I am an areligious person and believe that one's spirituality is something to be explored and discovered on an individual basis and on one's own terms. As such, I have not subjected my own children to any belief system.

Recognizing that many families raise their children with the expectation that they adopt and adhere to a specific faith/belief system/religion, I think that the abuse aspect comes into play if the child eventually elects not to conform and is treated by the parents like a pariah for this action.

If their ultimate choice to find their own way is not embraced with understanding and tolerance, then the damage is done and it becomes abuse. That also would speak volumes about the quality of that religious belief system in the first place.

[edit on 4-1-2010 by GoneGrey]

When you have an understanding of WHY others think the way they do.
It makes it easier to be more understanding,sympathetic and tolerant.
I am not expecting any stars or flags for this thread.I want others to
honestly voice their reasons and concerns.This thread is for you,not for
me.I don't have a hidden agenda.I am seeking more understanding of
my fellow members.Mamabeth

No, I do not think that religious instruction of children is child abuse.

That the question can be posed seriously, however, illustrates the importance of holding atheists to the same "burden of proof" as is every other person who makes a categorical claim.

Whoever would accuse someone of abuse for expressing an opinion ought be required to show that the opinion expressed was in error. This is an obvious precaution against one religion using the law to harass rival religions.

Fortunately, in the United States, parents have a constitutional right to the free exercise of their religion. "Free exercise" includes the right to speak of their religion in their own home when their children are present.

I would not mind at all if schools were introducing a variety of different religions to my children. By variety, I mean not focusing on any single one. I would, however mind if my children were being taught one single religion taught as "THE" religion.

It is a good idea for kids to learn of many different religions. That will plant the seed for them in the future, whether they decide to further learn about one particular one, or several.

If religion of one variety were to be taught in public schools,it should not be mandatory- there should be an opt out for anyone who didn't want to attend, or make it a voluntary extra curricular activity for those interested.

I do have to question some parents who teach their religious beliefs to their kids where they aren't allowed to be kids. A kid shouldn't fear the threat of hell for every single thing they do that is not acceptable to the religion.

[edit on 4-1-2010 by virraszto]

There's nothing wrong in teaching children about religion. What's wrong is forcing them into one and brainwashing them. All knowledge and theories should be shared, but none of those should be forced upon anyone as the undeniable truth without the freedom of questioning them.

I don't see anything wrong with teaching your children about religion, i do however not like the fact that some people indoctrinate their children into believing. It should be their own choice when they are old enough if they want to believe or not. When they have all of the info and facts.

It's threads like this and the type of responses they generate that gets me going.

If teaching a kid religion is abuse, than so is science.Because GUESS WHAT? Science gets disproved EVERY DAY - FACT.

I swear, some of the posters here are so fascist it's scary.

Hardly any of you even know what ABUSE is.

You just do not know what you are talking about.

Why has everyone become such weaklings and cowards now that teaching a kid fairy tales is abuse? Absolute stupidity IMHO.

Yet meanwhile, our nations bomb the holy hell out of various nations around the world, yet no one calls this abuse??

What retarded backwards world do I live in???!!!!

[edit on 4-1-2010 by muzzleflash]

Originally posted by sirnex

Why are atheists afraid of a subject they deem to be nothing but fairy
tales and myths?

Because of the so called "good" religious folks who've waged war against anyone who disagrees. Nothing but a bunch of hypocrites.

And yet somehow you and your ilk are not hypocrites for doing EXACTLY THE SAME THING?

Here is what Religious nuts say "Think as I think or DIE!!!"

Here is what you Anti-Religious nuts say "Think as I think or DIE!!!"

IMHO you are all the same pro or anti religion. Arrogant, egotistical, pretentious, fascist, and worst of all WRONG.

Well in this case to a degree. Ok, if I tell you something that I myself dont know is a lie and Im using the information in a positive light you can call it ignorance. Basically you have positive intent with the information but don't know or understand that its really a lie. The same applies with religions. Yes there are some truths in there, but 98% of it is twisted and contorted to fit the views of the oligarchs of that time and to control masses of people. The Christian Bible in particular is full of vulgar and child-like mannerisms acted out by Jesus and God himself and doesn't fit the model of this all loving and compassionate being. When you read the Bible closely you will find numerous accounts were Jesus and God just dont act like they should. So in the majority of the cases people just dont know that the Bible is a lie.

Religion teaches you to look outside of yourself for the answers and says that you cant obtain enlightenment until you die. You are taught to be a victim from day one of being a Christian, Muslim or whatever. You are taught a twisted duality that you are to fear but love God. Then the FEAR aspect is rationalized by saying fear is in some way a form of comfort. Then you are taught to be a good Christian and follows God's "examples" and follow his laws and commandments. But what Christian really follows anything God says. He teaches you how to keep a slave in Exodus, he tells you to stone a unruly teenager to death, he tells you to go a smite other humans in HIS name, he tells you to OBEY ME. Thats a slave master if I have ever heard of one. Then look at the the main Bible of Christianity today, The King James VERSION. Version means opinion, and that exactly what King James had in my mind, was his opinion about the "Rights of Kings" which was substituted for the pilgrims "real" Bible. Yet the King James Version is read in most churches. Would you read the Obama Version of the Bible?

Religion also teaches separation with the illusion of acceptance of other faiths. It has also now become a multi-million dollar industry. Its amazing to me that the Lord told his people not to gather unto them material things, or seek worldly possessions, and to leave it behind for the less fortunate and follow his word. Yet you see T.D. "Big Money" Jakes riding a Bentley and living in a $2million dollar homes. And he's "blessed". If your a man of "God" then all you need his him and nothing else to be blessed. Its called living by example.

Religion is nothing more then a way not to take personal responsibility. You are taught that with faith you will be "rescued" and all will be well. The truth is no one or no thing is gonna save you. Its all up to you.

You know movies are taken for granted in the many positive messages it relays. Yes there are many negatives as well, however its dismiss as just being "entertainment". Kung Fu Panda is a wonderful little story about believing in you and trusting others that believe in you. When Po lost the Dragon Scroll to Tialong, Ty was perplexed that the scroll was empty. Po had realized that and said, "There is no secret ingredient. Its only you!