Should Religion Be Taught To Children?

Question

A topic no doubt brought up numerous times before, and I apologise for my curiousity but still...

In a world where it would seem apparent that the "wrong" religion or even following a religion can inflict a harsh response from people, should children be taught the basic principles of Christianity/Islam/Buddhism etc or should they be left to make up their own mind? To me it seems unfair that parents (ultimately responsible for their childs upbringing) almost enforce their beliefs on their child. Does a child have a right to choose its religion?

Discuss nicely, I know what you R&S lot are like :)
Ta muchly! x

Answer 1

I've answered similar questions loads of times. I won't copy and paste former responses (feeling too lazy to search for them), but I'll type a similar answer.

My perspective is this:

Ever hear the Rush song, "Free Will"? One line from that song stands out, and pretty much sums up the way I feel about it:
"If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice."

If teaching your child your beliefs is indoctrination, so is teaching them your LACK of beliefs. Whether a person is Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Satanist, Wiccan, agnostic, atheist, or WHATEVER, their children grow up in that atmosphere and are affected by it.

I don't believe in FORCING a child to follow a particular religion (or lack of), they should still have a choice. But I see nothing wrong with a person having their children attend church with them until they're old enough to stay home alone. I see nothing wrong with a person discussing their beliefs (or lack thereof) with their children. I don't believe this is brainwashing.

Children raised in religious homes can still choose a different religion later, or no religion. Children raised in non-religious homes can still choose a religion later.

I believe that a parent has the freedom to teach their children WHATEVER they want, so long as there's no abuse involved (and teaching them about religion is NOT abuse), and as long as they are taught morals.

Answer 2

Teaching children the psychological reasons for religion? What would be the point in that? They're children, they don't want anything to do with or even understand adult's silly arguments about who is right. Nor do they have the capacity for understanding psychology as their own self-concept isn't even properly developed. Until the age of 4/5, they can't even grasp that other people do not know everything that they know about family/home/pets etc.

Answer 3

Ya your right...a topic everyone seems to talk about ,but no one can agree on..Yes a child should be taught, but in the home where EVERYTHING else should begin...kids learn right from wrong from parents. But as the child does get older he/she can choose to stay the faith or whatever the parents have taught them or go on there own..it's there choice as adults. Parents just need to continue prayering for there kids no matter what.

Answer 4

I'm against the teaching of religion to children, because it impairs their ability to choose their beliefs when they reach maturity. Ethics, morals, and values can be taught separately from beliefs, and children should definitely be given an idea about right and wrong - this can be done without indoctrination or brain-washing, as happens with so many religions.

Answer 5

I was raised religiously, and I dont practice it anymore but I do appreciate it becuase compared to my other friends and people my age, Im in alot of a better place than they are in with their lives. I think religion gives kids a stable foundation to grow and stand on even if they dont practice it anymore once they have reached the age where they can make their own decision. But the reason I dont follow my particular religion anymore is becuase, There are so many religions out here and I know you have to have faith but faith in which one?

Answer 6

Well depending on the home, I do believe that the parent's religion shouldn't be taught, but more so introduced. And if the child does have curiousity or questions about other religions, then the parents should do their best to answer

Answer 7

My children go to church and my 10 year old collects Bibles, his Dad is an atheist, so he is learning all different views. I have 3 older children who were home schooled the Christian way, and they are getting ready to enter some very good colleges. but they know other veiws as well, they are great children, now my 6 year old is my challenge. I love him dearly he can be so sweet but sometimes, I think he is the devil in disguise.

Answer 8

Not as anything more than a collection of ancient myths. Certainly not before around 10 years old.

BTW did you think long and hard to come up with your nick???

Answer 9

I think Religion can be harmful for some children, but I believe all children should be introduced to Jesus, and be shown what prayer is, so they may make their own choice.

Answer 10

absolutely, I believe that children miss their ways of life if they don`t know about religion. religions R one and it is RELIGION.