Is Dawkins correct? Should religion never be taught to children?

Question

(Please keep the off-topic ranting to a minimum. No “Jesus died on the Cross for you, witness Corinthians, Mark, Luke …blah, blah”...Zzzzzzz. That’s why I haven’t posted this in Religion and Spirituality; as well as believing it has wider ramifications for society.)

To put this into context, most Christians wouldn’t have a problem with, say, Satanists or Wiccans being prevented from inculcating their children with their beliefs and values, why shouldn’t this apply to all faiths? Aren’t matters of personal faith too important to be left to others, even our parents? At 18, at least we could decide for ourselves. Even if it might be impossible to enforce in practice, shouldn’t society support the right of individuals to make up their own mind at a more appropriate age? We do it for cigarettes and alcohol, why not religion?

All-in-all not too bad; only two abusive rants out of seven. I particularly enjoyed “venusinfursinfers” statement (two glorious non-sequiturs and a closing insult in less than 15 words):
“Jesus was a Carpenter and Anorexia is no laughing matter. You disgust me.”
Mmmm…. FEEL the love and forgiveness.

BTW, Venus, given your faith, why have you chosen the founding tract of degraded sadomasochism (actually coined after the name of the author) as your pseudonym? What, exactly, ARE we supposed to infer from that? It’s not just an old VU song.

Answer 1

I actually disagree with the sentiment but agree with the reasoning. Instead of never being taught religion, I think children should be taught all religions in a neutral and respectful way. Then they have experience with the beliefs of others and can choose to follow a faith or not but at least have knowledge of the culture and belief structure of other people. We have two boys (soon to be three) and while they are still too young to hear about gods, we do talk about how people think and why some people go to churches and even a little of what some people believe. I do not allow my family and friends to talk of any god or goddess as an all-powerful being to be honored or feared. I do not allow anyone to talk with my children about sin or the concept of Heaven or Hell. I do not allow indoctrination of any sort, but I want my boys to have the ability to understand and connect with people so I don't want them to be completely without spiritual or religious knowledge.

Answer 2

Who's the hypocrite?I'd say you are.For religion is taught in the schools.It is secular humanism.And New Age practices are allowed as well.Do the homework and study history,instead of bashing Christians.I don't want my Faith forced on anyone.Likewise,I do not want false philosophies indoctrinated into naive children of any religion.

Answer 3

Religion was/is a cultural cornerstone. Why teach children language, if all they'll do is learn the lyrics to nasty rap songs? Why teach them how to use computers if they'll go for porn? Why teach them about God? Because some parents genuinely beleive in a supreme loving deity. And their kids shouldn't be at the mercy of some pathetic pc majority. Jesus was a Carpenter and Anorexia is no laughing matter. You disgust me.

Answer 4

Children should not be indoctrinated. Learning religions comparatively at a young age may not hurt, but early-age indoctrination is wrong.

Answer 5

Very good question. I think children area blank slate. We should guide them and answer there questions to the best of our ability. but we should also let them know that we are not 100% sure of anything and that it's up to them to decide.

Answer 6

Dawkins is correct. Could I be allowed just one short rant? No? Some will do it anyway. I am aware that my name is not Some. I am going to rant anyway. Well, O,K. then. Just because you asked so nicely. No rant. Life is not fair.

Answer 7

yeah i say untill there 18, let the schools give them all the knollege, after wards keep the faith at home and in the church. dont force it and teach all. let them decide on there own.