Do ALL Christians think children shouldn't be educated or is it just some?

Question

This is an extension to the question I asked about why the universe is such a big achievement

Some of the answers are basically annoyed that I asked the question, they say I shouldnt question things I dont understand or that I should 'just pray to God'

So do these people think that people shouldnt be educated? Education is based on asking and answering questions to further knowledge. Should children just accept that things are as they are? Should they 'just pray to God'?

For those who gave me those answers: Do you honestly believe this or is it that you cant understand my point?

If people can answer my questions, even with an answer that I dont agree with then GREAT!

I am learning

Learning is what I want to do

BY THE WAY - this isnt meant as an attack on religion, just a complete BAFFLEMENT as to how people can think asking questions is a bad thing

Anna - I wholeheartedly agree, the 'some' i am referring to are the ones who answered my question "why do people think creating the universe is such an achievement?"

J - I dont like insulting people but you REALLY havent read or understood the question have you? The people I am referring to are the ones that I say I am referring to...

NOT the people who home school their kids.,..

The ones that tell me I shouldnt question things I dont understand (AS I STATE IN THE QUESTION).

some people...

J - and no, this isnt a question of evolution vs creationism, its about religious people who answered a previous question (the question is mentioned if you read above) by saying i should 'just pray to God' and not ask questions

NEXUS - this wasnt intended as a science vs religion debate. If you read the question properly you will see this hopefully

Jim- I love your honesty and integrity. I agree, why believe something you don't question, whatever that belief is.

Noeusuperstate - My motivation for what? asking questions? I enjoy knowledge and opinions regardless of whether they are the same as mine. I like trying to understand how people think

Answer 1

I have been a Christian for about 40 years and firmly believe in education (my two daughters went to University). I tend to believe in The Big Bang Theory, I say tend as it is still theory. I do not believe the Adam & Eve creaton story word for word - read Gnesis and you will find it contradicts itself as to the actual order of creation.
I do believe God created everything, how he did it is still a mystery. But he did give us enquiring minds so it is natural to ask What, How and Why. How we use that knowledge is a totaly different question.
Basically those who want us to stop looking and asking are not strong enough in their faith or perhaps are brainwashed by their particular church leadership.

Answer 2

Ahh... What is the point to this question? Everyone wants people to be educated.. are referring to being educated on a falsified theory such as evolution? There are different perceptions about how you would define "education" (but i guess a smart guy like you would have already known that). many people think that kids that are in "special" classes throughout school must be dumb, but the fact is that they might just need help in one or two subjects, but are really advanced in another subject. Just because you think they should be further advanced into...lets say science (which by the way has made numerous... NUMEROUS errors in the past)? Are you asking the question because a lot of Christians would rather home school or put there kids in a private school over public education (which i am a product of both private and public education)? Because in that case I had a liberal teacher tell me at my college that it seems to her and her fellow teachers that private schooled children seem to do better in school...

Answer 3

It depends what angle you approach this from. Clearly to parents who are atheist, a Christian education for their kids wouldn't be their first choice and vice versa.

Within the boundaries of education, which are considerable, you can firmly place science.

It can be argued that some science has become more of a religion than objective observation - look at the global warming alarmism going on today for instance.

Also, science doesn't explain the origins of life - just guesses or theorises. It really isn't the be all and end all.

Don't get me wrong here, I'm a big fan of science but I recognise that teaching children alternatives to it is not detrimental in any way, either in the school or the home, as long as they are made aware that there is a marked difference between proof and faith and either or both can be just as valid to an individual.

Answer 4

Religions and Faiths are open to interpretation, as are all things. There is not one 'type' of Agnostic or Atheist either, so the simple answer to your question is:

NO
to complicate things however...

Nor do all Christians think that science and God are incompatible.
Darwin was a Christan, he didn't stop believing in God just that some Christians thought he was undermining God.

Nor do all Christians think that evolution does not happen.

Here is a question for you.

If God created Mankind and the living world why would he expect it not to evolve?

An interpretation to consider.
Mankind lived in a privileged position within the house of God, mankind 'walked' away and we are now trying to find our way back.

If you take the Genesis story more or less at face value, one of the concepts is that the gaining of knowledge we didn't need is what led to our estrangement from God.
It is also possible to argue therefore that God didn't want us to have certain types of knowledge in order to retain our innocence, 'purity', depending on your view of God (or any Divine deity/entity) you could view this as benign or dangerous.

Also even if God does not exist people behaving in a good way towards other people because they believe in God is not a bad thing.

The problem starts when you have powerful people whose position in society depends upon a particular position (image) they have created(this includes all politicans) and then someone highlights the inconsistencies/contradictions.

These can be found in any system, whether it be relgious or political that is used as a structure for providing a basis for a communal way of life. Society as some call it.

Some regard the Bible as purely allegorical and a convoluted attempt by mankind to explain their existence when we 'seem' to be so much smarter than others around us, being able to affect our environment not just adapt to it.

I have no idea what the 'right' ansewr is or even if there is one in that sense, but I have become to believe in the existence of God due to my own experiences, does that make all things wonderful?
No
Many challenges remain and although I consider myself a Christian I am not a creationist from the perspective that the world is only 6,000 years old.

If though you have built your 'house' on a literal interpretation then people criticising that would be seen as dangerous and destabalising and a threat to the good order of that community. If a community collapses then much harm is done, what you have to decide is; is the harm you WILL do outweighed by the 'good' you believe you are doing by 'enlightening' people to your perception of the truth.
That depends then whether those in control of the community intend harm or are doing harm to people (eg physical abuse, slavery etc) in the name of maintaining their structure (community)

So the real question you should be asking yourself is what is your motivation?

Answer 5

I am a Christian and I have never ever heard that "some" or any Christians ever thought that children shouldn't be educated. In fact, it was Christians in England who instituted "Sunday School" for child factory workers--in the 19th century it wasn't only religious instruction but basic skills in the "3 R's" so they could get on in life.
In the United States they have free education for all because the Christians who settled the original colonies realised how important it was for children to be able to read and write. This started in the "dame schools" for little children and later caused what are now the Ivy League universities to be founded.
All true Christians have enormous respect for learning and understanding the world around them.
Doubt and questioning are not sins, they are the signs of a healthy intellect. Any faith that won't stand up to honest questioning and analysis isn't worth much.

Answer 6

Of course it's good to ask questions. How else do we find out things? For instance, we should question why we believe the things we do & not just blindly follow what we've been told. Jesus encouraged knowledge by questions.
I may have been raised to believe that humans have evolved from other forms of life but should I blindly accept that or should I examine the evidence for myself with no bias? This rule applies to those raised in a religion too. Some education is biased. The instructor may show bias & present their point of view as fact when it isn't. It's best to look at all things.

Answer 7

In all walks of life you will meet the individual who gets fiercely angry if his statements are questioned. Who refuses to debate because his mind is already made up.

Many religious bodies are like that. It is possible to know that God exists and to question what he does.

So go on asking questions and learning but don't confuse knowledge with understanding.

However much you know on a subject you will never know it all and until you know it all you cannot understand.

Remember. God moves the goalposts.

Frank

Answer 8

If you ask a question on this site and get a thumbs down, its probably from a bible basher telling you to pray to god. Science is forever changing, bringing to light new inventions and technology, for people who say the earth was created in 7 days end of story, generally close their minds to education, once they've learnt the dogma and ritual, there IS nothing else to learn about. Sad.

Answer 9

As a Christian, education is very important. The Lord wants us to grow in wisdom. His advice is to listen much, speak little.

Answer 10

Peace be on those who accept the guidance!!
Prophet Muhammed(pbuh) said ""Seeking knowledge it an obligatory upon every single muslim'"!!Becoz an educated mind can not be fooled nor can be exploited!When we acquire knowledge we come to know about everything ..And one more thing Everything created had a purpose behind!!Universe is like a canopy..isnt?i think it is to protect us...