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Is indoctrinating children into a religion against their will borderline child abuse? [Spirituality & Religion]

Poll - Total Votes: 34
Yes
No
It depends (please state)
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Regardless of religion, is bringing up children into a religion without giving them a choice child abuse?
It really is not against their will. They are children. That is the whole point. They don’t [i]know[/i] the way they should go. They want their own selfish way, and what matters is what God says about this issue, not man. God said to [i]train[/i] up a child in the way he/she should go. They need direction. Not only in everyday matters, but most importantly, spiritual matters. Their soul is of vital importance, and we are not to wait until the child is 12 or older to teach spiritual things. God said, “Seek ye [i]first[/i] the Kingdom of God. He comes first. Or [i]should.[/i]
@Shaun We’re entitled to our own opinion. Leave it at that. We simply disagree. We’re not here to judge.
Malcolm · 61-69, M
@LadyGrace I agree entirely with what you say. However, I doubt we'll get much support here! The question Shaun asked, if I understand correctly, is more general: religion (not just Christianity) versus no religion. I believe his whole argument is flawed because he is attributing lack of strong feeling to atheists, making indifference a virtue. Really? That's very naïve.
@Malcolm Thanks. True. I was trying to answer his question, but it lead to other avenues other than his initial question. It’s interesting to discuss, but not when it goes beyond that.
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SW-User
@StanSmith88 Advocating violence, genocide, enabling rape, eternal punishment - and that's just the God in your bible. Great moral example for your children to hear 'God' ordered the Iraelites to crush the skulls of 'enemy' babies
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SW-User
@StanSmith88 you can enjoy and use those without 'religion' - but with religion you have to also accept infanticide, genocide and violence
It depends on the circumstances. With Christianity, generally the child gladly accepts what they are taught , and, as they mature they either continue in that belief or change their beliefs. There is a political ideology that is called a religion where the child is never allowed to change beliefs in the theocratic nations that subscribe to this political ideology, and may even be killed in free nations for changing beliefs. This political ideology holds the death penalty for apostasy in some countries.
Most religions are humanity reaching for God, but Christianity is God reaching out to humanity. This allows for a different dynamic, and abuse is rare.
SW-User
@puck61 the Catholic Church for one! I would argue it isn't just the actions but the messages which are essentially emotionally abusive.
@SW-User Of course. I'm just saying that raising your child with most major religions is not abusive in itself. It is the things that are done to the child if the child strays from doctrine or violates some law, that is abusive. Abused Christian or Hindu children, for example, are the rare exception and not the rule.
SW-User
@puck61 sure love and enlightenment beat cult membership for sure :-)
HowardP · 80-89, M
My view is that no child should have any religious indoctrination until they are 18, then make their choice. See how many religions survive a generation after that.
Shaun · 26-30, M
@questionWeaver blocked for having an opinion different to your own?
@Shaun

Nope ... blocked for impersonating an old person
Shaun · 26-30, M
GwydionFrost · 56-60, M
I'm thinking this is one of those scenarios where your own beliefs play a major influence upon what your answer is going to be. Atheists will tell you-- feeding your children a complete fiction to make them compliant from fear is absolutely child abuse. Imagine growing up, being reminded constantly/daily that the boogeyman that hides in the darkness is going to get you if you do something wrong.

Welcome to Religious Angst 101.
Windsylph · F
(I think) We all do the best we can guided by our beliefs, whatever they are.

I would describe religion as a set of rules. Faith is the choice we make about what we believeabout those rules and about life in general and how we will live it.

For example, I have cancer and no one medically speaking thinks I will survive. Yet I believe (have faith) there is a chance I may survive. Faith is the belief that something exists, though there appears to be no physical proof. Yet, I believe.

I would always want to pass this faith on to my children and when they become independent thinkers they can decide for themselves.

Soft breezes to you Shaun. Thanks for reading my post.
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Windsylph · F
Bless you! I will say a prayer for you in return. Many soft breezes to you @StanSmith88
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Giana · 70-79, F
I arranged for my daughter to be exposed to the principles of religion in order for her to learn morals. The practice of that religion however, was, and still is, her choice.
BTW, I consider myself to be agnostic.
Shaun · 26-30, M
@Giana you're agnostic but you brought your daughter up into religion? That's interesting.
Giana · 70-79, F
@Shaun Some religious training is actually traditional...it can be a part of one's culture. My daughter, like many children, could think for herself and didn't consider this an indoctrination.
SW-User
@Giana morals? More like violence
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Shaun · 26-30, M
@dunpender brainwashing them from an early age doesn't really give them a choice as they grow up. Also, religion and education should not be used together. There is nothing educational about religion.
Shaun · 26-30, M
If people prayed that the earth was fine for building, I'd argue a lot of building companies would go bankrupt.
@Shaun no ... cause risk of loss is transferred to the homeowner ... builder uses "best efforts"

My foundation tester and engineer said "yep, that is how we do it" ... "to keep the foundation strong, pour concrete, add rebar and go to church"
Shaun · 26-30, M
@questionWeaver that's absolute bullshit. You ask your foundation tester if he would build a house on a plot of land without analysis or testing with rods, but just going to church to pray that it's ok. Of course he would not.
SW-User
People perpetuate the abuse they were themselves subject to if they don't have the intellect, free will or moral integrity to question their own indoctrination
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Malcolm · 61-69, M
Just as much child abuse as bringing them up as atheists because that is what you believe to be true.
Malcolm · 61-69, M
@Shaun A lot of atheists have strong views and let them be known to anyone who will listen. I know - I've met them! Do you seriously think that a parent will not influence the child's thinking? I've met five year olds who say there is no god. Who has taught them that?
SW-User
@Malcolm I believed that as a five year old based on simple reasoning
Malcolm · 61-69, M
@SW-User Hmm. I don't think the reasoning of a five year old is much to go on! Even then, on what did you base your reasoning? It must have been according to what you had learnt.
MrBrownstone · 46-50, M
Just shows that religion is a cult
LucyCan · 26-30, F
No. Parents expose their kids to different activities and ideas. And religious parents can't be expected to leave kids with a Sunday sitter.
FloorGenAdm · 51-55, M
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4PuRpCeC5E]
SW-User
No, it doesn't harm the child at all. Is it a good thing though? I don't think it is.
SW-User
@SW-User how does indoctrination based on fear and telling a child they are inherently flawed not harm a child?
MrGoodbar · 51-55, M
congrats on getting people talking about a non issue. Enjoy your coins
SW-User
SW-User
making them believe stupid shit like they can be anything they want etc is mental abuse
FalllenAngel · 31-35, F
nothign borderline about it.. it is abuse
SW-User
No, it gives them direction
smiler2012 · 56-60
fallenangel just another take here if you call this abuse how do you feel about boys mainly about being circumcised on religious grounds and for a non medical reason would you also class this as child abuse also
FalllenAngel · 31-35, F
@smiler2012 certainly.. i would ban this in an instant like many european countries
smiler2012 · 56-60
shaun well my take on this the child as a minor should not be made to follow there parents in this area when they are old enough to make a decision for themselves
Spica · 31-35, F
Course not. They can choose later.

 
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