Some, repeat some, atheists get this wrong.
It is natural for a parent to pass on the values and practices that they have decided are good. What else are they suupposed to pass on?
It's part of what being a parent involves.
Try "I'll let them decide for themselves about brushing their teeth, when they're older." ...but then by that time their teeth will be far gone.
The counterbalance comes with parents wanting their children to be thinking adults, rather than programmed, controlled and conditioned.
This involves teaching them to think for themselves, and admitting the possibility that they will go their own way. (Teaching them that their parent's view is the perfect and only right one may go a long way to ensuring this).
Me, I'd raise the inquisitive and observant. I think the world needs more of those, and they are good basic characteristics for a human bing.
2007-03-09 06:50:39
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answer #1
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answered by Pedestal 42 7
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It is normal and everyone's right to raise their children according to their beliefs. The alternative would be a communist or socialist regime that bans or oppresses religion, and this is not an option I would favor. I'm an atheist and I don't have children, but if I had I would tell them that I don't believe in God and I wouldn't want to live in a theocracy that would forbid me to do so, so why should I wish that parents should be forbidden to tell their children what they believe?
However parents should not be allowed to force religion on their children, I mean for example to punish their children if they don't want to follow the religion or to keep them away from every other influence, like prohibing them to have friends of another or no religion.
2007-03-09 14:48:35
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answer #2
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answered by Elly 5
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The better alternative is to realize that children have minds and are capable of using them.
I taught my children what I believe but presented it as just that, what I believe.
In my church the eighth graders are taught about a variety of different beliefs and visit other churches. We want people to be free to choose their own faith. Teaching that any belief is the only 'right' one is absurd.
2007-03-09 14:47:51
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answer #3
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answered by Sun: supporting gay rights 7
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Their theory is flawed when confronted with the millions of people that become Christians later on in life, having not grown up in a Christian home. Actually, those brought up in it have a harder time really embracing it for themselves.
I grew up in church, knew all the bible stories, was a good little kid, all the way til I was 19. Then, I fell into a sin that I felt powerless over. I was miserable. It was only then, when I realized my need, realized that I wasn't a good little kid, that I truly became a Christian. Growing up in church it was all just the way it was. There was no options really. I just did what I was trained to do. There was no reality in it.
People outside often have a more exciting testimony usually because they lived in the sinful life and they understand their need for God's grace. People brought up in the church are often "good" people, so they don't feel the need as much.
2007-03-09 14:40:26
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answer #4
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answered by BaseballGrrl 6
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a) a better alternative would be to allow the child to select the faith it chooses as the one that seems right for him/her. Rather than forcing a beleif, and telling them that it is the ONLY TRUTH.
b) Im not a parent yet. But when I become one, I plan on teaching my child about all religions, and I will allow him or her to choose whatever faith they feel is right. I certainly will not tell them that there IS NOT GOD. Ill tell them that I have come to that conclusion, but they are free to come to whatever conclusion that they reach. I also plan on teaching them how to critically think for themselves, use logic and rationality - which is a virtual stepping stone to atheism.
2007-03-09 14:37:32
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answer #5
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answered by ? 5
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I was raised without being dedicated to a religion. My family practices are based on a long standing belief in anabaptism- kids can't make deals with deities they don't understand, and they can't understand if they are too young to get it.
My son was raised this way, and he became an atheist, which is what I was at his age...and I'm fine with it. At least I know he did not go into any faith like a sheep to slaughter.
2007-03-09 14:37:27
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answer #6
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answered by LabGrrl 7
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A) The better alternative is to give them a view of each religion, as well as expose them to science, mathematics, etc.
B) I plan on taking my child to a variety of different churches when they are young, explaining my beliefs, and if they want to go to church they're free to.
The only problem with my answer is that my kids' peers will have more of an influence initially than I will.
2007-03-09 14:37:25
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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A. It's possible to provide a religious education without indoctrination.
B. Of course, everyone does and no one can expect people not to. It's just that my beliefs include science and reason, intellectual honesty and tolerance of error.
2007-03-09 14:41:49
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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The best thing to do is to teach them right from wrong and let them choose whatever direction they want to go in whether it be religious or non religious when they are old enough to make that decision on their own and know what it is they are getting themselves into.
2007-03-09 14:42:35
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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I will make sure they're educated in most religions and mythology... I won't favor any one over any other and it will be their decision what to believe if any. Science will also be an inherent part of the upbringing.
Though when confronted with unbiased views of religions they're not likely to believe in any of them. "Jesus is just like all these other gods, he doesn't do anything new or unique? What's the difference?"
2007-03-09 14:39:34
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answer #10
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answered by Mike K 5
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