I Think Indoctrinating Children With Religion Is Child Abuse

@PlumBerries Do you ever wonder how seriously they believe? Because if they believe what the Bible says, that those who do not accept Jesus Christ are damned, I think they're going to want their kids to see and believe as well.

I agree with almost all of what you said, just curious. :)

[c=#7700B2]they are very religious but not to the full extent.. for example my brother is gay, and they support him 100% despite what so many say is against their religion. I know a lot of Christians who are not all crazy with beliefs and warp the religion to be all about hate. my mum and dad are very loving people and accept everyone and go off the if you are good in life you get in heaven..
I honestly don't know if they are disappointed in me for not believing and if they think im damned but yeah they are just open towards it but still believe in it and follow it all.. they still go to church every sunday and on Christmas and so on[/c]

I'm glad they accept you both, PlumBerries. 🖤 I can't imagine the pain of hiding yourself from your family, it's better when family can just love each other. I'm sure your parents are proud of you guys. :) Thanks for sharing!

[c=#7700B2]they are mostly proud of me because im their favourite despite what my mother tries to claim lol. thanks btw[/c]

Haha! (Shh, I might secretly know I'm my dad's favorite though I pretend otherwise!) Of course.

[c=#7700B2]haha how many siblings do you have? [/c]

Two, sisters. Poor guy never got his son hee.

[c=#7700B2]haha damn.
I have 3 older brothers and my parents wanted a girl and kept trying till they created me.. hence why I know im the favourite lol[/c]

@PlumBerries I was also raised as a Christian and my parents weren't extreme about it either so I was lucky. I do think religion is abusive if forced on someone, though, especially if they are taught to fear a god as a control mechanism to make them behave in ways their parents or teachers desire. There are more appropriate ways to encourage children to behave, in my view, that don't encourage them to be scared of something we don't even know exists.

I think most religious people don't realise the controlling influence it can have. An example of this was with my sister who was raised the same as me then took a break from religion but went back to it several years ago. Not so long ago we were talking about her religious experience and the issue of belief versus non-belief - with no hostility at all. She said, and I'm sure truly believes, that she is afraid I will not get to spend the afterlife in heaven with her and the rest of my relatives as I do not believe. She said that in true belief, and without malice, but it certainly proved to me, first-hand, the type of control and fear religion can exert over people. As an adult I can ignore it easily but what about children who tend to just take for granted what adults they trust tell them? There's an aspect to that I find abusive.

[c=#7700B2]you said it so much better then what I could ever have. I agree with you fully. it really is something children should have to think about especially if it scares them with some things[/c]

"The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom" @fazer1k How do you decide to raise your children in a Christian home without a healthy fear of He who is Mighty and vast and the beginning and the end? Love, balanced with fear, awe, reverence. It's inherent in Christianity. Part of what secular culture would rebel against just to say they're not like those Christians who think fear is endearing.

@KayraJordyn I raised my children in a loving home. Why would an Atheist want to raise their children in a christian home using a fear based means of control?

It's not supposed to be about the control. That's how people twist it. I don't believe in spanking, or saying "God will punish you" and I think many assumptions are made on both parts. So... Its supposed to be about a love so true, so committed, you feel reverence inside. God is fearsome, and awesome, and holy, and to be holy we are asked to know him personally. He believes we're worth it. God is love, love, love. Faith, hope, and love. Especially love. If you want to know about this stuff, there are resources.

I'm glad your children are safe in a loving home, @suzie1960. I've never thought being an athiest meant you didn't raise your children with love, intention and spirited learning. I thought that was based on being a decent person, and a loving parent. I'm glad you are that. 🤗 Those lil angels are our future. @suzie1960

@KayraJordyn I'm not really concerned with what you think christianity is supposed to be, I'm more concerned with what it actually is.

I was a christian when I was younger but since breaking away from it I've been able to see how it adversely affects people. It's difficult to see that when you're part of it. Like you, I thought it was all about love but I was wrong, it's really all about control. I hope, one day, you'll see that too but, if you're happy living in that environment, that's fine.

Susie, I think you're well intended. Still, you don't know my story, and I would never presume to know yours. I could never imagine it, and you could never know mine without knowing me. Any discussion is welcome.