Freethought & Rationalism Archive

OCLonghorn · 03-18-2003, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jamie_L
Kids can learn to think for themselves, but I think it's hardly a given. I'd say kids raised in a religion-free/religion-neutral environment have a much better chance to rationally examine competing beliefs than those raised with constant indoctrination.

I agree, but religious people have no concept of how non-religion-neutral our society is.

My biggest frustration is trying to get a 5 yr old to understand why dad doesn't believe something that every other kid in his class already understands. In kindergarten, "goddidit" ALWAYS trumps the ontological argument, the free-will defense, the argument from evil, evolution, etc.... ;-)

beth · 03-18-2003, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by OCLonghorn
Why do we (I am guilty of it too) think this way? Why is telling my own kids "Not only do I not believe in this god-concept, but I don't think you should either" MORE intrusive than physically TAKING him to church to be indoctrinated before he develops critical thinking skills?

I find myself feeling the same way (obviously because of our society and the fact that I was raised catholic) and have to literally remind myself that I OWE it to them to teach them the way that I think is closer to the truth.

If my spouse, an equal partner in the rearing of these kids, disagreed (which she doesn't, but obviously in your case he does) , then maybe you have to equivocate a bit to avoid contradicting each other and confusing the kids. But I don't feel that you have to do the same just because society at large feels differently.

I haven't told my son anything other than to believe in God. I will not take his faith from him, but I will also not guilt him into belief like it was done to me. But I've also been encouraging critical thinking skills. When he asks me if I believe, I merely ask him back what his belief is. My husband does have the right to have his children raised as Christians because that was our faith before I deconverted. I just want a more moderate, less harmful belief to be instilled.

Kintaro · 03-20-2003, 07:54 AM

Sorry lady, but that last post is false.

It doesn't matter what faith you were in before, you have the right to have your children raised in ways you can accept. I'm happy for you if you can tolerate moderate Xns, but he has no right over you, regardless of initial marital status, in what's right for the kids. If you work an agreement, good for you, but snap him in half if he thinks that fundamentalist churches seem like a good place to raise the kids and you don't have a say in it.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

03-20-2003, 07:54 AM	#13
Kintaro Regular Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 247	Sorry lady, but that last post is false. It doesn't matter what faith you were in before, you have the right to have your children raised in ways you can accept. I'm happy for you if you can tolerate moderate Xns, but he has no right over you, regardless of initial marital status, in what's right for the kids. If you work an agreement, good for you, but snap him in half if he thinks that fundamentalist churches seem like a good place to raise the kids and you don't have a say in it.

Freethought & Rationalism Archive

The archives are read only.