so, when people raise thier children up steeped in thier deep spiritual beliefs....is that brainwashing?

Question

what do you feel would constitute a label of brainwashing in this case?
were you a product of brainwashing? do you attempt to "brainwash" others?
do you feel brainwashing is a relative term?

Answer 1

It certainly is highly psychological, and just that, beliefs. Beliefs that are part of one of the most personal decisions a person can make in their life, and a child is not intellectually, or emotionally, ready to make that decision. The further the indoctrination goes, the less likely they will every question 'their' beliefs in adulthood.

Not only this, indoctrination also often leads to a bigoted personality when in adulthood. This again has psychological basis as the person will view all other religions as taboo and have trouble connecting with others not of their belief system.

Why not just focus on the moral teachings that almost all religions share? Certainly that would be more healthy for the child than instilling them with a "I'm right, you're wrong" outlook, it seems that in this day and age that is what is often forgot. I see a lot of people claiming to be religious, but finding one who truly acts as if they are serving a higher purpose is quite rare.

Answer 2

Two months ago my car broke down some ten miles from home. Soon two vans pulled over with all ages of children in both vans. I asked if they were a youth group, no, this couple had 14 children and was Mormon. They towed me home and as I gave directions I began to notice how calm and happy these kids where, the energy was amazing and I'm quiet sensitive to energy. It was an experience that I'll never forget. I have been around people that were brainwashed but these kids where different. I would have agreed with you before two months ago but not now.

Answer 3

I don't think it's entirely brainwashing - a parent is only teaching their child what they think is best. As a child grows older though, one would hope they would have the ability to ask questions and challenge themselves with the beliefs they were raised with. In many of my answers I've held steadfast to the fact that I believe everyone is entitled to discover for themselves what works best for them and not just accept what is handed to them as truths. In a lot of ways I think it's a matter of self discovery.
I wouldn't say I was a product of brainwashing but I was born and raised Catholic (Christian). Until I turned 17 I knew nothing else but that's when I decided to do some research of my own. My parents don't agree with my beliefs but we have finally come to terms with that and are accepting of it. I would never brainwash anyone to believe what I believe. To each his own is my motto. I know a lot of people on here don't agree with me and that is fine but I don't think anyone has a right to tell others whether or not they are right or wrong in what they believe. I think everyone at some point in their lives question faith and such things like that. It's completely natural and should be expected.

Answer 4

Give me some scientific evidence that brainwashing actually occurs and maintains itself over longer period of time.

I believe the whole concept of Brainwashing came as part of a critique of Communism (Red Scare) and "Oh dear get my Child out of that New Age cult!" during the 1960s.

EDIT - In other words, its a term people threw around so as to alleviate the "blame" for the person making the "wrong choice" by denying there was ever a choice at all.

Answer 5

I would define "brain washing" has making someone think in a way that is entirely different to the way he/she would have thought had there not been some intervention. The state of a persons mind before and after brain washing is by definition very different. Hence, it is not a relative term.

Again by definition you cannot brain wash someone over time. By allowing time, you would be allowing that person to make up or change his/her own mind.

Bringing up children can never be labeled as brain washing, it is merely the act of imparting the parents own belief system unto them. As parents we actually have a moral obligation to do so. By moral I do not mean - as dictate by any specific religion. If parents fail to impact their values to their children this would constitute neglect and the child would grow up feeling something is missing.

Answer 6

yes it is brainwashing the definition of brainwashing is:

Brainwashing (also known as thought reform or as re-education) consists of any effort aimed at instilling certain attitudes and beliefs in a person — sometimes unwelcome beliefs in conflict with the person's prior beliefs and knowledge.


so yes, I think it is bad, and unhealthy.....

I have met a kid that was brainwashed with religious beliefs and when I started telling him about the real world he became really messed up and felt that he had been living in a fantasy land. It was really hard on him.....

Answer 7

I think you should raise your child based on your beliefs. Society is the one who wants to brainwash children. For example the school system will be teaching children it is wholesome to become homosexual. Then it becomes forcing or brainwashing if it is taught in school. If that is what you want to teach at home then thats your business not the government!

Answer 8

So much of social interaction is about influencing other people in the direction that you want: to like you, to agree with you, to believe as you do, to vote for you, to hire you, to give you a raise, to go on a date with you, not to get mad at you...

Parents communicate their values to their kids, whether they're religious values, atheistic values, political values, etc. It's part of raising children.

If you were a parent, wouldn't you?

If that's brainwashing, then I guess the answer's, yeah.

Brainwashing is a cynic's way of saying that someone is "influencing" another person to believe in a way that the cynic doesn't agree. By saying that someone's brainwashing someone else, you're discounting the other person's view, so they come closer to your own view.

So, who's brainwashing whom? ;)

It's generally better to stay away from inflammatory language. It only spirals downward.

Answer 9

That would be teaching or training a child. Their soul is the most important part of themselves. A loving parent will want to make sure their child does whats right and has a good future.

We teach our kids to not play in the road because we believe that is right. We send them to school because society says it is right. We teach our children spiritual beliefs because we belive it is right.

Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Answer 10

We were married in 1955 and were of different religions.
At that time, this was very much frowned upon and most people forecast disaster, for our marriage.
During our 52 years of marriage, we have never ever argued
about religion, both having respected the others point of view.
We now have children and grandchildren, who all have an open mind, with regard to religion and are not afraid to discuss it and give opinions.