I would like all perspectives on this subject, Christians,Atheist,Buddhist, Hindus,Muslims ect. Which approach do you think is the best for Children when it comes to Religion? Do you think its better to teach a child to seek the answers or do you think its better to teach them what you think the answers are?
2007-03-10 12:06:43 · 29 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
HOW to think.
Let them compare all philosophies with an open and critical mind. From Atheism to Zoroastrianism and all the -isms in between, and make their own decision when they are mature enough. If a philosophy can't stand up to the hard questions, then it doesn't deserve to survive.
That is one of the biggest difficulties I face when arguing with believers. They have been taught what to think, and can memorize impressive amounts of scripture for all the standard criticisms of faith. But they have difficulty moving beyond rote repetition, and are usually unable to think on their own feet when you ask more challenging questions or try to take the discussion to a higher level
That is why you often see irrelevant bible quotes, ad hominem attacks, and "non-answer" answers, it's the only way the know how to argue. They don't seem to understand logical arguments, as they lack critical thinking skills.
2007-03-10 12:23:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Let them decide for themselves, otherwise they will not be able to have a complete personality, they might turn out as a mindless automaton, taking orders without examining why. Teaching a child how to learn is vastly more important than teaching them to memorize a certain dogma. Your child should have the ability to reason above all else or there will never be any growth only stagnation. Religion by it's nature is programming, so at least let them choose their own software. Also religion is an intensely personal thing how could it possibly mean as much if it isn't your choice. For an analogy just consider the difference waking up naturally or being forced by an alarm.
2007-03-10 12:16:28 · answer #2 · answered by Sphinx22 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wow Good question, hmmm I would have to say that as far as religion goes its a good idea to study all religions. I mean I'm Agnostic myself and I am always searching for some kind of Truth, I haven't found it yet. But when I was younger my parents practically forced Christianity down my throat, all the while saying it was the only way. If your a Christian then yes, Christianity is the only way, But its the same story no matter what religion you are in. So to me its better to teach a child how to think Critically with an open mind. not to indoctrinate them.
2007-03-10 12:08:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
When a child is growing up it is a good idea to not subject them to any ONE religion or force them into a religion. The child is a person and will make their own decsion. As they go through school and begin to develop their personality they will develop their spirituality. It is helpful for the parents to guide them, but should not force them to attend church or overly subject them to any one religion. I see a lot of children who are forced into religions that they don't agree with, because their parents told them that they are supposed to be this way. So, in conclusion, kids should be given the right to choose their own path, when it comes to religion and parents should serve as a guide, not an influencing factor.
2007-03-10 12:12:50 · answer #4 · answered by Mickey Von Luttrell 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is better to seek than find. We need to teach children how to think then they will know how to live. If they are spoon fed answers then how will they find the new solutions needed to get this world back on track?
2007-03-10 12:12:20 · answer #5 · answered by al 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From my atheistic point of view: Science teaches our children how to think; Religion tells them what to think. I guess it's up to individual parents whether they want human beings capable of making informed decisions or little Christian robots.
2007-03-10 12:14:37 · answer #6 · answered by link955 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Regardless of what you teach your child, if he bears any intelligence he will eventually find truth. The question is whether you want him to remember you as the one who introduced to him.
If you child bears no intellect, then it doesn't matter if you train him to be a Christian or an atheist, he will love or hate life just the same.
Teach your child to learn.
2007-03-10 12:10:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without doubt I think it's better to teach them to seek their own answers. I'm just a person, I can't know for certain that what I believe to be true really is.
2007-03-10 12:11:31 · answer #8 · answered by Andrea 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'd say teach them to think. Odds are they will end up the same religion as you, but if they don't it will be an informed choice. Also, teaching them to think will benefit them in countless other ways.
2007-03-10 12:11:10 · answer #9 · answered by Purdey EP 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is always better to teach children where and how to find the answers they seek.
Be a guide on the side
Not a sage on the stage.
2007-03-10 12:09:29 · answer #10 · answered by KS 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋