Should you force your religion to your children?

1. 70

   alexandriaruthkposted 11 years ago

   Should you force your religion to your children?
   
   Should you wait for your children to decide on their own which religion or belief to follow or you can inculcate with them the teachings of your religion.
   
   Of course living in the same house, if there are some church activities, you can't leave the children alone in the house, or it is much difficult if the family has different belief among them and cooperation is compromised?
   
   What are the pros and cons if a family has the same belief system?

   replyreport
2. 69

   Rev. Akinsposted 11 years ago

   When you say force you make it clear that something is wrong with teaching your children the religion you follow. I teach my children how to be Presbyterian (a form of Christianity) because that is something that defines who I am, and something I hope will define who they are. Also, if I do not teach them about God and Jesus they have nothing to build on later to decide for themselves on what matters to them.
   One aspect I like about having my children grow up in a specific denomination is knowing that wherever they end up, they can find a church that is similar to the one of their childhood. They can always find a place that provides comfort and peace. Our faith also brings us closer together as a family, we pray before dinner as a family. I don't consider it forcing my children, I consider it equal to teaching my kids not to hit others, not to lie, not to steal and to help people when they need help. For me, teaching my children about God and Jesus (and being Presbyterian) happens as I teach them how I want them to live their lives when they are on their own, whether or not they follow anything I teach them only time will tell.

   replyreport
   1. 70

      alexandriaruthkposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I do respect what you said, but isn't it that we as parents should be there to guide them and not merely to show what defines one as a parent. I think that they will define who they are through good example you show them. Thanks.

      replyreport
3. 72

   lburmasterposted 11 years ago

   I don't think force is the right way. Casually hint, yes. Such as the story of Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. If anything, it will be grandma and grandpa that will drag them to church as they did me.

   replyreport
   1. 70

      alexandriaruthkposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Right. And we did enjoy those moments too with our grandparents. It is a tradition and culture to most families.

      replyreport
4. 0

   Starmom41posted 11 years ago

   My POV is the way this subject was approached in the past was right- that for parents/families to give the children their religion was as important as providing children with food, shelter, and other necessities, although the degree to which parents/families did this was open to much variation. 
   The reason I have this POV is "religion" is about much more than whether one believes in God or not- it also covers such things as practices & values, & it's relatively impossible to have the practices and values completely separate from the religion.

   replyreport
   1. 70

      alexandriaruthkposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Religion is one of the basis of morals of an individual that is why and usually, we as individual are socialized in our home first. Family is our first social world.

      replyreport
5. 61

   requeposted 11 years ago

   I believe that is a responsibility as a parent is to teach their children good values, discernment of what's right and wrong. As a child, they'll learn more from the examples of their parents, and as they grow older they will have developed their own ideas and  thoughts on religion. At that time, when they're mature enough, they'll make their decision.
   
   Religion is something very personal and powerful, it shouldn't be force into anyone but encouraged. Teaching by example is the most effective way of teaching.

   replyreport
   1. 70

      alexandriaruthkposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I can agree with what you said, all of it. Teaching the children good values is a must for parents through good example and let them choose whatever form of belief later in life. Good foundation in life always start at home.

      replyreport
6. 62

   Jen Johnsonposted 11 years ago

   You should never FORCE anything upon any human. That's my opinion.
   
   When talking about religious beliefs, I think that it's fine to bring children to church if you go, to tell them stories and help them understand your religion as a parent. I also think it's important for the children to know that everyone is different and that a religion may or may not be right for them no matter what their parents say.
   
   When I was young, I was forced to attend church and held a growing resentment toward it as I got older. I prefer to be open-minded and have nothing against the religion my parents have, but I was extremely angry to be forced into doing something even if I didn't want to do it.
   
   I could go on and on about the potential effects that forcing someone to do something has on a person's psyche, but I won't. Suffice it to say that being forceful can easily be associated with rape and abuse. Force is never the right way.

   replyreport
   1. 70

      alexandriaruthkposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I do agree about that "Force" word, it should never happen. I like what you said about telling children that we are all different from each different and just give them leeway to choose and introduce the parents religion. Thanks for commenting.

      replyreport
7. 87

   tamarawilhiteposted 11 years ago

   Parents are responsible for raising their children. Parents have the right to share their religious beliefs with their children along with their culture and secular values.

   replyreport