2007-07-01 12:53:08 · 19 answers · asked by The dude 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No, the term is too loaded. Child Abuse is a legal term and we don't need to piggy back on that. When we do that kind of thing we cheapen the terminology.
I would not want to consider such for the simple reason that any idea or philosophy a parent tries to instill in a child could be considered a form of indoctrination.
Like it or not, parents have a great deal of latitude when it comes to instilling ideas in a childs mind. While I think that some ideas are harmful ones, so do others think that some of my ideas are harmful. In a diversified society, tolerance isn't only a virtue, it is a necessity. The moment we start to strip parents of their right to teach their children the family religion, we strip ourselves of equivilent rights.
2007-07-01 12:57:24 · answer #1 · answered by ✡ 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Do you consider indoctrination of children in our schools and by the media, government, books, TV, a form of child abuse? What should be do - turn them over to someone other than their families for indoctrination?
2007-07-01 12:58:02 · answer #2 · answered by neptune 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Abuse is such a relative term. For some people, religious indoctrination probably keeps them out of trouble, at least for a while, they're so stupid. But, for most, I would say the parents aren't doing their children any favors by it.
2007-07-01 12:59:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only if it's forced or by corporal punishment. My father was taught his religion by a teacher who rapped him on the knuckles if he got his answers wrong. After 13 my father never went to a house of worship for anything but weddings, funerals and confirmations.
A child should be told the belief system of his parents and how they think the universe works. That is passing on ones cultural heritage. But to tell a child that any other religious belief is bad or wrong is a form of abuse that will perpetuate war and hate for yet another generation.
To say "We believe ----------------. Others believe differently" is fine
To say "We know that the one true faith is ----------------. All others are evil and doomed to eternal -----------! " is the epitome of vile abuse!
2007-07-01 13:11:11 · answer #4 · answered by hairypotto 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do. It's an attempt at mind control and will take away their lifelong freewill, especially if the beliefs are programmed with fear. It's horrible.
But so is hitting a child but many think it's a "good" thing. Those that do either of the above are truly insane and unfortunately, a majority around at the moment though quickly losing ground.
2007-07-01 13:10:48 · answer #5 · answered by American Spirit 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if the religion is used in some way to actually abuse the child.
There is nothing wrong with a parent teaching their child what they believe.
When it becomes abuse is when it is used to harm or justify harm of the child either physically, emotionally, or mentally!
Love is a choice, Pandora
2007-07-01 13:00:29 · answer #6 · answered by Pandora R 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think fundamentalism is a form of child abuse when it's forced down the throats of children. Absolutely.
2007-07-01 12:56:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't consider teaching one's children religion as a form of child abuse. I believe that people(that includes children) find their own spiritual beliefs in their own way.
But when you force them to believe what you want them to believe by telling them they'll go to hell if they don't believe, or that the reason they failed is because they don't believe. That is a form of child abuse. It is mental and emotional abuse.
Teaching by example, giving choices, letting them do their own research about different beliefs and coming to their own conclusions about religion is not abusive, its giving them tools that will help them make decisions as they grow and learn for the future.
2007-07-01 13:07:40 · answer #8 · answered by Araiha 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is telling a child there is no life after death and no hope for the uncorrected injustices of this world a form of child abuse?
2007-07-01 13:15:01 · answer #9 · answered by James O 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends...
First of all, It's up to the parents to teach their kids in the way they should go!!! As they get older, and realize the Godly love that went into that training, they will appreciate it and see why they were taught that way...
But on the other hand if that training is NOT done in love, and is false, and against God and His Word, then YES it is child abuse.
Children need to be taught to love... and how can they learn to love if they themselves are not loved?
2007-07-01 13:04:05 · answer #10 · answered by Cica 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋