Christians: So if parents have a right to raise their kids with THEIR beliefs...?

Question

Would you agree that it is fine that I raise my kids to be spiritualists? I feel everything that I believe is the truth, but like you I have NO proof that I am correct. Like you I only have my faith to go on. Why is it that I can trust God and my children enough for them to find and follow their own path and you can't? Yes, it is our jobs to take care of and teach our kids how to function in a healthy manner in this world...why for you does that translate into forcing YOUR beliefs on them?

Answer 1

I'm not Christian, but if my wife and I are blessed with children, it is our intent to present a broad worldview and encourage them to make the decision as to their spirituality according to what they feel is the right path. Until they are old enough to decide for themselves, we will raise them with strong morals and a sense of right and wrong, but will try to present many different views as being equally valid.

I guess I really didn't answer the question, so...

I think that children must be provided guidance, but not forced into something they don't believe.

Answer 2

If you research the religion the reason they must force and dominate through various means of oppression becomes completely transparent :)

Asking them directly may be quite similar to painting over dirt because many of them have not even read the entire book which they claim to stand on, let alone research the religion they becoming willing to die and kill for.

Home schooling comes from the heart and love of the parents and produces truth and real knowledge.

Public school, 'education' (brainwashing) is all filtered through the Vatican. It produces good lil sheeple who will participate in the satanic rituals of the churches controlled by an unseen evil in the background. ie. They visualize and 'drink the blood' and 'eat the flesh' (beautiful huh) among many other satanic ritualistic acts and symbolisim. Probably for the most part unwittingly, but then again, if they would just read the damn book and research its history they would know this too. After all, their own bible warns them that the beast is a liar, a thief and a murderer - but of course he would have never tampered with the bible, it's only the key to their hearts and minds.
"A liar, a thief and a murderer" - sounds kinda like government? And there's a politicians name on the 'King James' version - and we can all trust a politician right?

Signed by,
a 'recovering' christian, with a college 'education' in theology and ministry :)

Answer 3

Praise the Lord!

Yes, I can empathize with you. Though I'm 62 - paralyzed - and never married yet, I do know the Word a little.However, I'm real blessed in that I'm getting married next year to a wonderful spiritual women who has 8 kids and 18 grandkids.

She raised them very strictly and never pushed her strong beliefs on them. But they never lacked for love. Point is, they all believe from her example.

She never forced or pushed her beliefs down their throats. As a result, the Lord blessed her in every way possible. Today, they are all healthy, wealthy, spiritual, and wise.

Teach by example....God will do the rest.

ibstimes

Answer 4

Nobody has proof, only evidence. It is virtually impossible to teach your children nothing, because even by attempting to do that, you are transmitting something about what you believe.
And no, we don't only have our faith to go on. Personally, I have looked at the evidence and chosen the most simple explanation that explains the evidence.
We do trust God and our children. Although some try, it is virtually impossible to foist your beliefs upon someone and make them into your little mind-slave. It generally has the opposite effect. So it is better to teach them to think rationally, show them the evidence for what you believe, and discuss their questions and your own with them.
But teaching them nothing? Irresponsible at best, and always impossible.

Answer 5

I would never "force" my children to believe something they didn't want to. In fact, the last time I checked, you can't "force" anyone to believe something they don't want to believe. Though some parents who call themselves Christians in the past have fallen short in their interpretation of what the Bible requires of parents in bringing up children, you can't paint a picture of Christian parenting based on the extreme and sometimes abusive practices of a few. What I can do though is set rules and guidelines that my children have to follow while under my care in order to teach them how to be a respectable, kind, caring, and responsible adult when they leave my care. The things described in the Bible that Christian parents are to do when raising children are simply tools to accomplish just that. Above all, loving our children and telling them that we do everyday is the greatest way to show our children what God is all about. And I believe you already mentioned all those things, so you may want to direct your question to a specific group... because the kind of Christian I am doesn't force our children to believe we just direct them and hope they make that choice themselves. As a Christian I believe Jesus Christ is the only one who can give and has freely offered eternal life... and for me to not do everything I can to point my child in His direction would be equal to me watching them drive a car towards the edge of a cliff and not do anything about it. Of course I want to spend eternity with my child. It's my hope that all people would be guided to and accept God's gift of salvation, how much less then should I hope for my own children's salvation?

Answer 6

I have more than enough faith to realize that He is the way the Truth and the Light, no one gets to the Father but through Him.
Since I know this to be absolute fact and I love my kids, I must do all I can to make sure they come to the loving knowledge of Christ.
I have no doubts in what I believe, but it sounds as if you still question yours. If you had complete faith in what you believe you would do all you could to show your kids the truth.
Since you have doubt maybe you should investigate other options ( Jesus)
P.S. all 3 of my kids are saved

Answer 7

Eventhough your question is rhetorical, cause intially your asking a question about raising your children yet critical of those whose input their opinion. If you raise your children in a spiritual lifestyle, its not a matter of christianity at all, its a question of sectular belief.

Being your own self is hard enough let alone raising a family on your own core family values. If you believe this is what is right for you and god, then by all means stand by your on convictions. Otherwise i recommend finding a church organization that shares your own value and take that route.

Good luck!

Answer 8

I think some people feel they MUST save your and your children's souls. That they are the righteous ones and every one else are sinners. Personally I believe what you are doing is right. Let your children find their own path even if it might lead them away from your beliefs. I detest someone trying to force their beliefs as they may not be right in the first place.

Answer 9

Yes it's fine to raise them in whatever religion or spiritual way the parents follow, when the kids are older they can make their own choice to keep following those beliefs or see what else is out there if they so choose.

Answer 10

Parents have no doubt within their rights, provided they are in Truth , not only a believer of an universal mono - god mentally but also a highly spiritually elevated soul at heart. Your feelings are your mental reflections ,created by your thoughts ,to be true - but is it whether in tune with Universal Truth. True Spirituality is a very abstract subject. Kids may not be able to grasp its true significance and this can create confusion in their im-matured minds when they are in different social atmosphere and likely develop their EGO, which will very detrimental to their spiritual journey . I think it will be better if you can teach them about the origins of all the different religions including pagans (and the prevalent social customs and practices of the people of that time,if possible ), universal brotherhood of love and humanity and his role in society to be a better human being ( this may bring mental conflict with his environment ) to broaden their mind and belief .Then teach them about true spirituality. But before starting, check wit him yourself that you are not emotionally spiritual as a believer of truth which can be Real or apparent.