Do Christian parents try to limit their children’s learning to make them more likely to follow their beliefs?

Question

I’m not just talking about evolution. Every Christian parent who answers their child’s questions with, “Because it’s God’s will,” makes their child miss out on gaining knowledge and makes them more likely to fail to contribute anything to humanity’s pooled knowledge for their entire lives.

Answer 1

Some, I think it's more the fundamentalists though. It's going to be difficult to try to tell those people that their child is 'failing to contribute' though. I watched a documentary recently on fundamentalist Christians who home school their children until they are old enough to attend a Christian college. The documentary focused on Patrick Henry College in VA which was founded specifically for Christian home schooled kids, especially for the ones interested in getting involved with careers in the government. They showed how creationism/the Flood was actually being taught in the biology classes. These kids have no problem getting internships in WA DC and the school has ties with the Republican Party. The Republicans LOVE to scoop up students of Patrick Henry College for jobs in politics. These kids have been sheltered their whole lives and feed only a Christian education then they go straight to Washington where they do 'contribute' but not exactly in the way most of us want them to. Very disturbing to me.

Answer 2

There are always going to be the "some" that do things like this. Personally, as a Christian, I would consider that wrong, or at least lazy of a parent.

Even if as a parent you can think of no other reason than something being God's will, you can have an intelligent conversation on why it might be God's will, and what was the purpose behind it.

Answer 3

A good Christian would not do this. A good Christian would teach their child about God at home so that when they learn other things, they can put them into the proper perspective.This will ensure that the child is not only well rounded in their christian lives, but not be totally ignorant of the world around them at the same time.

Answer 4

Well Im a Christian, I dont have children yet but when I do, "because it's God will" isnt going to be a common answer I give. Plus, I cant think of too many questions that kids ask that can be answered only with "Because it's God's will"

Answer 5

I come from a Christian home. I began studying long before kindergarten, learned to read very early, and was sent to a private out-of-state boarding school as soon as I was old enough to go (and had to pass the rigorous requirements to be accepted there). If my parents had been interested in curtailing my intellect and neglecting my education, I don't think they'd have been willing to pay steep tuition fees or purchase thousands of dollars worth of books. My parents monitored my education at every step, and were very much concerned with my schooling, and what I learned. I was raised in an atmosphere of academic excellence, tolerance, and respect for others. So no, my parents certainly did not try to limit my learning in any imaginable way.

Answer 6

i'm sure there are some who do, but i have never known any myself...of course, i know that it doesn't meet with the secular stereotype of some epidemic of 'Christian brainwashing' that exists in the fevered imaginations of atheists, but i just haven't seen it...in fact, if you check the honor roll in the schools my kids go to, you will find the majority of the highest academic achievers are the Christian kids...in the Christian homes I know, homework and study come before hanging with friends at the mall, and the kids are taught to respect their teachers, do their homework, and put forth some effort in their studies...that is, i'm sure , the same with children of devout muslims, or buddhists, or jews...folks with strong faith tend to teach their kids that hard work, responsible behavior, respect, and honesty are important...these are things that can only help a child to learn and grow-

Answer 7

Please note that not ALL Christians do any one thing. I would really appreciate it if there was less generalization. Your question has merit, and I imagine that most parents, regardless of their religious affiliation want their children to believe as they do. Sometimes questions asked have no easy answer... and "God's will" seems as good as anything that they may make up. It is my belief that some questions do not have answers.

Answer 8

I AM A CHRSTIAN AND I WOULD NEVER TRY AND LIMIT WHAT MY CHILD LEARNS. AS A PARENT AND A HUMAN BEING MOST WANT THE BEST FOR THEIR CHILDREN. WHEN IT COMES TO RELIGION I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRSIT SO I CHOOSE TO TEACH MY CHILD ABOUT HIM. I REALLY DON'T SEE WHAT IS WRONG WITH SOMEONE TACHING THIER CHILDREN ABOUT GOD. JUST LIKE PEOPLE TEACH KIDS TO HATE SOMEONE BECAUSE OF THIER RACE CAN BE ANOTHER EXAMPLE. WHEN PEOPLE START TO SIT BACK AND NOT TEACH NOTHING TO THIER KIDS, THAT'S WHEN SOMEONE ELSE CAN TEACH THEM THINGS. AND NO, I WOULD LET MY CHILD SPEAK TO DEFEND THIER SELF. WELL, I HAVE RESPECT FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT AFRID OF WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK TO RAISE UP A CHILD THE WAY THEY WANT TO . IF IT'S NOT YOUR WILL THAN DON'T DO IT. WHY DO PEOPLE WANT TO CONTROL CHRISTIANS? WE ARE PEOPLE JUST LIKE THE REST OF YOU. MY CHILD WILL GAIN KNOWLEDGE BUT NOT IN THE WAT OF THIS WORLD. I LIVE IN THIS WORLD, BUT I AM NOT OF THEM. WOW!!! GOD IS ALL KNOWING, SO WHY WOULD SOMEONE FAIL WITH HAVING JESUS ON THEIR SIDE?? I KNOW OF CHRISTIANS THAT ARE SUCESSFUL AND CONTRIBUTE TO THIS EARTH. YOU REALLY HAVE SOMETHINGS MIXED UP.BUT I HOPE THAT GOD WILL OPEN YOUR EYES AND REVEAL THE TRUTH TO YOU. GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU.

Answer 9

You do not posses enough common sense to tell me how I should bring up my child.
Both Science and religion has it's place in the development of a child; if you think otherwise, stay away from children.

Answer 10

I (a teacher) believe that the involuntary indoctrination of children is a form of abuse. To abuse the soul of another is an unimaginable offense.