Someone that young isn't mature enough to be able to make that kind of decision... not even close. Some people spend their entire lives contemplating and researching in order to make that decision; you can't tell me someone can honestly make it at 4 or 5.

Answer 8

its usually safe to assume that children adopt rules, political orientation, and other beliefs from their parents because they are exposed to them more than anyone else. Also if they want to change later they can.

Answer 9

Technically no, because a religious belief or freedom should not be decided for you.

Answer 10

no because if they are labeled then it will cause them to be shunned by their peers because their parents say bad stuff about that group of people and it just causes problems.