Doesn't it make more sense to withhold religion from children until they turn 18?

Question

I mean, that way believers can avoid accusations of taking advantage of a child’s naivety and also, at 18, most adolescents are experimenting with drugs, sex and automatic weapons, so religion at that stage in a child’s development would be more beneficial, wouldn’t it?

Answer 1

yes, yes, yes, yes.....besides the points you mentioned it also allows the children (although they aren't really children anymore) to make their own decisions about religion and not be completely brainwashed by all these fanatics.

Answer 2

I've always maintained that all religious decisions should be made by the child once they have reached an age where they are able to effectively and logically decide their own religious beliefs.

I once attended a Catholic service with my friend and noted that a lot of the service involves collectively reciting prayers. Later I asked how meaningful prayers are when they've been memorized and repeated since childhood. I feel that prayer should be a much more intimate and personal connection with God. He should hear your own words, not words you were taught.

That being said, to completely withhold religion from a child would prevent them from being as open to it at later stages in development. I believe that teaching the concepts of religion from childhood instill values that last a lifetime. However, to commit a child to one church and their beliefs because of family beliefs etc. is cutting that child off from that close intimacy he/she could find through making these decisions for him/herself. Teach them all forms of religion and let them determine what's a good fit.

Answer 3

Purposely withholding religion from children is as terrible as forcing religion upon them. Either way you're not giving the child a choice. Children should definitely be exposed to religion. Although generally children find it easier to believe in the supernatural than adults, the choice whether to believe or not still lies with the child. As for your last question, exposing adolescents to religion AFTER the drugs, sex and automatic weapons, seems to be just a little bit late. Not too late. But rather late. It is better to prevent a disease than to cure it.

Answer 4

i've long believed that the age to introduce my 'religious beliefs' to my children is the age at which they ask...i'm not concerned with any accusations others may make-and if you think 18 is the age that adolescents are 'experimenting', you either don't remember your own childhood, have never been a parent, or just landed on this planet-by 18, they're doing 'graduate level' experimenting

Answer 5

Good question, but I have to say I disagree. I believe that a child should be taught about God as soon as he/she can understand. Because if they know HIM before they decide to experiment with drugs, sex and automatic weapons they might choose something more positive in their lives.
God Bless

Answer 6

I see your viewpoint but I'd rather see children taught about all religions without naming one as better than the others, taught about spirituality (without an organized belief system), taught about atheism, deism, and agnosticism, and all the other "isms." When they are old enough to choose and want to do so they'll then have enough information to, at least, make a semi-rational decision instead of blindly following in the belief-steps of their parents and peers.

Answer 7

No! It makes sense to tell them about ALL religions throughout their lives.

What "most teenagers" are experimenting with drugs, sex and automatic weapons. You obviously don't know many teenagers.

Answer 8

Impossible. Exposure to religion is inevitable. What about Christmas? Are you not going to go to the stores after Thanksgiving..until after New Years? Christmas everywhere during "the season of giving".

Answer 9

No not at all. Teach your children young about God and the truth of the world and they wont do drugs or alcohol, or be having sex and what have you. To be a good parent one must teach their child about God. Religions are man made not God made. God and religion are 2 different things. God did not establish a religion, He established a church.

Answer 10

I don't think so. Just think back 200 years. 18 would be mid adulthood. Teenagers are smart. have you ever talked with a high school student interested in religion? I love their curiosity and their free thinking, I've had some great conversations that have challenged my beliefs with young high school students.