Atheists tend to frown on kids being brought up in a strict religious household.
"Let the kid think for himself!"
Would you push your beliefs on your kid?
2007-05-07 04:37:50 · 18 answers · asked by David H 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No. I view them as individuals. They should make this decision for themselves.
2007-05-07 04:44:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
I am not going to push anything on my kids. In fact, I have every intention of teaching them about the various systems of beliefs around the world. I am not going to tell them that the beliefs are stupid or wrong, I'm simply going to give them the facts about what they believe. The only thing I will strongly "push" on my children, is that if they decide to believe in or follow a particular religion, that they truly study and understand what the beliefs and responsibilities of that religion are. I will also teach them that they are to ALWAYS treat people of other beliefs with respect, and to stand up for themselves and command respect by others, also.
2007-05-07 12:18:14 · answer #2 · answered by Jess H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You contradict yourself when you say that Atheists say:
"Let the kid think for himself!"
And then go on to query:
Would you push your beliefs on your kid?
Surely the first statement negates the second? I'm agnostic so I'd prefer to simply educate my children in the different religions out there, either so they can choose a path to follow or to appreciate other people's beliefs. I will give them a grounding on the philosopy behind morals and ethics and try and cultivate their virtues without forcing a religion upon them, they can decide what to believe in that respect.
2007-05-07 11:57:42 · answer #3 · answered by tom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, we're not so stupid as to say "I'm proably wrong but..."
I do, however, give my kids exposure to a lot of belief systems. They'd gone to services for various faiths and read books about buddhism, christianity and a little about Islam.
I've told them "chances are you'll believe differently than I when you're a grown up and I love you no matter what you believe. The important thing is that you believe in whatever you believe in because you think its TRUE, not because of fear or reward."
2007-05-07 11:53:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I have 2 children. A boy who is 19 and a girl who is 17. Both have known of my atheist beliefs almost their entire lives. They have asked lots of questions and both have been free to explore any type of religion they feel comfortable with. My son has been exposed to several, Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist and is not firm on any of them although he goes to Lutheran service because of his girl friend. My daughter has also checked out many religious offerings and is currently a non-denominational believer. So to answer your question, I have told my kids of my views but have let them have the freedom to discover on their own.
2007-05-07 11:55:29 · answer #5 · answered by ndmagicman 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What beliefs? There is no atheist doctrine to BE pushed, my friend. Your question doesn't make sense.
The only "belief" an atheist might 'push' on his kid is healthy skepticism (to not take something as truth without solid evidence), and what's wrong with that?
2007-05-07 11:50:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Of course not. As we always say, children should choose their own religion. But I'm not sure how a child who is brought up in a household where God is not the norm and is not portrayed as the only "truth" could possibly believe in it.
2007-05-07 11:43:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Your children will watch you and learn from you. . .your actions speak much louder than your words. So to say that you are going to let your kids believe what they want to you do have to understand that they will be influenced by you regardless of what you say. The way you live your life is the greatest example you will ever set for your children.
2007-05-07 11:46:15 · answer #8 · answered by sparkles9 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I told my kids what my beliefs were,I also told them there were as many beliefs as people,and they would have to figure out for themselves. When my youngest was 14,she wanted to be baptized. I attended her baptism. Didn't try to make her feel bad. As she got older,she became atheist. I practice what I preach,I don't force
2007-05-07 11:49:33 · answer #9 · answered by nobodinoze 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I actually devote a great deal of my time to reading religious and philosophy books. I would encourage any children that have the misfortune of being born to do the same.
2007-05-07 11:44:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
No. The only thing I would mind is if my kid started to tell me that I will burn in hell for not believing.
2007-05-07 12:51:20 · answer #11 · answered by Elly 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋