Children and Religion

PostRe: Children and Religion by **Jax** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:34 pm

I didn't have a religious upbringing at all; in fact the most I ever had like that was being told I was christened as a catholic. Well you know, apart from going to funerals etc., and learning in RE class at school.

I turned out alright, and people who've had a strictly religious upbringing sometimes seem quite odd to me. Still, must be nice to be passionate about something you believe in.

PostRe: Children and Religion by **Trinity** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:35 pm

It doesn't hurt to have an understanding of the bible as it helps the kids to learn about good and bad. I was brought up as a catholic and while I'm not religious now, my daughter goes to a Catholic school.

It's good to have religion as a base.

PostRe: Children and Religion by **Balloon Sod** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:37 pm

Wouldn't bother. If the kid wants to be religious, so be it. But I'm far more moral than god.

Also: This won't end well. I'm out.

PostRe: Children and Religion by **False** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:38 pm

When I was younger, in school we did the nativities, easter plays and went to church. I was taught that God was God and to do what I was strawberry floating told. Also, We had visits from the reverend, And I used the church a lot during some more difficult times in my younger life.

I live in an area where there is almost no exposure to other races or religions (at least not openly) and there are loads of churches around, So I think people just accept it.

Its a non-issue for me personally, But its something that confuses me to this very second. As I child I was taught heaven/hell, morality, God etc so deep down, I have to believe. But the scientific side of me craves for proof, so I cant believe.

Great internal conflict, for sure. And probably something Ill have to come to terms with on my deathbed.

If I ever have kids though, They'll be christened and when they're old enough to make an informed decision, They can do what they like. Much like my parents have done with me.

Yeah I'll be getting my children Baptised at Catholics and then raise them in a fair, open-minded and relaxed way as 99% of all Christians do while teaching them the virtues of respect, love, charity and freedom. Pretty damn obvious.

This thread is going to turn into an atheist free-for-all. :fp:

PostRe: Children and Religion by **<]:^D** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:41 pm

Trinity wrote:It doesn't hurt to have an understanding of the bible as it helps the kids to learn about good and bad. I was brought up as a catholic and while I'm not religious now, my daughter goes to a Catholic school.

It's good to have religion as a base.

YOU ARE MAD!

PostRe: Children and Religion by **False** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:42 pm

Scotticus Erroticus wrote:This thread is going to turn into an atheist free-for-all.

Maybe, But based on current responses, Im optimistic.

Edit: Guess not.

PostRe: Children and Religion by **Deluge** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:44 pm

I was brought up on the basis of being friendly and polite. The parents aren't particularly religious, and they sort of let me figure out what I wanted in that respect on my own. I'd occaisionally go to church for christenings and easter, but that was about it.

Personally I have nothing against religion and children. If something helps kids understand morality without turning them into god-bothering nutters, then go for it.

PostRe: Children and Religion by **False** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:46 pm

Lucien wrote:Similar to me but I wonder how a child taught... we aren't sure about a God this is what there is would turn out like, or if God somehow was never mentioned to them, since everyone I know was brought up like myself.

Its a tough one, But I think it might do kids more harm than good saying 'There might be a god, but who knows, eh?'

PostRe: Children and Religion by **SEP** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:46 pm

I firmly believe religious indoctrination is wrong.

PostRe: Children and Religion by **Balloon Sod** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:48 pm

Deluge wrote:I was brought up on the basis of being friendly and polite. The parents aren't particularly religious, and they sort of let me figure out what I wanted in that respect on my own. I'd occaisionally go to church for christenings and easter, but that was about it.

Personally I have nothing against religion and children. If something helps kids understand morality without turning them into god-bothering nutters, then go for it.

I see your point, but I think an easier way is simply to say "respect people's wishes" and the golden rule.

Then, when they get a bit older, double tit for tat 8-)

PostRe: Children and Religion by **Red Devil** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:51 pm

I'll teach my kids not to be complete idiots and make sure they have manners. I went to sunday school until I was about 6 and I like to think I turned out alright and it certainly wasn't religion that made me that way.

If my kids want to be religious then fair play, I'll respect that. I won't say 'Haha you're believing in someone who may or may not exist. TWAT'.

PostRe: Children and Religion by **Jonathan86** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:52 pm

I believe it's a good thing to introduce religion into a kids life. Not really for the 'worship your maker' thing, but for the moral values it teaches.

PostRe: Children and Religion by **Balloon Sod** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:54 pm

Lucien wrote:
MCN wrote:I firmly believe religious indoctrination is wrong.

Out of interest what would you do if given the chance? Teach them Athiesm or Agnostic belief or other?

I can't speak for towel guy, but I wouldn't teach them anything so specific. Just be kind, respectful and don't expect what you haven't earned.

PostRe: Children and Religion by **Cuttooth** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:55 pm

Jonathan86 wrote:I believe it's a good thing to introduce religion into a kids life. Not really for the 'worship your maker' thing, but for the moral values it teaches.

That's true but teaching morals really doesn't require an introduction of religion. Children should be taught about different cultures and religious beliefs from an early age but not taught that any one of them is the "correct" path.

I agree with pretty much everything Red Devil said.

PostRe: Children and Religion by **False** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:55 pm

I think its important that a child is brought up in an environment where they are exposed to religion and morality, so that they may make their own decisions and be their own person. However, I wouldnt do this till they were old enough, Try asking a 3y/o about gods(s) and they'll space out.

PostRe: Children and Religion by **Deluge** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:56 pm

Balloon Sod wrote:
Deluge wrote:I was brought up on the basis of being friendly and polite. The parents aren't particularly religious, and they sort of let me figure out what I wanted in that respect on my own. I'd occaisionally go to church for christenings and easter, but that was about it.

Personally I have nothing against religion and children. If something helps kids understand morality without turning them into god-bothering nutters, then go for it.

I see your point, but I think an easier way is simply to say "respect people's wishes" and the golden rule.

Then, when they get a bit older, double tit for tat

That's pretty much what I was getting at.

I was always told that everyone has different ideals, and that that's ok. Just don't be a dickhead and things should work out pretty well.

PostRe: Children and Religion by **SEP** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:57 pm

Jonathan86 wrote:I believe it's a good thing to introduce religion into a kids life. Not really for the 'worship your maker' thing, but for the moral values it teaches.

It is perfectly possible to teach morality without religion. If I have kids, I will allow them to believe what they want, and to make their own decisions about religion based on evidence.

PostRe: Children and Religion by **False** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:59 pm

MCN wrote:
Jonathan86 wrote:I believe it's a good thing to introduce religion into a kids life. Not really for the 'worship your maker' thing, but for the moral values it teaches.

It is perfectly possible to teach morality without religion. If I have kids, I will allow them to believe what they want, and to make their own decisions about religion based on evidence.

And thus, The issue of faith rears its head.

Its one of the things I (personally) find hardest to swallow, to admit your sins and commit your soul to something that might not be there.

1. Religion is not needed to make/be a good person.
2. It certainly helps in nearly all cases, but not always and has done a lot of bad for the world when taken too far.
3. Atheism doesn't necessarily teach anything good - but it doesn't necessarily do any harm either.
4. Being a "good" person is not a religious term or an atheist ideal; it is common sense.
5. Exposing a child to religion can be good and bad, but it won't do any harm if it is measured, balanced and non-prejudice.

I think we should all accept my remarkably obvious points.

Children and Religion

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