would you force religion on your children?

Answer 1

No. When they're older they can go search up what religion best suits them. But as a child the only thing I want them to be focused on is school.

Answer 2

I'd make sure they brushed their teeth religiously.
I'd leave it for them to make up their own minds as adults, but by then they wouldn't have any teeth...

Which is a lighthearted look at a serious problem.
What can parents do but pass on the values they think are true and for the good of their children?

That should (to my mind) include questioning and independent thinking, but it will also include the moral and social views of the parents and community. How can it not?
What those should be is in the first instance a question for adults, not one to be thrown upon the children, who will have their own turn at the great questions of life later.

Answer 3

No, we introduced our son to being Roman Catholic as part of our family life, before our divorce (he was 8 then). So far he is very happy.
If as some do he finds more comfort in another religion or faith - I have only one worry - and that is his mothers attitude, not my sons life. My ex is Costa Rican, so being RC is like having an organ, you need to live. She may have thoughts about this, while I do not. My son's in high school and still RC. and still happy.
Also I do not force people to do anything - except be respectful and other common sense stuff.
Follow whatever faith you want - or not. You still have a community moral code to live by no matter your faith, because to be happier you must belong to a community, share a culture.

Answer 4

I dont believe any child should be forced into a religion!! Guidance and teachings in the religion you follow is fine (as long as they're taught about others beliefs as well!!) until they're old enough / prepared / wanting to choose their own path :)

Answer 5

Absolutely not! However, I would have a responsibility before the LORD (who'd given me these children after all) to teach them about Jesus and to model a living relationship with God through faith in His Son.

The Bible states: "Teach a child in the way he should go" (Proverbs). Therefore, it would be my responsibility to instruct my child in something that is (obviously) very important to me. S/he still has free will and will answer to God for his/her faith and actions. As a parent, I must do my part. The rest, is up to God and my child's conscience, once s/he reaches the age of accountability (anywhere from 8 years old and above) before God.

Answer 6

Depends on their age. When/If I have children I plan on taking them to church. I feel that it's important that they have a good foundation of faith and have that in their life. However, as they get older 12+ I believe they can make their own decisions about religion. I would encourage it at that age but not force them.

Answer 7

rear your children up in the ways of the Lord and they will not soon depart. You can not force religion on anyone you can show them your beliefs make them go to church but as far as forcing them to believe what you do will never work. You show them your beliefs and let the Holy Spirit do his work. hopefully expecting your kids not to lie cheat and steal is not forcing your religion on them.

Answer 8

NO
I don't think you can without causing serious mental problems anyway. Children are going to figure out your wrong eventually unless you do one hell of a good job brainwashing them. Do you really want children to believe what you believe because you broke their free will. Their ability to determine whats right for themselves. I don't. I would rather my children disagreed with me than be mindless blind followers.
In fact if my children don't teach me something about life, if they don't teach me something I've never thought about in spirituality I will be disappointed. I don't have all the answers, neither do you, and neither does the bible. As long as people teach their simple closed minded ideas as being the only way, people will never know anything better, and people will never understand god.

Answer 9

I taught all of my children about the Lord. I would read Bible stories to them when they were little. They grew up with a love for God and they made up their own minds about what church they wanted to attend. They are all Christians. They will be teaching their children like I taught them. They also learned to read before going to kindergarten because they were eager to read Bible stories to each other. They knew everything I could teach them about God and had a natural desire to want to learn and ask questions about the Lord. Until they were old enough to form an opinion about what church they wanted to attend, they went to my church! They all turned out to be good men! I do not consider it child abuse to teach your children about God. I considered it my duty as a mother! Also, it was my right to teach my children what I thought was important for them to know!

Answer 10

all seem to say no, I agree, but most do it without realizing. It's called indoctrination.
I have no religion and have4 not had my children baptized. The4y have been taught about many different religions and have been given the right to decide for themselves. I will respect their decisions.

Answer 11

i try and explain our religion and all its good and bad points....i let them ask questions and answer to the best of my ability. I point out places they can find answers or who they can ask if i dont know. i encourage them above all else to read read read....in the end its up to them. forced religion is doing no favour to God much less the one forced.