Teaching Religion To Children

I think that teaching kids about religion should not be acceptable the way it is today. A young, impressionable, child should not be subjected to brainwashing. There is a reason that most people are the same religion as their parents.

Is it ok to teach a child religion? Discuss.

 

Brainwashing? Why is it brainwashing? To brainwash someone, they must accept it. So, are people supposed to be atheist until they're old enough to think for themselves? So you're saying: don't preach something that isn't liked by other people. You're preaching childhood atheism. You're brainwashing people.

 

Teaching kids ABOUT religion isn't wrong, as long as they teach them to think critically over what they tell them. They don't.

 

Religion = Slavery of the mind.
Atheism = Rationality

 

Ah, so you agree that without brainwashing, children would be atheists. Is there something wrong with them discovering God (or not) for themselves, rather than being indoctrinated?

 

There is a difference between forcing children to be atheists until they reach a certain age, and not shoving one particular religion down their throats.

 

Ok, I did say that, in a way. I didn't mean to. They'd be atheist for the reason of not knowing about God, yes, they will obviously here of him from other people. They're not atheist for denouncing God, they're atheist because of their ignorance. They don't know about God; they can't accept him without a 'miracle'. There's a difference, between rationally thinking God doesn't exist, and being atheist because of knowing nothing of God.

Edit: To your point: No, there isn't a difference. That doesn't make teaching religion brainwashing.

 

EDIT: I was proving you right, give me time to think of a response to that.

 

So, you're saying people with religious thoughts are mentally unstable, because they don't have control of their own mind? Really, think about what you're saying.

Oh yes, rationality! That makes the world go around. *sarcasm*

 

It would be fine as long as you teach every religion and allow the child to choose.

 

If I had children I would teach them to think critically about what they are told and decide for themselves.

 

Wait, hold up.

You want to know the most effective way to get brainwashed? Be born. That's about all it takes... the entire psychological development of a child revolves around very sophisticated brainwashing procedures as implemented by family and culture. We imprint infants and children with very specific information at very vulnerable points throughout their psychological development in order to (hopefully) make them conform to the acceptable design as mandated by the society in question, which often also includes religion.

All of you are brainwashed, me too, to a large extent. I've managed to recondition myself a fair amount but for the most part I'm still a product of the society!

Unfortunately for many of the contenders in this thread, I regret to inform you that atheism is as much a system of belief as it's religious counterparts. In many cases it conditions one to be entirely unreceptive to the information construed through religious and spiritual mediums which I feel has some very valuable potential if you can see through the bullshit of it all.

Sooo, with that in mind, I would say that the only fair approach is that of an informed agnosticism towards children's spiritual and religious development. No belifes should be forced but a wide array of information should remain available, which means teaching them about a variety of religions (and lack of religions) so that they have the whole buffet in front of them to analyze so they may make the most informed choice.

 

Teach them both ways, and let them decide.

I really don't think that anything should be taught until you are old enough to make a good enough reasoning of everything.

And well put Ughster

 

Children should have the right too choose whether or not they want too learn religion... but in saying that in Australia if you goto a catholic or private school you do religion and public you dont... So really its only the upper classes being subjected too it over here.

 

I think a child should be taught religion, but also taught they don't have to follow it when they get older, i wouldn't push it hardcore on my kids, i'd give them the basics and hten let them think fro them selves

 

It should go no further then "this is what some people believe" not "this is fact" which is what alot of parents do. I think its wrong to tell kids that magic and miracles are real, when they go against the laws of physics and reality. make sure they understand the bible was writen by MAN, not god.

 

Atheism is a lack of belief (or at least, it is in my case).

 

I agree with the people that said they should be taught about religion or taught religion if they want. If parents send their kids to CCD and Sunday School it is idiocity. That is trying to make a person somebody that they are not

 

I still think there are a lot of negative connotations associated with Atheism, just as there are with Christianity... in my humble opinion, agnosticism is the only truly objective approach capable of benefiting the most from all of the information available.

 

What sort of valuable potential, and what information construed through mediums? =|