Do Children Need Religion? Are Religious Beliefs Necessary for Children?

Question

Religion and gods play an important role in how many parents raise their children. Even parents who aren't very ardent in their faith and don't go to religious worship services very often seem to believe that religion is a vital component in any upbringing. This is not justified, however. A child can be raised without religion and without gods and not be any worse off for it, though. In fact, a godless upbringing has advantages because if avoids so many of the dangers that accompany religion.

Answer 1

As long as children receive some kind of guideance Jim. When they can think for themselves, their opinions should be respected as well.

Answer 2

Hmm, interesting question. I think that a moral foundation is important for children, and that religion offers the most established way to present these, but they are not the only way. As a Jew who stopped attending services and returned once my son was born, I want my son to understand that there are rights and wrongs, but I also want him to understand the culture and history of our religious group. Religion is more then just a moral framework, but at the heart of all religions is a definition of what's right and what's wrong. My best friend is an ardent atheist, yet one of the most ethical people I know, even though he was not raised atheist. If you are to choose to raise a child without the influence of religion, then it's important to examine the "whys" of things. Why is taking from somebody wrong? Why is helping somebody right? Why are we here? Why are we the only animal that asks these questions?

Answer 3

No, religion is not necessary or needed.

I was not raised in any religion. To this day I don't know what my parents believe. They decided to let me and my sister decide for ourselves.I was always interested in the spiritual...and I found my own path (in my 20s).

I found my godless upbringing to be advantageous...it gave me an unbiased view when I read the Bible, Koran, Bhagavad Gita, and others from cover to cover.

The only disadvantage was that it felt a little weird as a child to be one of the few sitting around when everyone else went to caticysm once a week. But I survived...it was not that bad.

~ Eric Putkonen

Answer 4

All children needs is Love, understanding, and the ability to become inspired.

I understand that this is not very much, but children are children. They need to live their lives to the fullest in order to grow to the fullest. Imagination can help alot.

Religion is not for anyone, actually. This is what people believe though. They believe that you are nothing without a belief system on what their minds have wrapped around. Religion only makes things complicated. It creates the belief that God condemns you. This is simply not true, only because Love cannot do such a thing.

If anyone does not believe me, simply go out and fall in love, then condemn them. You cannot. You won't even think of such a thing.

Hope this helps.

Best of wishes,
Jesse

Answer 5

I very much agree, I am teaching my children about different belief systems and hope they will find what they are comfortable with. However I will add that most are still likely to follow in the footsteps of their parents in the end. I think either way kids are more likely to believe as their parents did, but at least by teaching my kids I know they will understand other religions and be more accepting of them no matter their choice.

Answer 6

I remember when I was growing up and I went to Catholic school I participated in the religion and I just took it as reality. I had friends that went to grammar school and public schools and I saw them as no different from myself. I assumed everybody was the same. I never really thought about the existence or nonexistence of God and it really didn't matter in my life. I did as I wanted regardless of the consequences (although what I wanted to do was mostly harmless). I don't think religionism has a bearing on children until they are well into their teens. For example, I didn't start seriously praying until I was 15.

Answer 7

Thank you for sharing your beliefs. I don't have the same, however. I am a Christian, so I couldn't imagine a life without God or being raised without Him. I raise my young children to know God and to have a personal relationship with Him through prayer. In my opinion, it helps bring strength to our family. Whereas alot of people would think that is weakness, we believe it is strength because in this day and age where Christians are so hated, it takes a strong faith to endure that.
Have a great day and I hope you find the answer you are looking for.

Answer 8

even though I'm an atheist i encouraged my children's belief in Santa clause, pixies and the like. i was most disappointed when a neighbour told my eldest daughter that Santa didn't exist, i used to love to see the look on her face when she talked about him. both children and adults need a little magic in their lives, even if it's fictional, i get my dose from Gabriel Garcia Marquez. but religion is like magic on steroids with PMT, it's dangerous, delusional and unpredictable. thank god my children have chosen to be atheists. i think the fact that they were taught about all religions at school helped.

Answer 9

Religion is a limitation at best. It often tells the child that they are not OK just the way that they were born and need some outside influence to make them acceptable.

This is nonsense.

Love and blessings Don

Answer 10

Every child needs God. Do you see what children are doing today? They have sex at much younger ages. They have abortions. They have sex parties. They do drugs. They shoot each other. They kill in school. They openly display their sexual preferences. They dress like whores and gang members. They proudly allow their underwear to show. A lot of parents are doing something wrong or they are doing nothing at all. We all need God from the start.

May God Bless you.