Do you think a 5 year old can be considered a democrat, or a republican?

Question

If not, then how can a 5 year old be considered a Christian, or a Muslim?

Answer 1

Ah, we've been reading Dawkins, haven't we?

That is one point (out of many) on which I fully agree with him.

Answer 2

Sometimes, I wonder too, if I can consider a 50 year old a christian or muslim, when their mentality is just or lower than that of a 5 year old child.

Answer 3

My son is six. I'm a republican and a Christian...my son is neither...yet.

I do know one or two children that were old enough to make a sincere decision for Christ at five or six...most need more time to develop before being able to make that decision. By the same token, I know children that decide on a career path when they are very young. A friend of mine decided at about six that she wanted to be a doctor and she never wavered from that decision (she's a pediatrician now).

I'd also suggest that even young children express political leanings at an early age. My son, despite being raised by a staunch republican, has expressed several beliefs consistent with a democratic perspective. Perhaps Churchill knew what he was saying when he said, "Any man who is under 30, and is not a liberal, has not heart; and any man who is over 30, and is not a conservative, has no brains."

What is the issue with the age of five?...what age is old enough for a child to make a decision for Christ OR to adopt a political philosophy? I'd agree that the overwhelming majority of five year olds aren't capable of making either decision, but I wouldn't say all are incapable of such decisions. At the same time, I know some "adults" (over 18) that aren't mature enough to be considered a republican or democrat or anything else because they still aren't capable of such decisions. How old is old enough to develop spiritual or political beliefs?. I'd argue that it has nothing to do with chronological age.

Answer 4

Parents like to impose their views on their children and many do it unintentionally. We want them to become like us.

That is why I am certain that my 7 week old is a huge Star Wars fan already and can't wait for his hands to be big enough to play Halo 3.

There is one thing I can tell you for certain - right now my child could care less about dem/rep and he definitely has no belief in a god.

But he was incredibly fascinated with the new Black Sabbath DVD Heaven & Hell Live. He was was just staring at the screen while that was on the other day. So while he may not have a belief in a god he definately has a thing for Dio.

Answer 5

This has always been one of the reasons I think teaching religion to children is child abuse.
Another is the fact there isn't children's versions of Mein Kampf or The Little Red Book yet it is fine for there to be a children's version of the bible.

Answer 6

When I saw the opening question I was going to say no, just like they couldn't be considered a certain religion. You made it for me, thanks!
)o( Blessed Be!

Answer 7

Amazingly enough, my parents told my brother and I what our political affiliations were years before we were old enough to vote. We were told we are 5 yr old republican christians.

It will be interesting to see how many christians see nothing wrong with that.

Answer 8

Exactly. And most people get their politics from their parents, as well as their choice of sports teams, etc. It's the same thing.
Before you all start screaming, aren't most of you the same religion as your parents? Do you share the same political views? Root for the same sports teams? This is fine, of course; we get most of our values from our parents--but there comes a time when people should think for themselves. If they choose to still feel the same way, fine, but there needs to be some thought involved, not just habit or family tradition.

Answer 9

In both instances: only if their parental figures tell them that's what they are.

I grew up being told I was a Christian Catholic and a foam-at-the-mouth democrat like my dad. I strayed, but I eventually came back to both, since it is the only thing that ultimately makes sense if I'm going to try to "love God and love my neighbor as myself."

Answer 10

there should be rules in place to prevent one party from being able to control completely the vote, but at the same time a bill should be passed on it merits not as a payoff, as we need to control and stop Private interests payoffs

Answer 11

A five year old is an Independent and an atheist. Its later that their thinking get corrupted.