Why is it not considered child abuse to religiously indoctrinate children?

Question

Forcing your opinon and beliefs on people as vulnerable as children is surely one of the most underhanded and despicable things you can do.

Shouldn't it be covered in the child protection laws?

Actually, the laws of mathematics are analytical thuths. Sorry.

I think the fact that religious dogmatic belief is harmful makes it a bit more serious than simply sharing your opinions.

Remember that the sexual oppression practiced by most religions is psychologically damaging. As is the oppression of free thought and independence.

Answer 1

When most parents used to hit their children, it was not considered abuse, but normal behaviour. If most parents molested their children it would not be called abuse, but normal behaviour. Now that most people (or at least a significant minority) indoctrinate their children with religion, it not considered abuse, but normal behaviour. Unfortunately, many people don't ask whether their own society's values are good ones.

In addition, there are lots of religious people who would vote against any party who tried to introduce such a law. It would be political suicide to do so.

Answer 2

There is nothing harmful to a child about being taught religion. So No. Did you ever see the show Dharma and Greg? That is a great example of the opposite, her parents tried to teach her to choose her own way and not conform to any rules- they were hippies. However when she decided as an adult to go along with society- they never supported her. I think it really showed the other side of that spectrum. Sometimes she would talk about feeling cheated because she did not have the same experiences that the so called "indoctrinated" kids had. She really was not allowed to choose her way- unless it fit in with her parents belief. Now I know that was just a stupid tv show- but that is the reality of raising your children with no structure. Really either way you are indoctrinating your child.

Answer 3

I've read similar questions and usually don't waste my time answering because it's pretty obvious the asker doesn't want an answer. But I'm in a writing mood, today.

I force my children to go to school because they need an education. I force my children to do chores around the house because they need to know the value of work. If I truly believe Christ is the only way to have life forever and ever, I'd be stupid not to teach that to my children. When they're older, they can decide. There are plenty of anti-religion sources in the world. If I don't give them the pro-religion side, they won't be able to make an educated decision. If you deny your children knowledge about religion, you must want them to grow up ignorant and not have the ability to make educated, responsible choices. And I make that point in general, not specifically about you or anyone else.

Answer 4

Pretty much every parent attempts to impart their values and ideas about the world, religious or otherwise, to their children. It is virtually impossible to be raised by people and not be indoctrinated in one way or another. Where I think the child abuse line is crossed is when children are punished or neglected for not sharing the views of the parent. For example, a cousin of mine was raised in a strict Jehovah Witness family, but by early adolescence he rejected the religion. So his parents assigned him extra chores to do while they were at church or religious activities. They also routinely invaded his privacy and confiscated his music and video games, even those that he bought with his own money. I thought that was abusive, and his relationship with his family is still damaged.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

That's a matter of opinion. You're a teen and you haven't had kids yet, so you don't understand how difficult it is to raise a child. Inevitably you will raise the child to have the same beliefs and morals as you, unless of course you came from an unhappy home and are deliberately trying to avoid the same mistakes as your parents. Once kids are old enough to make up their own minds, nothing a parent says can really change their minds, only perhaps influence it to some extent.

Answer 7

I agree with you. But in the US at least people are protected with freedom of religion. It also means freedom from religion. If you teach them from an early age that there is no god, are you doing the same thing though? Should the subject just be ignored until they're 18? I don't know.

Answer 8

I consider it child abuse NOT to tell children about the teachings of Jesus so that they can live good lives.It's wrong to force your atheist beliefs on them...give them a chance in life.No wonder there are so many amoral, feral kids around these days...how many of them were sent to Sunday school do you think?...a tiny proportion I would guess.

Answer 9

How can a child be raised if someone at some level doesn't 'force' their opinions and beliefs on them?

The caretaker of a newborn infant decides at some point that the newborn must be fed. My stars, how dare that caretaker force his/her 'opinion' on that newborn.

My point being, someone at some point, and at some level is going to 'force their opinions and beliefs on every child. (Sorry for the repetition)

So the question then becomes "Who's morality is going to be imposed on the child?"

Who would you want indoctrinating your child?

Someone who has your belief system, your morals (which I assume you would think are the best, else you wouldn't hold to them) or would you prefer to assign the development of your child's character and morals to an entity, be it the government, another person who holds not your morals and values?

Not a hard question to answer, for me.

Answer 10

It is a form of child abuse. The poor infant should be able to grow and learn for itself whether he/she wishes to follow a God.

Otherwise it's another successful indoctrination for the God-squad.