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

It really is not against their will. They are children. That is the whole point. They don’t know 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 train 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 first the Kingdom of God. He comes first. Or should.

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.

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.

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.

(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.

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.

Of course not

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

Just as much child abuse as bringing them up as atheists because that is what you believe to be true.

Just shows that religion is a cult

No. Parents expose their kids to different activities and ideas. And religious parents can't be expected to leave kids with a Sunday sitter.

[media=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4PuRpCeC5E]

No, it doesn't harm the child at all. Is it a good thing though? I don't think it is.

congrats on getting people talking about a non issue. Enjoy your coins

making them believe stupid shit like they can be anything they want etc is mental abuse

nothign borderline about it.. it is abuse

No, it gives them direction

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

Yes.

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

Course not. They can choose later.