Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Albion · 05-31-2003, 05:51 PM

Quote:

What was the dimwit who designed these lesson plans thinking?

I expect he was thinking that his book would get bought and used by a lot of churches if he included a chapter with that title.

Viti · 05-31-2003, 08:23 PM

My 5 year old niece is now in Alabama with her parents and my parents, but when she lived here she went to Mormon Sunday School with her other grandma and I worried. She is also very bright and imaginative (several imaginary friends) and that magical thinking can be a hook the fundies use.

I am very relieved she now spends Sundays at the beach or fishing in the canal...or at a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans with her heathen aunt

keyser_soze · 05-31-2003, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oser
I have a vague memory of a study that claimed that the "effective dose" for childhood religious indoctrination was 1000 hours, integrated over childhood. That is, a child who was exposed to 1000+ hours of church attendance, Bible camps, etc. almost always grows into an adult who buys into religion hook, line, and sinker. Smaller doses tended to have little real effect.

Does anyone else here remember seeing such a study?

So, one hour of church a week, from ages 2-18, which isn't backed up outside of Sunday, isn't likely to do serious harm on this model. But add in the Bible studies, VBCs, and all the rest, and things may add up. I would guess that the earlier the dose, the more effective it is.

Of course, my parents didn't take my brother and myself to church until we were four or five, and the priest could read that mass in less than 45 minutes on a good day. I'm glad I escaped!

Although I do not recall this study, this IS the observation I have made of children growing up. She has already had the 1000 hours. I calculated 23 hours a week during the last 6 months. I'm dropping it to 21...and will drop it a further 2 hours a week in another month. I plan to have it down to a manageable 10 hours by christmas, while at the same time making sure she is aware of all of the other mythologies out there. The final decision is hers, but I plan on making sure she can make that choice and informed one.

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05-31-2003, 08:23 PM	#42
Viti Contributor Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Down South Posts: 12,879	My 5 year old niece is now in Alabama with her parents and my parents, but when she lived here she went to Mormon Sunday School with her other grandma and I worried. She is also very bright and imaginative (several imaginary friends) and that magical thinking can be a hook the fundies use. I am very relieved she now spends Sundays at the beach or fishing in the canal...or at a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans with her heathen aunt

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