Is it fair to force a child to believe in the parents religion?

Question

Most children completely rely on their parents for their education at a young age, so is it fair to force your beliefs on them? Shouldn't a good parent teach a child to decide for himself/herself? I understand we need to teach our children good behavior and such, but when it comes to religion I think it is important to give them the independence to decide for themselves. By doing so I think it will teach children to respect the opinions of all.

I'm saying teach your child as he/she grows to listen to the facts and decide for themself. They can be an atheist, christian, buddhist, anything. This argument isn't pro religion or atheism its pro independence. Its obvious the child isn't going to be able to decide for him/her self at a young age. So it is important that a parent guides their child, but does not interfere until they are at an age in which they can make the decision. By forcing a child to go to specific religious or point of view meetings you are teaching them to follow only one belief. You aren't giving them the option to explore and gain a respect for every belief.

Answer 1

Well, I am Wiccan and my 10 year old daughter believes she is Christian. We have had discussions about religion and I allow her to go to church with her friends and cousins. I have explained to her that Wicca is a religion but we don't believe the same things she learns in church. Right now she believes in God and the devil and that is okay with me. If she ever wants to learn more about my path, I will teach her, and I will support her regardless of how (or whom) she worships. But I will not hover over her with my Book of Shadows and preach down to her and demand she follow my path.

Answer 2

Is this a drinking question yet?

Anyway, no, it isn't fair to "force" a child to follow their parents' religion or lack thereof. However, it IS fair for a parent to raise their children however they want, so long as there's no abuse involved.

If I attend church, there's no reason why I can't make my children come with me, at least until they're old enough to stay home alone.

I don't have any kids yet, but I won't "force" them to believe. No one can force another person to truly believe, though someone can be forced to THINK they believe.

My point is, a parent has the right to raise their child in whatever way they feel is right. The child can later make their own decisions.

Answer 3

This is a stupid point. Everyone gets taught, for better or for worst, the culture of their guardians and/or society they live in. Part of culture is religion. And to expect that parents who are religious, who themselves regard their religion as the basis of truth and the root of "good behavior," not to teach their children this, it is simply ludicrous.

Only a person that doesn't understand what religion is and how it is webbed into the psyche of people can make your comment. Religion to the religious is not just some meaningless opinion. It is the foundation and structure of their life, which in part is the reason why so many find it so hard to give up.

Answer 4

Explain "forcing".
If an atheist parent teaches their children "there is no God"
how is that any different?

Forcing would making a child believe something, no matter what. Parents guide their children in many aspects of life. The adult children will later make their own decisions based on experience.

Answer 5

I have known many kids that grew up with a religion. Going to church with their parents and sunday school. Many kids went to church every week and their family shared beliefs. Now, 10 years later, only a handful of people are still religious. I believe that if you force you kids to follow what you believe, as a kid they will follow it, but once they get older and start thinking for themselves what they believe, their views might be different from yours. They will stop going to church and even if they have their own beliefs, they won't persue them because they know what religion you want them to be. Basically, if you don't let your children decide what they believe, most likely they won't share your beliefs if it is not what they truly believe. Let your kids decide for themselves. Let them follow what they actually believe, not what they HAVE to follow.

Answer 6

It is completely proper for parents to raise their children in their faith, and instruct them and have them participate. When the children grow up, they can choose whether or not to continue to follow. Religion is a part of culture, and it should be taught just like language, manner, customs, etc. Ultimately each person does decide for themselves.

Answer 7

I agree with you. Its not only not fair but wrong to force religion on a child. A child should grow up with knowledge of all religions, and a proper scientific education, and then allowed to make a decision when they become teenagers.

Answer 8

You can't "teach" your kids anything of the kind. Not really.
You have children right? And you know how much they have a mind of their own? You can teach them about the dangers of drugs if they want to try them, they will. You teach them about God if they want to "try him" and find him for themselves, they will. I mean seriously. Give the kids some credit!

Answer 9

No it is not fair for any child to be forced to believe in the parents religion....It strips the child of their free choice.

Answer 10

Belief cannot be forced but kids do tend to act like sponges and learn from their parents. My kids are allowed to choose their own path.