When is too young? How to decide?

[Superlative]

1. Do you think it is right to teach a young child a single religion when they know no alternative?

2. What do you think would happen if children were taught in depth about all religions and left to decide for themselves when they mature?

3. How many non religious children grow up and convert to a religion of their choosing?

4. Is it necessary to teach young children because they will not believe when they are grown?

 

[90K]

Why would anyone do this?
do you think there is a reason why children come into this world children and not adults?

 

[Superlative]

Why would anyone do this?
do you think there is a reason why children come into this world children and not adults?

go on.....

 

[Vintij]

There is no problem with teaching children religion, infact ist the best moral way to keep them on the right track. Children are not mature enough to grasp the concept free thinking, but eventually they will be old enough to think for themselves. For now, keep children away from bad influences by teaching religion, if your not religious, teach it anyway as a moral code. They will figure out the truth when they are old enough.

 

[Superlative]

There is no problem with teaching children religion, infact ist the best moral way to keep them on the right track. Children are not mature enough to grasp the concept free thinking, but eventually they will be old enough to think for themselves. For now, keep children away from bad influences by teaching religion, if your not religious, teach it anyway as a moral code. They will figure out the truth when they are old enough.

you think without religion there would be no basis for morality?

humans could not distinguish right from wrong without religion?

 

[hjmick]

you think without religion there would be no basis for morality?

humans could not distinguish right from wrong without religion?

While not a religious man myself, I am a survivor of a childhood in the Catholic church, I do think that some religious teachings are the best way to instill in children a sense of morality while they are young. A morality that will hopefully change and grow as they do. Some stories are tailor made for teachings morals to a child.

 

[90K]

I believe that morals have some sort of religious back ground even if they aren't out right spoken. I will agree with Vintij on that post. Our world has taken for granted that children have this ability to be responsible thinkers at young ages. That isn't so, we really should slow down the growing up process and allow them to be children. It is a short period in life when we look back.

 

[Superlative]

While not a religious man myself, I am a survivor of a childhood in the Catholic church, I do think that some religious teachings are the best way to instill in children a sense of morality while they are young. A morality that will hopefully change and grow as they do. Some stories are tailor made for teachings morals to a child.

There are alot that have nothing to do with religion that are just as effective.

 

[Diuretic]

you think without religion there would be no basis for morality?

humans could not distinguish right from wrong without religion?

My reading of that post is at odds with yours I think. It seems to me that Vintij is arguing that teaching children about morality (ethics) is difficult. If you teach them using religion it would be easier for them to grasp the principles behind a moral code.

If that's what's meant then I'd agree with that. Children are used to authority figure (parents) in fact they need them for their healthy development. Using the concept of god as a supreme being and presenting society's moral code as being a reflection of god's will means a child can learn the code wtihout needing to worry about the thinking that went into creation of the code. Plenty of time for them to deal with those concepts when they get a bit older.

 

[Diuretic]

There are alot that have nothing to do with religion that are just as effective.

Ethics can survive very well without religion. But try teaching ethics to a young child. They find it easier to learn about their society's ethical code through its dominant religion.

 

[Superlative]

Ethics can survive very well without religion. But try teaching ethics to a young child. They find it easier to learn about their society's ethical code through its dominant religion.

Does it make it right to teach the Dominant religion?

Lets look at the Muslim religion.

Persecution of women, and non-believers?

Do you think it would be better to let Muslim children to decide for themselves when they grow up?

Or let them grow up in a society where the Dominant Religion preaches that women should be uneducated?

 

[Vintij]

There are alot that have nothing to do with religion that are just as effective.

I agree, affective methods exist all over the world. But with religion, you can install that fear of god. Which will basically scare kids away from doing bad things. Without that fear of god, who are they afraid of? Nothing and nobody. I was raised catholic and now I believe in science but that catholic background allowed me to fear god and fear the punishment of stealing, or hurting, or disrespecting. Do you get it?

But please, do not push your child to live a life of religion, you need to draw a line before they are consumed by teachings of the bible and other scriptures because too many times I have seen good people go crazy because they get anxiety attacks from "demons" and the fear of evil all around them. That is going to far, telling children that demons are all around is different from telling them that god sees everything and you must not be a bad kid.

Thats my opinion.

 

[hjmick]

There are alot that have nothing to do with religion that are just as effective.

You are absolutely correct. I for one have made no effort to take any of my children to church. For my youngest daughter (14) I do my best to pass on to her my ideas of right and wrong, of morality, my values and principles all without the constraints of religion. If, when she gets older, she chooses to find religion, that's up to her.

 

[Superlative]

I agree, affective methods exist all over the world. But with religion, you can install that fear of god. Which will basically scare kids away from doing bad things. Without that fear of god, who are they afraid of? Nothing and nobody. I was raised catholic and now I believe in science but that catholic background allowed me to fear god and fear the punishment of stealing, or hurting, or disrespecting. Do you get it?

But please, do not push your child to live a life of religion, you need to draw a line before they are consumed by teachings of the bible and other scriptures because too many times have seen good people go crazy because they get anxiety attacks from "demons" and the fear of evil all around them. That is going to far, telling children that demons are all around is different from telling them that god sees everything and you must not be a bad kid.

Thats my opinion.

I agree with the second paragraph, moderation is key.

I dont think you necessarily need a 'fear of God', a mother or father can just as easily convey the message of dont do this or that, its wrong, and you will deal with me if you dont listen.

But I believe in spanking, (different topic)

 

[Superlative]

You are absolutely correct. I for one have made no effort to take any of my children to church. For my youngest daughter (14) I do my best to pass on to her my ideas of right and wrong, of morality, my values and principles all without the constraints of religion. If, when she gets older, she chooses to find religion, that's up to her.

Have you seen the documentary "Jesus Camp"

its a bit extreme, but it shows cases where children are praised for extreme belief.

 

[Diuretic]

Does it make it right to teach the Dominant religion?

Lets look at the Muslim religion.

Persecution of women, and non-believers?

Do you think it would be better to let Muslim children to decide for themselves when they grow up?

Or let them grow up in a society where the Dominant Religion preaches that women should be uneducated?

To ensure a child has the best chance they can have in their society, that is, for them to be effectively socialised, you have to teach whatever's the approved line.

 

[90K]

if we all knew reasonable moderation our world would be less stressed and more relaxed. If I could teach a child but one thing, it would be through love all things are possible. Patience, kind words and just heartfelt love could be great and to have the knowledge the world is a hard place and to be strong. Those are more than one thing but compiled together you'd have one heck of foundation for that young person. I learned my ways on my own through fear and intimidation and those were my motivators.

 

[hjmick]

Have you seen the documentary "Jesus Camp"

its a bit extreme, but it shows cases where children are praised for extreme belief.

I haven't seen it, but I have seen clips (which I must say was enough for my tastes). What I saw was disturbing to say the least.

I can't complain about the time I served in church and Sunday school, along with my parents it gave me a good foundation. Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately, only time will tell) for my younger daughter, she is stuck with an agnostic/borderline atheist for a father. The result of learning, reading, and living.

 

[90K]

Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately, only time will tell) for my younger daughter, she is stuck with an agnostic/borderline atheist for a father. The result of learning, reading, and living.

And in that case ift is through love and reasonable moderation of your beliefs that your daughter can learn in life what you taught her is she pleases. you tried and that is all we can do.

 

[Superlative]

You are all far to reasonable for a religious discussion.

It would be nice to encounter more often.