Should I Be Afraid to Send My Child to Church?

Question

I have to give credit for this question to Kid Rock, who asks it on a new tape he has issued. He stated in a magazine interview that no one has had the courage to ask this question. Well, he's right, so I will ask it. With horror tales of priests abusing children, with the church authorities covering it up, sending the abuser on to work with other children, should I be afraid? With the Evangelical Christians turning children into radical soldiers, mixing religion with politics in a way that is aggressive and brutal, should I be afraid? With all of this going on, these secret agendas, the payoffs, the abuse, the radical religious politics, should I send my innocent child to church at all, or would it be better to teach him the lessons Jesus left us at home, where he is safe from harm?

Answer 1

If you know Jesus, as your statement suggests, then you know by studying the Word of God that you and your child should be in worship. To put all evangelical Christians in a 'pot' is not right! I am an evangelical Christian, in fact, I am a United Methodist minister. I do not use my pulpit for politics. I was called to preach the Word of God and to proclaim and serve the Sacraments.

I am sorry for those who have harmed our children - whether it be physically or emotionally. But please be assured that there are those of us who have been 'called' to the ministry, called to love as Jesus has/does love us, and to teach and guide those He puts in our charge.

I strongly encourage you to get into church, be active, show your little one that there must be room for Christ in your life - be a role-model. Don't leave your child to others....you assist, volunteer to help with the children, serve on committees. Take an active role in teaching your little one to respect God and respect the Church, and respect authority under God. Bless you, as you strive to do what is right.

Answer 2

Abuse at home is much greater than it was ever at church. Even the public schools are more at risk for abusive behavior. All that said, the numbers are still very small. Institutions like the Catholic Church in the US have taken grave efforts so that something like what happened could never happen again. You can't say that about the schools, nor in homes. As a parent, you have to look at the individual situation and make the most responsible decision. And it requires follow up - that's called the work of being a parent.

Answer 3

You should be afraid not to send your child to church. The abusers are everywhere so you prescreen anyone who will be around your child, why not prescreen your church. The media makes a big deal out of a few abusers but consider the number of religious leaders out there. While you are probably capable of teaching you child the lessons of Jesus at home the only interaction is between you and your child, in church there is the additional input from others of your child's age. We all need the interaction with others of faith.

Answer 4

You don't send your child anywhere alone, you should be there to protect them. Why does it surprise you that Satan is in the church? Don't you remember where Jesus is speaking in the church and the possesed spirit yelled at him and asked him to leave? Where else would the devil get his souls?, he already has the ones of the world and from the bars to the brothels. Yes these are trying times now, now is more important than ever to send your child to church and you need to become a member also, so these bad eggs won't have the run of things.

Answer 5

What I think is the question here is: Am I willing to attend church with my child to make sure I am keeping him/her out of harms way? The world is filled with diversity. Not all churches have popes, bishops, priests. The media is good for nothing but hysteria in mankind. The media makes people afraid of their own shadow. People put trust in more people and forget that all humans are subject to evil deeds. We trust that our children are safe and get comfortable and forget to pay attention to what are childrens needs and wants truly are. You can't blame church for mankinds ill-doings. You can be an active part in your child's spiritual upbringing and faith. Don't pawn your child off on others to teach him faith. Don't just take him to church, but take him/her to church and discuss the lessons that were preached and answer questions about your faith your child may have. To often people just take children to church and fail to bring biblical lessons into action in the home. deeds speak louder than words!!!

Answer 6

While I believe that we cannot isolate children from the world, I believe we do need to focus on what we want to teach the child.

Religion is focused on the external aspect of God. Jesus taught from the internal perspective. Jesus taught that we do not need a church, bible, minister/rabbi, to have a relationship with God. We have to look within ourselves. With my own child, I am focused on the interal aspect of knowing God.

There are some churches that encourage freedom of exploration and thought, it would be the best to search for these. The ones to be concerned with are those that chastise for asking questions or challenging dogma. The stifling of thought and exploration is a huge limitation to spiritual growth.

Note: the Expansiveness of God cannot be contained with the framework, or box, of ANY religion. What may be a sin in the eyes of man, may not be a sin in the eyes of God.

Answer 7

You don't need to be afraid of your child being in church, but you should be there with them. Parents are actually considered to be the number one mentors when it comes to religious education. Any good priest or minister will tell you that. Religious education actually begins in the home - Doesn't matter wether you are Catholic or Protestant. You should attend church services as a family, and get to know the religious instructors personally at whatever church you attend. This in addition to praying at home, and discussing God and Bible reading at home as well.

Answer 8

I have a problem with religion for just the reasons you named.

I'm an atheist, but I don't really care if someone chooses to be spiritual. What I care about is that religious institutions are hurting, robbing, and brainwashing people and especially children. It's insane how corrupt these people are.

If you are spiritual, and want to pass that to your kid, fine. But if I were you, I would do it outside the confines of a church.

Answer 9

Yes, you should be afraid. If not for the child's physical safety, then for the child's psychological health. Being brainwashed is bad, teaching a child good rational and critical thinking skills so they can think for themselves is always the better choice.

Fear is what most churches teach... would you tell a child there IS a monster under the bed? That's what churches will do...

Answer 10

You should be afraid. Very afraid. Your child might go for a brainwashing.

OR you could find a lovely little church that ignores all that stuff. They do exist you know. So it's really up to you to find a good one and what you think is best for your child.