do you think your children (even as adults) should adopt your religion without looking for their own?
351761
No. I am not a really big religious person but i still believe that if someone is, that is a major life decision and they should believe in what they think is best. Not believe in something just because you do.
24950
No. "Believing" in a religion because you were raised to isn't really believing, it is more of just following tradition- and SOOOO many people do that just because of what it is. There is usually no belief involved, just walking a walk because that's what's always been done.  That is a lot easier than actually having to know/study/learn what something is and believing.   :-)
885106
I don't think most parents really understand a lot of what they say they believe anyway. People have a tendency in all walks of life to take a lot of things on word without actually investigating their meaning to any real degree.\n\nThe key thing here is that you should be teaching your kids about religion and theology around about the same time their peers are learning from their parents, simply so that they've been briefed on what to expect. I suspect that would be between the ages of 5 and 10, though certainly no sooner.\n\nOn the other hand, magic is a very good plot device for kids overflowing with imagination, and other supernatural ideas make for neat bedtime stories. As long as it's all light-hearted fun, I'm sure you could fit that stuff in a bit earlier.
227841
Usually that's only the case if your parents or guardians are overbearing and insist that you accept their ideas. \n\nI don't find myself not wanting to believe in the religion or ideals of my parents... probably because they never shoved their beliefs down my throat. It all depends on how you're raised.
921125
I think parents should encourage their children to learn about all religions, AND about what it is like NOT to have a religion. And then, let them choose.
191387
I would have to say that in a sense, it is stripping a child of a great deal of their freedom to choose their religious beliefs later in life.\n\nMany people do not realize that it is indoctrination.  If you raise a child to think that something is right, and all other things are wrong, than that child is going to most likely continue to think that all of their life.\n\nA perfect example is abuse or bigotry.  Studies have shown that a child raised in an abusive home is much more likely to grow up and think that abuse is normal and ok, and therefore, to abuse their spouse and/or children.\n\nSomeone who grows up in a home where bigotry is prominent is likely to grow up thinking that bigotry is normal and ok, and thus perpetuate the cycle.\n\nThe same thing with religion.  Many people grow up being taught a certain religion all of their childhood years, and continue to believe that religion is good and right.\n\nAs for moral and ethical teachings, you don't need religion to teach a child about morals and ethics.  I don't need any holy doctrine to teach me that it is wrong to use violence when it is not neccessary, or to teach me that it is not right to steal.\n\nIf people are wanting to find a middle ground, a compromise, than raise your child(ren) in your religion, but do not be close-minded.  Tell them that it is ok to look into other religions, and try to find people who follow other religons so that when your children have questions, there is someone there to answer the questions that has the appropriate knowledge, and not some preconceived, uneducated opinion.  And please, do not take the route that my family took, i.e. "I dont care what religion you follow as long as it recognizes that there is only one God and that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior."\n\nPersonally, I feel that it is best to raise children in such a way as to leave religion out of their upbringing as much as possible, so that when the child is old enough, they can come to the parent with questions.
1165493
I think a lot of children are indoctrinated from birth.  Here's the thing, though:  It seems unfair to me to force your faith on a child.  It seems to be better for everyone if there is no religion in school or government, and that is just on a basic freedoms level.  What if there was a state-mandated religion, and you were in the wrong one?  What then?  I think that children should be free to learn about religion and spirituality, but never, ever forced to it.  And with the keeping religion out of schools, I should clarify.  I have no problem with extracurricular clubs, elective courses, or even a moment ofsilence at the beginning of the day.  I don't care if children pray throughout the day, as long as it isn't disruptive.  I just don't want a teacher to be able to tell my children what they think the true religion is, or having creationism part of science class.  My kids kind of lean toward not believing in God, and that's fine.\n\n\nedit:\n\nMarcia L. is clueless.
815421
I have three grandkids, number four on the way. the eldest is twelve; she lives with her father, her mum is my oldest daughter. She left her with her dad five years ago and went away to work. Her dad is a muslim, and up to then, my daughter had reared her as a christian. I have no problem with this, her dad is a lovely, kind man and I have a great relationship with him . The problem is, the child is totally confused as to what the rules are as regards religion, dress code, behaviour codes, etc. This is leading to a backlash from her as she is starting to rebel. My heart goes out to her as she has been pushed around a lot during her short life. I have considered offering to have her live with me; I know she's happy in my house when she visits, but I don't know how her mum or dad would see this.
614124
I agree with Unknown. In the majority of cases, children adopt their parent's religion.\n\nHowever, Jehovah's Witnesses must study the Bible, and make a conscientious choice to dedicate our lives to Jehovah. This includes children whose parents are Jehovah's Witnesses.
21441
Family values and traditions have been distorted by the public view of the family unit.  Because we have a predetermined ethos of what a family is suposed to be like, forming traditions, ect, is very difficult today.\n\nAs to family values, these have been so distorted by religious dogma, that most parents find it very difficult to teach their children without a conflict of interest.\n\nIf you are worried about this for your own family, then set the standard.  Screw what society says.  If you and your family sit down every sunday for a dinner, great; or if you and your family spend every thursday night watching tv together, great; don't leave it up to society to dictate what your family should be doing.\n\nDon't leave it, also, up to religion to dictate what you and and your family should be doing.  A Family is simply an interaction between all involved.  Without interaction on a free front there is no family.  Including religious dogma, societal dogma, and transitory traditions doesn't bring a free interaction between all involved in the family.\n\nSet your own pace, and you'll be just fine.
67320
Absolutely NO WAY! I could not do that because I am happy with my religion. I don't let people affect my decisions. I make my own. I hope you don't let this "someone" change your religion.
1033530
hi betty saw you on-nope dont have to have one in spite of what some people want-of course those same people only want their religion-lots of love old hippie here-ps-be gentle with the children
781092
If both the people are mature and don't worry about what their family thinks or the people around them, then yes I think it can work. But then again it's not good to be unequally yoked if religion is important to both the people involved, because that could lead to serious problems for the parents and the children.
792656
Yes it'd be wrong to do the experiment for the childs sake. To grow into a 'normal' adult a child need socialisation!!!\n\nBut no I dont think just one person alone would come up with a religion that involved an unseen being... maybe an imaginary friend but a lot of kids have them!
983953
children should be raised to seek their own paths, not be indoctrinated.
934404
It tell me that those parents love their children and want to teach them right from wrong so they can make an educated choice when they get older\n\nThe parents that say, " I'm not taking them to church because I don't want to forse any religion on them and they can mkae their own choice when they get older....IMO, these parents are clueless, they turn their children over to world to be trained with NO right or wrong moral code upbringing.  How can they make a choice like this? they don't know both sides.\nThis is a cop-out by the parents \n\nThese children  that do make it are few and far between\n\nthat is so sad\n\nand our culture is reflecting this attitude these days too.....:-(
992601
i would marry them. and if i loved them that much then i would participate in the things they do. like church and christmas or such. but i cant just change my mind that there is no god. that is my beleif for my own reasons. i would be lying if i accepted and followed a religion. but i would always support my wife in what ever she beleives.