Can We Use The Positive Effect of Religion to Influence Children?

Question

I agree with most that relgion is bunk.

The same goes with Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth fairy and such.

I have grown and learned to disregard those falsehoods, but I do see it's positive impact on society.

I really don't care what has to happen to make society a better place. I am willing to accept all answers.
My opinon is that "So what if it is false?"
If the outcome outweights the falsehoods, then why not?

Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny, The Tooth Fairy have at least given me some positive aspects about the world, instead of what it really is.

Granted, religion like everything is used for evil.
I will give you that. There is enough of that in the bible and Koran and every other religous doctrine.

Can we use the positive impact using religion to influence children to make this a better world. Even if it is false?

Answer 1

A proper exposure to God and religion can help to counteract the brainwashing that popular culture is constantly throwing at all of us in books, movies, TV, songs, advertisements, and even video games.

Popular culture is constantly bombarding us with intensive, not-so-forcible indoctrination, aimed at setting up worldly convictions and attitudes.

Popular culture comes at us from all directions including books, movies, TV, songs, advertisements, video games and even the Internet.

A few of the these immoral values include:
- Lust and Sex (outside of marriage)
- A disrespect for God and religion
- A disrespect for lawful authority
- A disrespect for our human dignity
- Envy, greed and consumerism
- Anger and Violence
- Drug abuse including smoking and alcohol
- Vanity, outside is more important than inside
- Prejudice and hate

I think that if we expose our children to all this immorality without the moral anchor of God and religion "until they can come to a conclusion of their own" then we would be unwise, irresponsible, and frequently too late.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

I happen to be a Christian and yes it can have a positive impact. That being said it would not work for you. If you do not believe in God you cannot portray it positively. You would be ambiguious when the child grows older you would not have answers so they would now start to doubt what you have instill in them.
If you read Case for Creation by Lee Strobel you may change you opinion on this issue. It would at least put a series of questions out there for you to answer.
Bottom line, My children are now grown with children of their own. They have trials and tribulations but, they have a source of joy, hope and faith that others do not. We represent 37 years, 10 years and 12 years of being married. We all are fully functional families that are giving back to society. My daughter was a missionary, my oldest son an elder and his wife a worship leader, my youngest son is a group leader and counselor to a few families and my wife and I have a started a cancer support group. I am not bragging I am just pointing out that these would not have happend without our beliefs.

Answer 3

Hi . I'm a mother of two children. I am also a Nichiren Buddhist. Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism focus on an internal change. The advance of science, technology & economics does not gurantee a peaceful society. The inner transformation of an individual through this pracice can positively affect our environment. Especially for the children , We need to build a peaceful society. This Budhism really help me every sinle day to think about what kind of action should I take for the child & what kind of words should I say for the child. Hoping this will help you even a bit. If you need more info, Please check this website.

Answer 4

When using anything to influence someone, the best bet is to be careful. First know and understand every aspect of what you're teaching, especially to children.

I have a daughter myself, and I've already decided to let her choose her own religious path in life. I will teach her what I know, her father will teach her what he knows, and of course she'll learn things from other family members and friends. When she feels comfortable, she'll make up her own mind.

My opinion is this: don't try to influence anyone. Teach the truths as you know them, and let them take their own path. In the end, are we not responsible for ourselves? Of course focusing on positives always helps, but if we leave out the negatives, then how can one learn right from wrong?