liberalogic said:I wasn't really sending this in the direction of lying. My point was more about determining something that is so ambiguous (any religion) at an age where children can't comprehend the larger implications.
Take this for example: Do you talk to your kids about sex when they are really young? I'd doubt it. You probably don't do that because they can't understand it, they can only accept it. With religion, you can be told to accept the existence of Christ, Allah, or anyone else, but the Child doesn't realize that there might be more to it, less to it, or exactly what's there. They can only base that on their own experiences, research, or soul-searching. I'm not saying Christianity is a lie-- please don't get me wrong. I'm just saying that, in my opinion, it should be left up the child (when they mature) without any bias training from the parents.
But, it is my duty as a parent to impart to my child the truth of life - A) to the degree, and B) in the manner - which I judge him to be mature enough to understand it. It's on ME. Christianity is as much the truth to me as is "take a coat with you - it's late winter in southwest Ohio". Why would I parse words on matters that I know to be the simple truth?
liberalogic said:What no one has brought up, which I'd be interested to hear about, are the mentally handicapped. I bring this up specifically because my brother is autistic. So if he can never worship or can never understand God or really believe in him, is he condemned to hell? I'm genuinely interested in this answer, if anyone can throw something out there.
Anyone who teaches that God's wisdom, understanding, and mercy can be doubted is in error. God does not visit his wrath on the innocent.