Should you tell your children your religion, before they've chosen theirs?
Assume for the purpose of debate that religiong includes atheism.
Yes
Side Score: 10
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No
Side Score: 4
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There's a difference between telling them what your religion is and forcing them to follow your ideas about life. And most religions have traditions and rituals, it'd be fairly difficult to hide your views on religion from your child until they decide what they wish to follow, which could take a long time. I honestly think the best thing to do is let them know what your religion is and why, and then help them research other options and let them choose their own ideas. Just give them the information at least. Side: Yes
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I'd just like to point out that just because someone believes in evolution does not automatically mean they're an atheist. And schools don't bombard them with the theory, at least schools in America. Because the Science classes are poorly done mostly and they barely cover all that they have to anyway. When the do evolution they don't talk about human evolution, but animal adaption mostly. At least the three different biology classes I had in high school didn't. lol Side: No
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Personally, I think that just telling a child your beliefs is somewhat manipulating them. I would assume that they're more likely to follow your beliefs, simply because you believe it. At a young age, many children are not capable of critical thought, and rely on their parents as a source of knowledge. It's for the same reason that in the UK, teachers are not allowed to discuss who they vote for. For example, if you tell a child that you believe in Allah, but that you have absolutely no proof of this, and that they should decide for themselves, they're still probably more likely to become a Muslim. That's no how I would want my children to decide on their religion. Side: No
How do you hide your religion from your children though? Most religions have traditions and rituals that the people partake in. How do you avoid having to explain why you're doing something like going to church, or praying without your child questioning it? Most likely the best way to deal with avoiding manipulation is tell give them the information of several ways, and don't tell them which one is yours and let them decide. That still leaves the problem I said before. It can take a very long time to choose a faith. Side: Yes
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How do you hide your religion from your children though? Most religions have traditions and rituals that the people partake in. For me personally, as an atheist, that's not an issue. Also, most Christian's I know are not practicing Christians. But yes, I agree, for many people it's not an option. Most likely the best way to deal with avoiding manipulation is tell give them the information of several ways, and don't tell them which one is yours and let them decide. That still leaves the problem I said before. It can take a very long time to choose a faith. Yeah, that's what I'm considering. With other people, I don't really care what they believe as long as they can justify it to themselves, and aren't making such a big decision out of ignorance. But, I would contend that it takes a child a long time to choose a faith. I know I never actively chose a faith, but I was baptized, taken to church by my grandparents, and went to a Church of England School until I was 12, I had 'chosen' to be a Christian very quickly. I hate the idea of parents forcing their ideas onto children, and would like to be as neutral as possible. Side: Yes
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