Religion or no religion? [Spirituality & Religion]

What are your thoughts on children being nurtured and brought up to follow a religion?

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Montivagant · 41-45, M

I was brought up going to church and following Christianity. For me, it wasn't ideal. I didn't learn to think for myself or to ask questions. I did question things to a certain level but I readily accepted answers that were given, even when they didn't make much sense to me. I was never forced to believe anything but just indoctrinated to a degree that I couldn't see outside of the view I had grown up with. As for raising my own children, I'm teaching them about religions in a factual way, ie, this is what Christians believe, this is what Muslims believe etc. not trying to steer them in any direction. Interestingly they both believe in a higher power that they call god.
I have come to a place where I believe in god as a higher power but I don't believe he/she chooses to influence anything in this world very often. If at all. I do think we are spiritual beings. But I'm still exploring what I believe so it changes as I learn.

Fernie · F

@Montivagant The definition of "indoctrinated" is: brainwash, propagandize, proselytize, reeducate, persuade, convince, condition, program, mold, discipline; instruct, teach, train, school, drill; instill, inculcate ...that seems to mean the same thing as "forced" to me

Montivagant · 41-45, M

@Fernie in which case I should have used a different word, what I meant was is subtley became my world view over the years just by being exposed to it. no one was forcing me to attend church, if I had said flat out I won't go then I could have stayed home. But I didn't know anything else. Forced Implies there was some force involved but there wasn't.

Fernie · F

@Montivagant call it what you will...it's brainwashing. It's a form of "forced"...why are you so reluctant to call it what it was and still is for kids? You weren't to blame

Montivagant · 41-45, M

@Fernie I guess I'm reluctant because it didn't feel like that. But
You are right, just because it didn't feel that way doesn't mean it wasn't. Also, on reflection, I'm reluctant to call it brainwashing because of pride or ego. Hard to admit I've been duped.