Atheism and indoctrine?

Question

Many had ask is it right for parents to indoctrine faith into their children, but now I'm going to ask with a twist.

Is it fair to indoctrine children with atheism?

Hmmm, acid zebra does have a point, but I think it's much better to teach children about the religions itself, because if you want to learn about a religion, you judge it by it's teachings, not it's followers.

If everyone was learning Islam through those terrorists, whose going to be muslims anyway?

Answer 1

If it's fair to indoctrinate children with disbelief in Santa Claus or Shiva or the Tooth Fairy, then it's equally fair to indoctrinate children with atheism. Remember that atheism is not an ideology; it is simply the negation of theism, belief in God. So when you say that someone is "indoctrinated" into atheism, all you're really saying (albeit in a pejorative, distorted manner) is that someone is being told that there is no God. If it's fair to tell one's children that there is no Santa or that there is no Shiva, then it's equally fair to tell them that there is no God.

Personally, I favor, at least in principle, not telling children that there is no God, Santa, Shiva, or Tooth Fairy, but just providing them with the evidence and letting them come to a conclusion on their own. But I certainly won't begrudge parents their right to take a more direct route, if they so choose. I just care more about raising a child with strong critical thinking and reasoning skills than about raising one who believes or doesn't believe in a specific entity.

Answer 2

Parenting is all about teaching your children your own values. In the old times, people lived in uniform societies, and religion was only another value of the society. It's no wonder, the practice of teaching children religion or atheism continues.

Only, we donot live in uniform societies anymore, and children can find peace in different forms than their parents. The right thing to do would be to teach them different philosophies, and to say that anything that gives them inner peace is OK.

I am an atheist, but if my children find peace in believing, how can I deny this to them? And for religious parents, how can they force children into believing? It is time belief becomes a personal matter rather than a communal one.

Answer 3

telling your kids to not believe in ANY gods is as much indoctrination as anything. What I meant with my question at least (I am sure there were others) is that children should be told of ALL these faiths, including the possibility there is no god(s).

And when comparing these faiths, they should be told of both the good and the bad things that people have done in name of these faith.

edit: OK, although I think how the followers behave is as much a indicator of what values a religion/faith teaches as anything. But if you disagree, teach them of the moral values that these religions/faith teach you, and what moral values society currently thinks acceptable. For instance, in most of what I consider 'enlightened' societies it is agreed that homosexuality is perfectly normal, and not a sin or choice or stoning offence. However, many of the 'holy books' still call it one or more of those. Clearly, the moral code in these books are in some ways outdated and this should be discussed lest your children turn into bigots.

Answer 4

Well without rituals it really isn't indoctrination. In my house religion never even comes up. So it isn't like I am teaching my daughter that she better not believe in god or she is going to hell. (yes I know that doesn't make sense)

Eventually she will ask about it and I will tell her what I think. But that will be the end of it.

Answer 5

I would think that most atheists would just give their children a fair and balanced explanation of things. I don't know of any that "ram atheism down their kids throat" like many religious people do. Usually, logic and common sense do the work for the atheist if the young mind. Atheists don't need gradual brainwashing.

Answer 6

Children don't have to be indoctrinated with atheism. They are ALL born atheists.

People are not magically born with belief in a particular god(s). This is why religions have missionaries.

Let your children grow up, and pick a religion on their own if they so choose.

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sure because if you teach them wrong it only costs them an eternity in hell. that's showing real love for your children isn't it????
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Hey Pascal! Thats a scary wager. What if I teach my kids to worship the christian god, and it turns out Zeus is the true god? Gee, that's real love! Doh!

Answer 7

sure because if you teach them wrong it only costs them an eternity in hell. that's showing real love for your children isn't it????satan is in control of things right now but it won't last long. if he wasn't in control then people wouldn't have the nerve to get on here and say some of the things they say about god. but when they draw their last breath and are finally standing in front of god and realize what they have done to their children and how stupid they have been it will be to late then.

Answer 8

No, no doctrine should be used, only the child should be allowed to decide. Give them the tools and the knowledge they need to find the real truth for themselves. The thing is that if they use logic, and search for the truth, they will not find religion. People only find religion as truth when they are ignorant or blind.

Answer 9

No. What's fair is to let the children know that both exist, and allow them to form their own opinion. Anyone who beleives in free will and freedom of speech/opinion will understand that!

Answer 10

If atheism were a doctrine, yes.
But it's not. It's not a religion.

Children are born atheist... they aren't born with belief in a god. They need to be exposed to that belief.