will you teach your children other religions?

[candypreet]

I do.

[voyeurgirl]

How old are your children?

[Rusted Ford]

there is only one true religion and that is faith in Jesus Christ our LORD and savior ... we must all bend our knees and say with our tongues that we believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and we will be saved

[voyeurgirl]

there is only one true religion and that is faith in Jesus Christ our LORD and savior ... we must all bend our knees and say with our tongues that we believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and we will be saved
I don't think Jesus cared if men had long hair.

[latent aaaack]

there is only one true religion and that is faith in Jesus Christ our LORD and savior ... we must all bend our knees and say with our tongues that we believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and we will be saved

You need help, catch/lordsdove/american_anus/whoever else, but this forum can not help you.

[candypreet]

How old are your children?
6 and four ,my husband is a hindu and I am a sikh, but I try and make sure they read about all religions ( couldnt find any good book for children about jews though)

[NYC]

When I was a kid I went to every kind of church my Dad could think of. I remember the Russian Orthodox had the greatest "stage show". Even though it bothered me at the time to no end, I am glad he did it now. I have to say that thanks to him I look at all Religious groups/sects/cults with am eye of suspicion but I find it just fascinating. I love to read about it.

[voyeurgirl]

6 and four ,my husband is a hindu and I am a sikh, but I try and make sure they read about all religions ( couldnt find any good book for children about jews though)
So you teach them from a theology point of view? In other words, you don't say "heaven is where you go when you die" but you say it more like "some people believe heaven is where they go when they die". What do you say to a 4-year-old who says "well what do you believe, Mommy?"

[NYC]

So you teach them from a theology point of view? In other words, you don't say "heaven is where you go when you die" but you say it more like "some people believe heaven is where they go when they die". What do you say to a 4-year-old who says "well what do you believe, Mommy?"


Watch out or your kid will end up like me.

[voyeurgirl]

Watch out or your kid will end up like me.
What do you mean?

[NYC]

What do you mean?

Theological Heathen Bastid

[latent aaaack]

My parents mentioned something or other about Jesus some point I think but I never went to a church. If I had kids I think I'd tell them that people aren't sure what happens to you when you die and they all disagree about it so it would be best to make up your mind for yourself when you're older.

[candypreet]

So you teach them from a theology point of view? In other words, you don't say "heaven is where you go when you die" but you say it more like "some people believe heaven is where they go when they die". What do you say to a 4-year-old who says "well what do you believe, Mommy?"
Thats an excellent pt. I tell them about my religion and then my husbands. India is a secular country, so we have a lot of religious holidays and as their friends are of different religions, they have a chance to learn about other religions too.
and yes I dont tell them that if you are good and then when you die you will go to heaven, or if you are bad you go to hell.
I just tell them what is good and what is bad ( what I feel and what the world feels) . certain conecpts in hinduism and buddhism are very good like karma.

[candypreet]

Theological Heathen Bastid
thats not bad either, as long as you dont basically cause grief/harm to people around you. I wish workin for cia was around, he could have explained the concept of hinduism better

[voyeurgirl]

Theological Heathen Bastid
Gotchya. So you don't really have a faith in one religion, but studied them from a logical point of view?

I respect most religions (with the exception of blowing up children for Allah) but do lean toward Christianity. I'll teach my child what other religions are about, but will certainly tell her what I think is the truth. Then she can decide for herself when she's older. When she says "Mommy, who made everything?" I'm not going to get into a theological discussion about what this religion says and what that one says, but I simply answer "God made it".

[voyeurgirl]

Thats an excellent pt. I tell them about my religion and then my husbands. India is a secular country, so we have a lot of religious holidays and as their friends are of different religions, they have a chance to learn about other religions too.
and yes I dont tell them that if you are good and then when you die you will go to heaven, or if you are bad you go to hell.
I just tell them what is good and what is bad ( what I feel and what the world feels) . certain conecpts in hinduism and buddhism are very good like karma.
Although I'm Christian, I believe there could be other lives and believe in karma.

[NYC]

Gotchya. So you don't really have a faith in one religion, but studied them from a logical point of view?

Pretty much, except from a logical AND HISTORICAL point of view.

[NYC]

thats not bad either, as long as you dont basically cause grief/harm to people around you.

Thanks :)

[Claire Aiden]

Children should be regularly exposed to the beliefs of their parents, for parents take an oath that they will do so with a religious marriage ceremony. But don't start smiling just yet.

While being so exposed, it should be explained to them that many people have MANY different beliefs. Taking children to different Sabbath services...for instance if one is a fundamentalist Christian, taking them to a Jewish Synagogue or to a Seder, to a Muslim celebration, to a Greek Orthodox Festival, to a Roman Catholic Mass, or to a Morman Tabernacle, and then discussing the differences gives a child a broad view of religion. One does not have to compromise what they believe (as parents) to EXPOSE their children to other beliefs which they will encounter in the world. Knowledge is POWER. It prepares them for the world in which they will live. To explain, with logic and discussion (rather than vitriol and diatribe) why the parents have chosen one over the other, leaves the child free to make an informed decision when he or she is old enough to do so.

The cold hard facts of agnosticism and atheism should also be explained to them, with the parents input on those issues (if the parents feel so compellled), but arm children and they can deal with anything. Shield them and they are prepared to deal with nothing.

Much love

Claire

[PROGENY]

I am not a father, but I would surely let my children learn about any, and all of the world's religions if they choose.

I am currently still learning about many religions, and have much more studying to do before I can expect to understand them.

[pixikill]

our schools teach our kids about other religions.
just part of the curriculum.

[Kdfk]

You need help, catch/lordsdove/american_anus/whoever else, but this forum can not help you.


That's it...Lordsdove..that's who said the same thing to me before and didn't have the gall to say it to my face or even respond to me regarding his rep point thingie....same exact thing he said on the old board too....
Thank you so much for that!!!

[Kdfk]

Hmm...Will I teach my child about other religions...
To be honest with you, I don't think I would have much of a choice as she is a member of a very mixed family. I would not be doing her justice if I did not teach her about her family and about the differences between us religiously as well as the similarities....
Also, I think she needs to be balanced and educated about the world around her as well as about the people who live in it. So, I guess I would say yeah...she will learn.

[candypreet]

Gotchya. So you don't really have a faith in one religion, but studied them from a logical point of view?

I respect most religions (with the exception of blowing up children for Allah) but do lean toward Christianity. I'll teach my child what other religions are about, but will certainly tell her what I think is the truth. Then she can decide for herself when she's older. When she says "Mommy, who made everything?" I'm not going to get into a theological discussion about what this religion says and what that one says, but I simply answer "God made it".

even islam actually doesnt teach violence, I have read thq quaran and found it ok. I am very content with my religion but still like all humans do want to know more. But then do you think god made religion?
I personally feel man made religion to worship god in his own way.

[candypreet]

Children should be regularly exposed to the beliefs of their parents, for parents take an oath that they will do so with a religious marriage ceremony. But don't start smiling just yet.

While being so exposed, it should be explained to them that many people have MANY different beliefs. Taking children to different Sabbath services...for instance if one is a fundamentalist Christian, taking them to a Jewish Synagogue or to a Seder, to a Muslim celebration, to a Greek Orthodox Festival, to a Roman Catholic Mass, or to a Morman Tabernacle, and then discussing the differences gives a child a broad view of religion. One does not have to compromise what they believe (as parents) to EXPOSE their children to other beliefs which they will encounter in the world. Knowledge is POWER. It prepares them for the world in which they will live. To explain, with logic and discussion (rather than vitriol and diatribe) why the parents have chosen one over the other, leaves the child free to make an informed decision when he or she is old enough to do so.

The cold hard facts of agnosticism and atheism should also be explained to them, with the parents input on those issues (if the parents feel so compellled), but arm children and they can deal with anything. Shield them and they are prepared to deal with nothing.

Much love

Claire

very well said

[pilobolus]

I don't have a central belief system that involves a greater being and thus there is no "other" to teach of. I will however teach my children about the myriad of belief systems out there and how they can be a force for both good and evil, and how church is a good place sometimes to meet new chicks...some of the best sex I have had was with Christian girls in particular.

[Trinity]

I have no impulse to dictate to my child what his beliefs will/will not be - when it comes up naturally it will be explained as an unknown - AND that he should take care with those less fortunate whom require a belief in another man's words about God in order to get through this life:

To leave them alone, but when such time as any one believes their value system trumps his - and he is no longer afforded the right to live life on his own terms, to speak out about it and not be afraid - because there is no freedom in living in another's mind trap.

[Kdfk]

I have no impulse to dictate to my child what his beliefs will/will not be - when it comes up naturally it will be explained as an unknown - AND that he should take care with those less fortunate whom require a belief in another man's words about God in order to get through this life:

To leave them alone, but when such time as any one believes their value system trumps his - and he is no longer afforded the right to live life on his own terms, to speak out about it and not be afraid - because there is no freedom in living in another's mind trap.


You have already made up your mind by calling those that do believe less fortunate. So you do have an impulse to dictate to your child what his beliefs will or will not be.

[Trinity]

You have already made up your mind by calling those that do believe less fortunate. So you do have an impulse to dictate to your child what his beliefs will or will not be.

No - those are his mother's beliefs - they need not be his. I'm sure as a naturally curious child he will wish to persue such closed avenues - and will be encouraged to explore his own path - whichever that one it ends up being.

[Kdfk]

No - those are his mother's beliefs - they need not be his. I'm sure as a naturally curious child he will wish to persue such closed avenues - and will be encouraged to explore his own path - whichever that one it ends up being.


Deny it all you want...based on what you said I saw the truth in your statement, and don't think that it won't go unnoticed by your child....and don't think that your views will not rub off...if you deny the truth in it you will be lying to yourself as well as the rest of us "unfortunate" believers.

[Stealth]

I believe parents should teach their children what they feel is in their best interest. If I believe my religion and faith is in their best interest, I will teach them. If not, I won't. But nevertheless, children should be taught about not just religions, but every aspect of existence.

[Dora]

I believe parents should teach their children what they feel is in their best interest. If I believe my religion and faith is in their best interest, I will teach them. If not, I won't. But nevertheless, children should be taught about not just religions, but every aspect of existence.


Well said. I agree.

[Trinity]

Deny it all you want...based on what you said I saw the truth in your statement, and don't think that it won't go unnoticed by your child....and don't think that your views will not rub off...if you deny the truth in it you will be lying to yourself as well as the rest of us "unfortunate" believers.

What truth? That I will explain to my child my beliefs - when he is ready to hear them? That he is free to explore his own - and he will recieve my support, but I will not explain other beliefs to him - because they are not mine to explain?

Where is the 'lie' there? Where is the lie to the 'believers' - I have my own beliefs.

[void* god = NILL]

I teach mine about religion and how I learned to reject it.

[Kdfk]

What truth? That I will explain to my child my beliefs - when he is ready to hear them? That he is free to explore his own - and he will recieve my support, but I will not explain other beliefs to him - because they are not mine to explain?

Where is the 'lie' there? Where is the lie to the 'believers' - I have my own beliefs.


You might have your own beliefs Trinity, yet you felt it important in your first statement to insult those that do believe and talk about how less fortunate they are and that that was what you would teach your child. You may think that you passed that one off, but more than one of us caught it...but as yet I think I am the only one who has bothered to say anything about it.
You are not more superior because of your nonbelief or whatever than those that believe and by insulting them that is what you are trying to make yourself to be...no one regardless of their personal beliefs about religion is any more superior than another. And for the record, I don't feel less fortunate because I believe and follow to the best of my ability my own religion.

[Kdfk]

I believe parents should teach their children what they feel is in their best interest. If I believe my religion and faith is in their best interest, I will teach them. If not, I won't. But nevertheless, children should be taught about not just religions, but every aspect of existence.


Generally speaking that's making sure your child has a well rounded education...which is what I want for my child as well...as I said before in my initial post.

[Becky]

If I were to have children, I would have to teach them about all beliefs. Otherwise how can they truely know what they believe unless they have all the information?

[void* god = NILL]

If I were to have children, I would have to teach them about all beliefs. Otherwise how can they truely know what they believe unless they have all the information?

How about teaching them to believe in themselves. That's all the information they will ever need.

[Trinity]

You might have your own beliefs Trinity, yet you felt it important in your first statement to insult those that do believe and talk about how less fortunate they are and that that was what you would teach your child. You may think that you passed that one off, but more than one of us caught it...but as yet I think I am the only one who has bothered to say anything about it.
You are not more superior because of your nonbelief or whatever than those that believe and by insulting them that is what you are trying to make yourself to be...no one regardless of their personal beliefs about religion is any more superior than another. And for the record, I don't feel less fortunate because I believe and follow to the best of my ability my own religion.

KDFK......

Why does it bother you? Aren't people 'entitled to their views'.....?

I had a rather imaginative moment once - God was coming to pay Trinity a visit - and all the 'evilness and wickedness of my ways' (ie: shortcomings) promptly came to the front and let me tell ya.... I was *really* scared.

Then I realized a trueism in my life: at the heart of the matter, I was still controlled by organized religion.
And I vowed never to let another belief system affect me so deeply - because it didn't make sense.

If a person is strong in their own belief and convictions, what someone else beliefs or thinks really has no bearing. Showing emotions certainly does not indicate *superiority*, and I am truely suprised you would see it as such - because in a tolerant society, not everyone walks the same path.

[Rl Old Dutch]

I believe parents should teach their children what they feel is in their best interest. If I believe my religion and faith is in their best interest, I will teach them. If not, I won't. But nevertheless, children should be taught about not just religions, but every aspect of existence.

Well Stealth... Yes our kids should be thought, about the STUPIDITY of AROGANT- KNOW ALL MANKIND... alway knowing better... and always claiming to know THE ONLY TRUTH... a fucking TRUTH they'll pick up the UNHOLY MURDERING HOLY SWORD for... A TRUTH they will run through a mine-field for... A TRUTH they will blow up thousands- to millions of totally innocents for...

Look back in History boy... and look around the World today... Every prick is murdering every prick in the name of the forever UNPROVEN GODS...

NO GOD HAS EVER WRITTEN ONE HOLY BOOK AS YET... AND YOUR MOST IMPORTANT PROPHETS COULD NOT EVEN WRITE... What dumb God would pick unalphabetic dumbos as his Prophets?... Would you, if you were a GOD?... And if you were a GOD... would you allow people to take 200-300 years to write THE WORD OF GOD... with human beings claiming the COPY-RIGHTS... and gathering the wealth and the riches, for your GODLY WORD?

Would you think that a SATAN or SAYTAIN... who hates the guts of GOD, to be dumb and stupid enough to serve the GOD he hates, by torturing- and burning little sinners, for him?... Think boy... Nothing fits... You are the most intelligent Muslim here... THINK!... Try to think like a GOD-hating Satan would.... even if you don't believe in SATAN, as I do... I challenge the dumn prick and all his demons, -devils, ghosts, -spirits and earthly followers, to come and get me... Get your withy-boards out you dumb bastards of Withes and Warlocks... I AM THE MASTER... and THE POWER...

Our kids should learn about the ape-man-like- tent-nomadic primitives of the past (tent-nomads are still stupid today)... who brought us the nutcase- warmongering- religious fairy-tales, about warriors on flying carpets and -on flying horses.... led by an Ali-Baba-Prophet (burp) on a winged flying donkey named "BORAK"... who had flying elephants to fight wars and birds dropping stones on opposing Armees...

Yes our kids should be told about the stupidity of it all... and about the stupidity of JIHAD (Holy War), just as they should be told that no SWORD in the World is ever HOLY.... as a SWORD was designed for MURDER... just as a HOLY WAR MEANS:,,, "MURDER"...

DEATH TO ISLAM!...

[Kdfk]

KDFK......


because in a tolerant society, not everyone walks the same path.


Yes they do, but I don't feel the need to insult them for it....as you did.

[Trinity]

Yes they do, but I don't feel the need to insult them for it....as you did.

Can I speak my truth or can't I?

Of course it will be an insult to anyone within an organized religion..... duh..... just as those who claim 'knowledge' state everyone must respect them, or not say anything......


kind of a wierd circle, eh?

[Kdfk]

Can I speak my truth or can't I?

Of course it will be an insult to anyone within an organized religion..... duh..... just as those who claim 'knowledge' state everyone must respect them, or not say anything......


kind of a wierd circle, eh?

Believe what you want...it still doesn't change what I and others have caught on to regarding your post. I don't need any more proof or double tongued talk you like to give to know it.

[Trinity]

Believe what you want...it still doesn't change what I and others have caught on to regarding your post. I don't need any more proof or double tongued talk you like to give to know it.

Kdfk:

Am I entitled to my beliefs or not?

Am I preventing you from practicing your beliefs?

What is the problem?

[Kdfk]

Kdfk:

Am I entitled to my beliefs or not?

Am I preventing you from practicing your beliefs?

What is the problem?

I repeat so you see it yet again...

BELIEVE WHAT YOU WANT ... and I stand by what I said...it has nothing to do with preventing anyone from practicing their beliefs...

[Trinity]

I repeat so you see it yet again...

BELIEVE WHAT YOU WANT ... and I stand by what I said...

what was two faced about what I wrote?

I DON'T BELIEVE in organized RELIGION.

I DO NOT AGREE WITH ANY FOR I FIND THEM ALL TO BE A CRUTCH & I do feel sorry for those people who do believe in ANY organized religion.

What "I" think will probably not be the choice for my son. It will take him seeking and searching out his own answers, JUST AS I DID, to come to any decision. I WON'T interfer with that process.

It has to be his choice because he has to live with it - just as my choice had to be my own, just as yours had to be your own, just as fuzzi's had to be her own....... ETC ETC ETC.

[Kdfk]

Yep...I read your views the first time Trinity. I know what your views are...however, people that do not believe as you do are not "less fortunate"....they simply do not believe as you do. Hence that is what I find two faced in your statement.

[Catwoman]

Children should be regularly exposed to the beliefs of their parents, for parents take an oath that they will do so with a religious marriage ceremony. But don't start smiling just yet.

While being so exposed, it should be explained to them that many people have MANY different beliefs. Taking children to different Sabbath services...for instance if one is a fundamentalist Christian, taking them to a Jewish Synagogue or to a Seder, to a Muslim celebration, to a Greek Orthodox Festival, to a Roman Catholic Mass, or to a Morman Tabernacle, and then discussing the differences gives a child a broad view of religion. One does not have to compromise what they believe (as parents) to EXPOSE their children to other beliefs which they will encounter in the world. Knowledge is POWER. It prepares them for the world in which they will live. To explain, with logic and discussion (rather than vitriol and diatribe) why the parents have chosen one over the other, leaves the child free to make an informed decision when he or she is old enough to do so.

The cold hard facts of agnosticism and atheism should also be explained to them, with the parents input on those issues (if the parents feel so compellled), but arm children and they can deal with anything. Shield them and they are prepared to deal with nothing.

Much love

Claire


Kudos to you.

This is how i was raised.

[Trinity]

Yep...I read your views the first time Trinity. I know what your views are...however, people that do not believe as you do are not "less fortunate"....they simply do not believe as you do. Hence that is what I find two faced in your statement.

I think that is a long way removed from........... shoving my beliefs down your throat.

How is it two-faced? Even with an objective POV I still have a subjective belief.

Are you really going to be upset that ONE person on the planet thinks that those whom need the crutch of organized religion are 'less fortunate'?

Perhaps the good question is why I believe that......

Judge away, though. I hear it all the time from the pious religious group about the 'evil' and 'lack of morals' and 'lack of respect' from the non-religious.....

[Kdfk]

I think that is a long way removed from........... shoving my beliefs down your throat.

How is it two-faced? Even with an objective POV I still have a subjective belief.

Are you really going to be upset that ONE person on the planet thinks that those whom need the crutch of organized religion are 'less fortunate'?

Perhaps the good question is why I believe that......

Judge away, though. I hear it all the time from the pious religious group about the 'evil' and 'lack of morals' and 'lack of respect' from the non-religious.....


Point to me where I said you were pushing your beliefs down my throat or anyone else's. I said you can not claim that you are objective and say that those that believe are less fortunate because it is in fact not objective like you would like all those reading to believe. Honestly, if that is how you feel it is fine by me, but don't pretend to be unbiased as you are because it just isn't so.
That is what I see as being two faced in the statement. I am not judging you, I am pointing something out that is fact. I have my views, and they are mine. You have yours and they are yours, but I am not claiming that I am not biased or objective and in the same breath saying something exactly opposed.

[Trinity]

Point to me where I said you were pushing your beliefs down my throat or anyone else's.

You are calling me two faced - ie a liar - for something that is a belief.


I said you can not claim that you are objective and say that those that believe are less fortunate because it is in fact not objective like you would like all those reading to believe.

I would not introduce any of my actual beliefs (ie:reoccuring lives, 42 laws, etc, etc....) But.... don't you think he will wonder why when he is older why we as a family do not attend any formal environment? I certainly do - and I'm prepared to instill an empathic viewpoint.


Honestly, if that is how you feel it is fine by me, but don't pretend to be unbiased as you are because it just isn't so.

This 'arguement' grows old...


That is what I see as being two faced in the statement. I am not judging you, I am pointing something out that is fact. I have my views, and they are mine. You have yours and they are yours, but I am not claiming that I am not biased or objective and in the same breath saying something exactly opposed.

How is it bias when I'm not presenting him my belief system? How much more 'obejctive' can a person get?

sheesh.

[Kdfk]

keep trying there Trinity...you still make no sense...and yes...I am becoming bored with you....so for that reason I will allow this to die....

[GlteByAsocashun]

No.

[Claire Aiden]

No.

Then you are depriving your children of their God given right to make their own decision. Kahlil Gibran said something to the effect that our children come through us not "from" us. They have the same right to choose that you did. (and if you didn't have the right, YOU were deprived too). I didn't have the right growing up, but I demanded the right as a young adult. Much to my fundamentalist familiy's dissatisfaction (or at least some of them). :)

Lovingly,

Claire

[candypreet]

Then you are depriving your children of their God given right to make their own decision. Kahlil Gibran said something to the effect that our children come through us not "from" us. They have the same right to choose that you did. (and if you didn't have the right, YOU were deprived too). I didn't have the right growing up, but I demanded the right as a young adult. Much to my fundamentalist familiy's dissatisfaction (or at least some of them). :)

Lovingly,

Claire

thats very well said, iwish I could give you a greenie now

[Rl Old Dutch]

what was two faced about what I wrote?

I DON'T BELIEVE in organized RELIGION.

I DO NOT AGREE WITH ANY FOR I FIND THEM ALL TO BE A CRUTCH & I do feel sorry for those people who do believe in ANY organized religion.

What "I" think will probably not be the choice for my son. It will take him seeking and searching out his own answers, JUST AS I DID, to come to any decision. I WON'T interfer with that process.

It has to be his choice because he has to live with it - just as my choice had to be my own, just as yours had to be your own, just as fuzzi's had to be her own....... ETC ETC ETC.

You sound like my ex-Protestant Christian (Dutch Reformed) Mum (born in 1888)... She gave me a free hand to believe or not believe as I wished, at my age 4... when I also became a vegetarian... calling the butcher a "MURDERER"... At that age (4), I fell in love with the brand new "girl next door" (age 5) with our chatting mothers in front of our flats, laughing about us two kissing each other, for 2 hours or so... She was my buddy from my age 4-14 and I protected her from being raped by the big boys, as we played in the Amsterdam Vondelpark... Today we are still friends, while she... living in Perth, Australia, searched in the USA and Canada for me, for 45 years, while I actually lived in Australia for 19 years... I found her back in Australia (via the net) in the year 2000 and she still mothers over me... I proposed secret marriage to her from my age 4-7... but she refused while she desperately loved me, because I was not a Catholic... crying about me and praying for me, while she dragged me to the big Gothic St. Vincencius Church (now demolished), to help clean my blackened soul... for I was the unbabtised HEATHEN, bound to burn in Hell forever and ever...

I found God a cruel bit of a bugger... as bad as Hitler for wanting to burn me, my Mummy and my Daddy and my 3 brothers as well... and inside the Church, I watched the horrible Jesus scenes on the big stained glass windows and I wondered... what bastard of a God would let his son die on the cross... But what I want to say here is... that my Protestant Mother and my ex-Protestan (Apostolic-) Father... who hated Christianity, allowed me to chose for the Roman Catholic Church... from age 4-7... (I never prayed... nor did I ever believe)...

Then the Germans marched into my country in may 1940 and as I stood in front of the first German soldier in our street... my mother looked filthy at me from her balcony, as my friends and I accepted lolies from the enemy. I had just turned seven... and a little under my eye height, I read what was written on his big shiny belt buckle... "GOT MIT UNS" it said, around a flying eagle (adler) holding the swastica in a circle... "GOT MIT UNS" means "GOD WITH US" and I was angry, with that GOD of the girl next door, for being with the enemy... So I ask my Protestant-thinking Mother, if I could dump God and throw my Catholic (stolen- but blessed) Bible, the many Jesus- and Mary-pictures and the big (bought-) crusifix above my bed into the garbage bin, together with my (stolen- but blessed) rosary... And my sweet Mother approved...

Just like my mother, my (ex-Catholic-) wife and I gave my four sons the freedom, to believe or not believe as the wished, at too early an age... Some smiling nutcase of a Bible-basher walked into my front yard, shaking his own hands, calling me "brother", while I wasn't his 'brother...He asked me if I had any objections for my 3 boys to go to sunday school and me, disliking Bible bashers, told him with a sour face, that I could think of many objections... and still see that fats, with his puffy-faced sad looks... clearing up, like the face of a child molester seeying the everlasting light, when I sneared at him with indifference: "Why don't you ask my kids, boy... and don't bother me with it"...

So my ex-Catholic wife, brought up to never trust a Protestant KETTER (INFIDEL), in our Belfast-style Catholic Neighbourhood, where Heathen me, had played TopCat "The Rat", approved too, so to Sunday School, they went... My closest 3rd son (still my big mate) begged me in tears that night, never to have to go to sunday school again... He found it absolutely horrible and he hated God, for wanting to burn "sinners" like me and his mother... as they had told him that (he is a so called Atheist today)... My 2nd son (today an Atheist) found it horrible too, particularely the hymn singing, with to him, stupid texts... He was however willing to keep going there, to accompany his eldest brother who was hooked... and mentally screwed up forever... Today, he is a Pentacostel-boy... still loving his Heathen Daddy... but that hadn't always been the case...

Months later I searched for Brother Moonface, to murder him, together with my little 3rd son, who traced him hiding in fear behind a tree, almost crying (I'm a wild bastard) in a forest with big signs saying "JESUS IS HERE"... But that's another story, hehehe...

[Rl Old Dutch]

Then you are depriving your children of their God given right to make their own decision. Kahlil Gibran said something to the effect that our children come through us not "from" us. They have the same right to choose that you did. (and if you didn't have the right, YOU were deprived too). I didn't have the right growing up, but I demanded the right as a young adult. Much to my fundamentalist familiy's dissatisfaction (or at least some of them). :)

Lovingly,

Claire

To an unbabtized Heathen like me, my lovely Claire Aiden, that is of course not a "GODGIVEN RIGHT", as my ex-Catholic darling and Heathen me, gave my four sons the possibilty to believe or not to believe as they wished...

My eldest Pentacostel son, would not like it, if I would try to talk his many children (10 off them) out of their Christian (Pentacostel-) faith... and yet, he tried to talk the stephson of my closet son (my buddy) into becoming to becoming a Cristian, while the kid was on holidays (at his 8-9 bedroom home) in Australia, angering my Heathen family, on the Dutch side of the fence... Both my son (his stephfather) and me, talked the boy (now 22) out of it again...after my eldest son had brainwashed him for two months... We didn't want another "lost son" in the family... Bible-bashing us for the next ten to twenty years, as my eldest son and his darling Australian wife had done, for years on end... They are still all praying themselves cross-eyed, for my wife and me going to a Heaven, where we don't want to go to... not even if that Heaven would excist...My deep believing Catholic wife, willfully chose for HELL, when she married me, the Heathen... out of church...

Christian are often seeying the talking into Christianity of a non-believing child or -person, as a noble "GOOD" deed... while they'll see the talking out of Christianity of a Christian child or -person, as a Satanic "BAD" deed...

To me both deeds are the same... either both "GOOD" or both "BAD"...

[Trinity]

You sound like my ex-Protestant Christian (Dutch Reformed) Mum (born in 1888)... She gave me a free hand to believe or not believe as I wished, at my age 4... when I also became a vegetarian... calling the butcher a "MURDERER"... At that age (4), I fell in love with the brand new "girl next door" (age 5) with our chatting mothers in front of our flats, laughing about us two kissing each other, for 2 hours or so... She was my buddy from my age 4-14 and I protected her from being raped by the big boys, as we played in the Amsterdam Vondelpark... Today we are still friends, while she... living in Perth, Australia, searched in the USA and Canada for me, for 45 years, while I actually lived in Australia for 19 years... I found her back in Australia (via the net) in the year 2000 and she still mothers over me... I proposed secret marriage to her from my age 4-7... but she refused while she desperately loved me, because I was not a Catholic... crying about me and praying for me, while she dragged me to the big Gothic St. Vincencius Church (now demolished), to help clean my blackened soul... for I was the unbabtised HEATHEN, bound to burn in Hell forever and ever...

I found God a cruel bit of a bugger... as bad as Hitler for wanting to burn me, my Mummy and my Daddy and my 3 brothers as well... and inside the Church, I watched the horrible Jesus scenes on the big stained glass windows and I wondered... what bastard of a God would let his son die on the cross... But what I want to say here is... that my Protestant Mother and my ex-Protestan (Apostolic-) Father... who hated Christianity, allowed me to chose for the Roman Catholic Church... from age 4-7... (I never prayed... nor did I ever believe)...

Then the Germans marched into my country in may 1940 and as I stood in front of the first German soldier in our street... my mother looked filthy at me from her balcony, as my friends and I accepted lolies from the enemy. I had just turned seven... and a little under my eye height, I read what was written on his big shiny belt buckle... "GOT MIT UNS" it said, around a flying eagle (adler) holding the swastica in a circle... "GOT MIT UNS" means "GOD WITH US" and I was angry, with that GOD of the girl next door, for being with the enemy... So I ask my Protestant-thinking Mother, if I could dump God and throw my Catholic (stolen- but blessed) Bible, the many Jesus- and Mary-pictures and the big (bought-) crusifix above my bed into the garbage bin, together with my (stolen- but blessed) rosary... And my sweet Mother approved...

Just like my mother, my (ex-Catholic-) wife and I gave my four sons the freedom, to believe or not believe as the wished, at too early an age... Some smiling nutcase of a Bible-basher walked into my front yard, shaking his own hands, calling me "brother", while I wasn't his 'brother...He asked me if I had any objections for my 3 boys to go to sunday school and me, disliking Bible bashers, told him with a sour face, that I could think of many objections... and still see that fats, with his puffy-faced sad looks... clearing up, like the face of a child molester seeying the everlasting light, when I sneared at him with indifference: "Why don't you ask my kids, boy... and don't bother me with it"...

So my ex-Catholic wife, brought up to never trust a Protestant KETTER (INFIDEL), in our Belfast-style Catholic Neighbourhood, where Heathen me, had played TopCat "The Rat", approved too, so to Sunday School, they went... My closest 3rd son (still my big mate) begged me in tears that night, never to have to go to sunday school again... He found it absolutely horrible and he hated God, for wanting to burn "sinners" like me and his mother... as they had told him that (he is a so called Atheist today)... My 2nd son (today an Atheist) found it horrible too, particularely the hymn singing, with to him, stupid texts... He was however willing to keep going there, to accompany his eldest brother who was hooked... and mentally screwed up forever... Today, he is a Pentacostel-boy... still loving his Heathen Daddy... but that hadn't always been the case...

Months later I searched for Brother Moonface, to murder him, together with my little 3rd son, who traced him hiding in fear behind a tree, almost crying (I'm a wild bastard) in a forest with big signs saying "JESUS IS HERE"... But that's another story, hehehe...

Hey, thanks for sharing....

I've tried on many different 'faiths'....... and the only metaphor I find aptly describes it......

"What is the point of putting on clothes when one realizes they are a nudist?"

If the point of a parent is to nurture their child, see them grow and develop.... why not give them a chance to test out their wings in areas like religion before they have to fly in life?

All the best.

[Shinywalrus]

I will probably tell them that they exist once they're grounded in Christianity. I'll probably talk a bit about Judaism since it has a pretty fair impact on the Christian faith.

To me, bringing up godly children is probably one of the 2 or 3 most important tasks of my life. It's not like I'm going to punish them if they end up choosing something else - they're independent creatures and capable of intelligent thought. But I'm also not going to encourage them into systems of belief that I believe are, quite frankly, wrong, while I still have the power to influence.

[Rl Old Dutch]

Hey, thanks for sharing....

I've tried on many different 'faiths'....... and the only metaphor I find aptly describes it......

"What is the point of putting on clothes when one realizes they are a nudist?"

If the point of a parent is to nurture their child, see them grow and develop.... why not give them a chance to test out their wings in areas like religion before they have to fly in life?

All the best.

Other than a 3-year- curiosity period of going to Roman Catholic St. Vincentius Church, Amsterdam (now demolished)... dragged to that place by the one year old girl next door at my age 4 - 7, I merely did go to that smelly boring Church, because as the non-babtised child of ex-Protestant Christian Parents, I was born "the sinner", "the wicket one", "the son of the Devil", "the Ketter" (a Protestant bastard), "the child with the black soul, doomed to go to Hell" and all the names the followers of a faith or religion, are inclined to call a child or person, who does not believe as they do...

Catholic children told me continiously, almost from my baby-age: "my Mother does not want me to play with you, because you are a "ketter" (Protestant), who goes to Hell, because you are not a Catholic... but I still will play with you, because I like you"... If you are classed as the Satanic Devil, you might as well behave like one (and I find it a pitty, the America and her citizens, so often try to play the goody-goody, while they are classed as the "bad ones" anyway, by so many). I became the neighbourhood's Devil, showering the Catholic Mums, with blasphemy, swearing- and insults... and due to my wild- and filthy street fighting, I became known as "De RAT" and as the Heathen, playing TopCat in a Roman Catholic gang of war-time juvenile delinquents, stealing from the Germans, from the churches and from shops or department stores...

Nothing against Catholics (times have changed) as the Protestant God was forced into my throat as well, at State School and in the Dutch Army as well, as I live in a basically Protestant country... Refusing to go to (Protestant-) Church in the Dutch Army (1953-1954), I was forced to swim almost naked (together with another 22 kids) in icy water outside, with ice floating on top of the water and with snow painting the Dutch landscape... I never saw a camera... but a photograph of us swimming in that icy water was on the frontpage of Communistic Newspaper "De Waarheid" ("The Truth") the next day... with some big heading like: "OUR SOLDIERS ARE TORTURED, FOR REFUSING TO GO TO CHURCH"... One kid, was later degraded from Sergeant Gun Commander, Ack-Ack 40 mm Bofors, to Lance Corporal, just as I was...

Today all that is forbidden and my granddaughter here (19) hardly knows who Jesus was, while Mohammed means less to her, than Ivan the terrible-, or Josef Stalin does... Prayer at our State Schools is strictly forbidden... 60% of the Dutch have turned their backs to God and to the faith and the Christians are only ruling at this moment, because Socialist (not NAZI-) Pim Fortuyn (later murdered by a Dutch vegetarian) caused a landslide by dragging Communists and Socialists from the (mighty-) Left, who branded him a NAZI and a RACIST, together with the Muslims... A Catholic- self confessed poof, with Jews- and black- brown- and yellow friends, also in his Party-top, can never be an extreme Right Winger...

The Dutch in general are fed-up with God as we had centuries of dictatorial religious rule and centuries of religious warfare...





I won't complain, but I suffered as much under Dictatorial Protestantism as under Dictatorial Catholic pressure (the NAZIS were Christians, by the way, giving Herr Hitler his 90% vote)... All Religions and any fath, is DICTATORIAL in it's base... and GOD was whipped into our ancestors, by the whip and the Holy Sword and in my country, in Irish style battles, between the Orange (Protatants) and the Green (Catholics), with the Protestant House of Orange Nassau, coming out as the WINNERS... with the Netherlands (Lower Lands) losing Belgium to the Spanish Catholics and with the Catholic faith forbidden... In 1700, every Dutch citizen except the Jews, were forced to be Protestants... Us Dutch don'twant that same religious shit again, with the Muslims...

http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Eighty%20Years%27%20War
http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Duke%20of%20Alva
http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/William%20I%20of%20Orange
http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/House%20of%20Orange

Only in the Netherlands, a Catholic Latin American chick, can become the wife of a Protestant King to be, as our future Queen... The nutcase Protestant Reverant, Ian Paceley of Ireland, is horrified by that idea...

http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/M%E1xima%20Zorreguieta

http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Prince%20Willem-Alexander%20of%20the%20Netherlands

If 60% of the Dutch kids with no religion, should be thaught other religions, they should also be thaught Witchcraft, Voodoo, Atheism, NAZIsm and Communism, if teaching them religion is so important for their proper choice making?... We are all fucked up by the BRAINWASH of the Society- or even the neighbourhoods we live in... Millions of people of a certain Political Political Party, -Religion, -Faith or Ideology, ALL talk the same and equally as stupid or -as wise... All those nutcases, class themselves as "GOOD", while they'll class all the others as the "BAD"... and the primitive- backward- "GOOD" Muslims go as far, as to wanting to murder and wipe out the "BAD" non-Muslims...

ISLAM...RELIGION OF PEACE, hehehe...
http://www.prophetofdoom.net/quotes1.html#fighting

ISLAM (not it's followers) should be wiped out...

DEATH TO ISLAM!...

[candypreet]

bump of the month

[OldGit]

there is only one true religion and that is faith in Jesus Christ our LORD and savior ... we must all bend our knees and say with our tongues that we believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and we will be saved

Oh - well I guess that means 'no', then... That's what we need in the world, more inspired biggots.

[OldGit]

6 and four ,my husband is a hindu and I am a sikh, but I try and make sure they read about all religions ( couldnt find any good book for children about jews though)

I never met a Sikh I didn't like. I'm sure there must be some somewhere, but they seem such an open people. Open to others, open to give help where they see a need, and open to a respect for the views of other people. Having read a little about their faith, I discover that these things are the bedrock of their creed, unlike that blinkered* fucker Rusted Ford and his / her ilk.


Footnote

(* I understand that the British term blinkered doesn't cross the Atlantic well. Blinkers were eye shields put on horses at the beginning of the last century which helped hide the frightening motor traffic from them, preventing them from panic. They could only see straight ahead. The term is used to describe those whose view of the world is circumscribed by some overbearing faith or poltical dogma that prevents them having a wider view.)

[OldGit]

So you teach them from a theology point of view? In other words, you don't say "heaven is where you go when you die" but you say it more like "some people believe heaven is where they go when they die". What do you say to a 4-year-old who says "well what do you believe, Mommy?"

Just tell him, and then say, 'but I also think that everybody needs to make up their own mind, so you can think about what I said and see what other people have to say, and then decide - One more thing son - never be afraid to change your mind if you discover you might have been wrong. It takes a bigger man to do that than to stick with something that isn't true.'

[Imperfectionist]

(* I understand that the British term blinkered doesn't cross the Atlantic well. Blinkers were eye shields put on horses at the beginning of the last century which helped hide the frightening motor traffic from them, preventing them from panic. They could only see straight ahead. The term is used to describe those whose view of the world is circumscribed by some overbearing faith or poltical dogma that prevents them having a wider view.)
Yeah, we Yanks say the same thing, but use the word "blinders" instead of "blinkers". I say "line" you say "queue", I say "elevator", you say "lift", I say "/CON-troh-ver-see/", you say "/con-TRAH-ver-see/"... hey, let's call the whole thing off! :)

[OldGit]

Gotchya. So you don't really have a faith in one religion, but studied them from a logical point of view?

I respect most religions (with the exception of blowing up children for Allah) but do lean toward Christianity.

I have no particular interest in Islam, and I'm not an advocate of it (just for the civil rights of peaceful Muslims), but you know voyeur, that isn't a mianstream Islamic idea, any more than slaughtering blasphemers is a mainstream Jewish idea, or Murdering abortion clinic doctors is a mainstream Christian one.

The fact that some way out criminal mad men and a wild sect of Islam have taken certain verses to give them the right to enact their political and extremist religious interpretataions, doesn't mean the majority of Muslims are into the same fucked up ways. I can't tell you how many times I've heard ordinary people express their shame and embarrassment at the antics of these fuckers. In the UK, most intel against extremist Muslims comes from people at the local mossque who are concerned at the attitudes or conduct of their fellows. We have nearly 2 million Muslims in Britain and nearly all of them want to just live here and get on with their lives, like everybody else does. A few of them are dangerous extremists, but so are some Christians, like the people in the States who murder doctors at abortion clinics...

I expect you know all that stuff though.

[OldGit]

Yeah, we Yanks say the same thing, but use the word "blinders" instead of "blinkers". I say "line" you say "queue", I say "elevator", you say "lift", I say "/CON-troh-ver-see/", you say "/con-TRAH-ver-see/"... hey, let's call the whole thing off! :)

I say tomarto you say tomeighto.

Yeah I was once pulled about the word 'blinkered' - hence the long boring definition....

:)

[OldGit]

I am not a father, but I would surely let my children learn about any, and all of the world's religions if they choose.

I am currently still learning about many religions, and have much more studying to do before I can expect to understand them.

That's a good and useful approach.

[Mr. Drags]

If I'm ever fortunate enough to have children I probably wouldn't introduce them to another religion until they're old enough to understand and make their own choices.

I'm not the most religious man, but am a man of faith. If my children wish to honestly explore another faith I hope I'd be man enough to help them along. But until I have childre, I can only speculate

[TXKEVIN]

I do.

No. I will expose them only to Christianity. They may choose the form that speaks to their heart. Any exposure to other religions will be on their own.

The reason.... If nothing else, the ideals that I see in Christianity, the true ideas, if followed will lead my kids to be the kind of men and women I would like for them to be.

[OldGit]

and how church is a good place sometimes to meet new chicks...some of the best sex I have had was with Christian girls in particular.

That's an interesting approach to the search for religious truth. Maybe I should begin a new quest - I suddenly feel the need to find religious inspiration all over again - now where shall I begin?

[OldGit]

I have no impulse to dictate to my child what his beliefs will/will not be - when it comes up naturally it will be explained as an unknown - AND that he should take care with those less fortunate whom require a belief in another man's words about God in order to get through this life:

To leave them alone, but when such time as any one believes their value system trumps his - and he is no longer afforded the right to live life on his own terms, to speak out about it and not be afraid - because there is no freedom in living in another's mind trap.

I actually doubt that children would develop any kind of religious impulse if they are not exposed to the panoply of religious ceremony and belief.

[OldGit]

I believe parents should teach their children what they feel is in their best interest. If I believe my religion and faith is in their best interest, I will teach them. If not, I won't. But nevertheless, children should be taught about not just religions, but every aspect of existence.

Will you teach them to call women c*nts. when they're challenged by them? You know - like you did with Pispas a little while ago?

[Rightwingnut]

I dont teach my children any religion. They are allowed to choose thier own path and that includes researching and discovering what belief system best fist them.

My daughter, like my wife, is a Christian. My youngest son is much like me, an agonstic. My oldest son believes in God fully, but questions much about his purpose.

[OldGit]

I dont teach my children any religion. They are allowed to choose thier own path and that includes researching and discovering what belief system best fist them.

My daughter, like my wife, is a Christian. My youngest son is much like me, an agonstic. My oldest son believes in God fully, but questions much about his purpose.

Must make for some iteresting family discussions Jeff.

[OldGit]

and how church is a good place sometimes to meet new chicks...some of the best sex I have had was with Christian girls in particular.

What - like the ones that say -

"God this is a sin Philobus - no, no - don't stop baby - fuck me - yes - yeasss - Fuck me. Oh my God I'm coming to hell - Ohhhhhhhhhhh.' Big smile - eyes tight shut - very pink - very, very relaxed suddenly, and then they start all over again?

You little incubus you....

[Rightwingnut]

Must make for some iteresting family discussions Jeff.

Sometimes. But amazingly those discussions stay pretty civil. My wife knows she isnt going to change me so there are no recriminations. Sometimes one of us will say something that makes the other do the Rolling eyes..but other wise its peaceful.

[OldGit]

Sometimes. But amazingly those discussions stay pretty civil. My wife knows she isnt going to change me so there are no recriminations. Sometimes one of us will say something that makes the other do the Rolling eyes..but other wise its peaceful.

That's because you're civil people.

I suppose a lot of families are like that.

[Ethyl]

I actually doubt that children would develop any kind of religious impulse if they are not exposed to the panoply of religious ceremony and belief.

I do believe there is a natural tendancy to attempt to explain why we are here - which leads to where we came from and where we go after.

[OldGit]

I do believe there is a natural tendancy to attempt to explain why we are here - which leads to where we came from and where we go after.

That's true Ethyl - for some, but in the modern world, many seek meaning in consumerism and hedonistic pleasure. Vast numbers exist like that, blind to any philosophical thinking, principally because no one bothered to show them anything else.

[Lone Star]

EBI. :add09:

[fuzzi pariah]

I understand that the British term blinkered doesn't cross the Atlantic well. Blinkers were eye shields put on horses at the beginning of the last century which helped hide the frightening motor traffic from them, preventing them from panic. They could only see straight ahead. The term is used to describe those whose view of the world is circumscribed by some overbearing faith or poltical dogma that prevents them having a wider view.)
I understood the term, when I was a child I read Black Beauty...

...oh, and my spare tire is in the trunk of my car, not in the boot...

;)

[OldGit]

I understood the term, when I was a child I read Black Beauty...

...oh, and my spare tire is in the trunk of my car, not in the boot...

;)

Sorry to have overexplained the obvious. I used the term before and received questions indicating total incomprehension.

You keep your car engine under the hood, I believe - mine is under the bonnet...

[fuzzi pariah]

Sorry to have overexplained the obvious. I used the term before and received questions indicating total incomprehension.

You keep your car engine under the hood, I believe - mine is under the bonnet...
No problem, some might not have understood...does any of us know it all, really? (not act, but know) ;)

Yes, I have a hood, you have a bonnet. They're both good for covering the head...interesting.

My turn:

And my windshield needs to be cleaned...do you have any dead bugs on your windscreen?

[OldGit]

No - it's clean as a whistle - whatever that means.

:)

[fuzzi pariah]

And did you remember to take the dust bin out?

I put my garbage can by the side of the road for pickup on Wednesdays...

(we could do this for days, lol)

[OldGit]

And did you remember to take the dust bin out?

I put my garbage can by the side of the road for pickup on Wednesdays...

(we could do this for days, lol)

I don't have a 'dust bin' anymore.I have two wheely bins - one for rubbish and one for compostable garden waste. I also have a box for recycling bottles, cans and plastic. Junk (rubbish) has got very complex nowadays... I'm thinking of making it a full time job.

http://www.theslipperytruffle.com/happy/daily/archives/001563.html

[fuzzi pariah]

I don't have a 'dust bin' anymore.I have two wheely bins - one for rubbish and one for compostable garden waste. I also have a box for recycling bottles, cans and plastic. Junk (rubbish) has got very complex nowadays... I'm thinking of making it a full time job.

http://www.theslipperytruffle.com/happy/daily/archives/001563.html
There's no mandatory recycling program where I live. I was separating the glass/plastic/aluminum in my last place, but when it was picked up, the garbage men just chucked it in with the rest of the garbage...so I stopped, as it seemed to be wasted effort.

When I was a teen the town dump had an area for glass recycling. You could take your glass bottles and toss them into cinderblock bins. It was great fun hurling the bottles into the bins and watch them smash....

:D

Oh, and I have a compost bin in the back yard; I've been composting for years. My flowers love it.

[OldGit]

And did you remember to take the dust bin out?

I put my garbage can by the side of the road for pickup on Wednesdays...

(we could do this for days, lol)

"Two nations, divided by a common language." Winston Churchill.

Here are a few more for you - and maybe our 'Ponder' has a contribution on the forum I'm pointing you to - http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=146860 .

[candypreet]

I actually doubt that children would develop any kind of religious impulse if they are not exposed to the panoply of religious ceremony and belief.
I thimk you are correct, a child should be free - free enough to decide on his/her own what religion is. By imposing my religion ( or anyone else's religion )on them, will I be actually fair to the childs individuality?

[Peace]

I do.

I do too!

Religion has to be a matter of free and considered choice - otherwise it is worthless!

:)

[OldGit]

I thimk you are correct, a child should be free - free enough to decide on his/her own what religion is. By imposing my religion ( or anyone else's religion )on them, will I be actually fair to the childs individuality?

Forcing of one's view actually doesn't work. I was brought up in a strict Catholic household. It was impossible not to attend church on a Sunday, and for about five years, I had to go twice on Sundays. Result. I've been an atheist for nearly forty years. A mate of mine on the other hand was brought up by a father who was a communist and militant atheist. The son is now a seriously religious pillar of the community - big into mainstream local politics. He'll probably be mayor of the city he lives in next year. His old man must be turning in his grave... Never underestimate the fact that your kids will reject what you force into them... Like force feeding in general, it makes you want to vomit. I've seen the same reaction in my own eldest son as well. The other two, brought up when I was a bit older and wiser are much more prepared to listen to me.

[GIOVANNI DA MODENA]

I was born Catholic, but I am a free spirit beliver. Meaning i have faith in God and i do belive Jesus is the Son of God but i dont belive in following an organized form of religion. Faith is in our hearts and it should be free. God will love you as long as you have faith. The organized religions is what causes problems in the world.
My future child will be raised with the teachings of God and love and honor and respect there fellow man and women as i do each day to fullfill my obligation to God.

Peace and Blessings

[candypreet]

I was born Catholic, but I am a free spirit beliver. Meaning i have faith in God and i do belive Jesus is the Son of God but i dont belive in following an organized form of religion. Faith is in our hearts and it should be free. God will love you as long as you have faith. The organized religions is what causes problems in the world.
My future child will be raised with the teachings of God and love and honor and respect there fellow man and women as i do each day to fullfill my obligation to God.

Peace and Blessings



good post

[candypreet]

any comments on this

[Ethyl]

Children need to be grounded in their own culture's religious beliefs before they are introduced to others.

I believe that teaching children a multitude of religions could lead to a host of psychological problems as young children thrive in an environment of consistantancy.

Besides, why would someone choose to pass on someone else's belief if they hated their own so much? Why not pass it on to their children?

(My child will be raised in a Catholic environment.)

[Terdarmo]

I plan on teaching my kids about all forms of religion. I, however, refuse to force them to pledge allegiance to any of them. I'll force them to do their homework before I'll force them to pray or go to church.

[Virginia]

Teach them, yes. My daughters and I are actually in the midst of comparitive religions study (outside of school). We're at Jewish Beliefs and they are fascinated with having to read the Torah "backwards."

[Virginia]

I do too!

Religion has to be a matter of free and considered choice - otherwise it is worthless!

:)
Exactly

[RSade]

will you teach your children other religions

Yes, I will teach my children (if I ever have any) all religions and all science theory and to be a survivor and a work ethic. My boys world be taught as boys and girls as girls. If they expressed sexual interest in the same sex I would not have a problem with that, but I would warn them about how society views such ummmm' things. I would love and encourage them and when I had to discipline them it would be non corporal and would be consistent.

I would hope to have a wife and be able to stay at home. God wanted it this way but government and other factors have seen to it that it takes a two family income with a single parent home! I admire a single mom or dad for the hell that most of them have to go through to put food on the table.

of course the above would be the Ideal. I cant even deny my basset hound a treat when he wants it, so to a kid I'd be a push over...

[candypreet]

I plan on teaching my kids about all forms of religion. I, however, refuse to force them to pledge allegiance to any of them. I'll force them to do their homework before I'll force them to pray or go to church.
good post- somewhat my feelings too

[candypreet]

Children need to be grounded in their own culture's religious beliefs before they are introduced to others.

I believe that teaching children a multitude of religions could lead to a host of psychological problems as young children thrive in an environment of consistantancy.

Besides, why would someone choose to pass on someone else's belief if they hated their own so much? Why not pass it on to their children?

(My child will be raised in a Catholic environment.)

its not about passing someone else'e belief to them, pass them your but educating them about other peoples faith

[Ethyl]

its not about passing someone else'e belief to them, pass them your but educating them about other peoples faith

why would I force such an education down their throat and deny them the 'right of passage' of teenage rebellion? If they want to learn something else, so be it. I'm certainly not going to force it - and I don't believe it's healthy thing to do. Just because it's a popular position doesn't make it right for everyone.

[candypreet]

why would I force such an education down their throat and deny them the 'right of passage' of teenage rebellion? If they want to learn something else, so be it. I'm certainly not going to force it - and I don't believe it's healthy thing to do. Just because it's a popular position doesn't make it right for everyone.
you dont have to force it down theuir throats ethy, anyway each to his/her own

[Ethyl]

you dont have to force it down theuir throats ethy, anyway each to his/her own

cheers candypreet. Chacun son gout.

[candypreet]

cheers candypreet. Chacun son gout.

cheers and thanks for brushing up my french

[Ethyl]

cheers and thanks for brushing up my french
:add09: it's always a great day when people can agree to disagree and not take it personally. =)

Thank you!

[candypreet]

:add09: it's always a great day when people can agree to disagree and not take it personally. =)

Thank you!
pleasure is mine

[RSade]

I will disagree to agree with that statment

[candypreet]

I will disagree to agree with that statment
okay and I agree with your disagreement:) :) :) :) :)

[OldGit]

The posts above show how courtessy and listening to others lead to a good atmosphere and proper respect for one another.

[candypreet]

The posts above show how courtessy and listening to others lead to a good atmosphere and proper respect for one another.
thank you:) :)

[OldGit]

thank you:) :)

You're welcome.

[RSade]

Quote:
Originally Posted by RSade
I will disagree to agree with that statment


okay and I agree with your disagreement


now by god we are getting somewhere! ; } >





The posts above show how courtessy and listening to others lead to a good atmosphere and proper respect for one another.


heh when I looked "above" there were no posts I had to page back, but I git it...thanks Mr Old Git, and I agree with you 100%

[candypreet]

now by god we are getting somewhere! ; } >






heh when I looked "above" there were no posts I had to page back, but I git it...thanks Mr Old Git, and I agree with you 100%
whats going on here?:) :)

[RSade]

whats going on here

I like Old git, is that what you are asking candypreet?

[candypreet]

I like Old git, is that what you are asking candypreet?
no, was just wondering about the topic being derailed

[RSade]

no, was just wondering about the topic being derailed

ahhhhh K! back to the topic, This question isnt as simple as it first seems!
I have answered this one but still have issues. for example , I would teach a child all religions , I am not sure of my response if a child asked me which religion was "the best".

; {>

[candypreet]

ahhhhh K! back to the topic, This question isnt as simple as it first seems!
I have answered this one but still have issues. for example , I would teach a child all religions , I am not sure of my response if a child asked me which religion was "the best".

; {>
thats probably what I would do too, if they ask me which one was best

[candypreet]

any comments

[Invisoclam]

I have provided/fyrnished my children with a huge library of mainly readers digest articles (edited by me and the local pastor) and selected articles from Highlights magazine (mainly articles from the 60's)


Ok.... seriously-

I have its stocked with many books about all different types of religion (baptist and methodist -what other religions are there?) ok LOL

As well as science books, history, anthropology, sociology etc.
I also attempted to read the entire Bible to them I think we are maybe 20 or so books short, we did the whole NT. I sort of jumped around- explained to them that it is not one book, but a collection of books and letters.

Anytime they have questions about anything - not just religion -I tell them to look it up - that is what life is all about - school, college etc. -lookin' it up.
Anyway Oldest recently got married - understands religion - just not her thing - too busy playing X BOX.

[Stealth]

I will teach my children that all other religions are wrong and only mine is right. :D

lol

[Invisoclam]

I will teach my children that all other religions are wrong and only mine is right. :D

lol
You evil narrow minded bigot!
:)

[Stealth]

You evil narrow minded bigot!
:)
LOL

[KAOSKTRL]

I will teach my children that all other religions are wrong and only mine is right. :D

lolThat must be because you hate your children almost as much as you hate god

[Stealth]

That must be because you hate your children almost as much as you hate god
http://samus.ardvaark.net/~brian/static/whine.png

[KAOSKTRL]

Typical muslim

[Sage]

http://www.altmuslim.com/images/uploads/church_sign.jpg

[Stealth]

Typical muslim
Typical neocon.

[candypreet]

I will teach my children that all other religions are wrong and only mine is right. :D

lol
and you quote Buddha?

[Stealth]

and you quote Buddha?
And what's wrong with that?

[candypreet]

And what's wrong with that?

I will teach my children that all other religions are wrong and only mine is right. :D

lol
nothing wrong. but was just wondering about double standards.......

[Stealth]

nothing wrong. but was just wondering about double standards.......
Learn to take a joke and understand sarcasm please.

[Synner]

I'm not teaching my son anything about religion. He can make up his own mind.

[candypreet]

Learn to take a joke and understand sarcasm please.
okay dokay:) :)

[Invisoclam]

I'm not teaching my son anything about religion. He can make up his own mind.
Playing "Devil's advocate" I'll ask -what if he made up his own mind after his study/conclusion/whatever that he deicded to become whatever/Christian/Muslim/Shintoist?
Would you then attempt to talk him out of it?

[Synner]

Playing "Devil's advocate" I'll ask -what if he made up his own mind after his study/conclusion/whatever that he deicded to become whatever/Christian/Muslim/Shintoist?
Would you then attempt to talk him out of it?I would not actively seek to 'talk him out of it' unless I thought his beliefs might lead to harm (Branch Dividians, etc). However, I would not hesitate to debate him and present the other side if he tried to 'present a case' to me.

[candypreet]

I would not actively seek to 'talk him out of it' unless I thought his beliefs might lead to harm (Branch Dividians, etc). However, I would not hesitate to debate him and present the other side if he tried to 'present a case' to me.
thats a really good one

[Peace]

I do.

Absolutely! And also the view that religion is man made :D

It is their right to make their own informed choices :)

[Invisoclam]

I would not actively seek to 'talk him out of it' unless I thought his beliefs might lead to harm (Branch Dividians, etc). However, I would not hesitate to debate him and present the other side if he tried to 'present a case' to me.

Moonies...

[MerlboroMan]

I'll teach my children to beleive as do...FEAR THAT!

[Sage]

I'll teach my children to beleive as do...FEAR THAT!

hells ya thats what I did

[candypreet]

Absolutely! And also the view that religion is man made :D

It is their right to make their own informed choices :)

I agree:)

[DukeNukum]

No! Religion is the reason why we are in war. Humans think they can fight for God because God can not. What the fuck does that teach? No matter what country, religious extremist teach their children to do their bloody bidding all in the name of "God" and "religion". With a God like that, who needs religion.

[candypreet]

No! Religion is the reason why we are in war. Humans think they can fight for God because God can not. What the fuck does that teach? No matter what country, religious extremist teach their children to do their bloody bidding all in the name of "God" and "religion". With a God like that, who needs religion.

No I dont agree. Religion doesnt cause war, its intolerance towards other religions which causes war. And its fanatics who do that.
+
thats what this thread is all about. Live and let live - as long as you dont harm anyone

[Omega]

will you teach your children other religions?No.

[candypreet]

No.

okay

[Omega]

okaySorry, I just don't think it's helpful to a child. No disrespect intended.

[candypreet]

Sorry, I just don't think it's helpful to a child. No disrespect intended.

thats all right, everybody his entitled to his/her opinion, I just feel THat id children can be taught about other reliogions, it will make hir.him more tolerant in the future

[candypreet]

a bump for the new year 2007

[pixikill]

i dont teach my kids ANY religion

[Lalita]

do you teach your children about spirituality, in general?

[Lalita]

Spirituality, in a narrow sense, concerns itself with matters of the spirit. The spiritual, involving (as it may) perceived eternal verities regarding humankind's ultimate nature, often contrasts with the temporal, with the material, or with the worldly. A sense of connection forms a central defining characteristic of spirituality — connection to something greater than oneself, which includes an emotional experience of religious awe and reverence. Equally importantly, spirituality relates to matters of sanity and of psychological health. Like some forms of religion, spirituality often focuses on personal experience.

Spirituality may involve perceiving life as higher, more complex or more integrated with one's worldview, as contrasted with the merely sensual.

Some Indian traditions define spirituality (Sanskrit: adhyatma) as that which pertains to the soul (Sanskrit: atma).

http://www.reference.com/search?q=spirituality

[Lalita]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZBKPit-0rI

Spirituality. hmmm, kinda interesting ;)

[candypreet]

good posts

[candypreet]

and a bump

[Simon666]

If it were possible, I'd like my children to be raised without religion. My wife wants some (stupid monotheistic) religion though.

[Terdarmo]

My daughter is learning about Christianity from her grandmother. I think (being that she is in kindergarten) thats her mind is ready to hear about other religions.

The other day I did a sleight of hand trick and she said "How did you do that?" I said "Magic." She said "My Sunday school teacher says magic isn't real." I said "Magic is as real as Jesus."


I want my daughters to know about the religions of the world. I just prefer they wait until their mind has matured enough to know the difference between reality and make-believe to adhere to any of them.

[candypreet]

My daughter is learning about Christianity from her grandmother. I think (being that she is in kindergarten) thats her mind is ready to hear about other religions.

The other day I did a sleight of hand trick and she said "How did you do that?" I said "Magic." She said "My Sunday school teacher says magic isn't real." I said "Magic is as real as Jesus."


I want my daughters to know about the religions of the world. I just prefer they wait until their mind has matured enough to know the difference between reality and make-believe to adhere to any of them.

:happy_01: :happy_01:

[candypreet]

If it were possible, I'd like my children to be raised without religion. My wife wants some (stupid monotheistic) religion though.

you can do both you know, educating them on both your beliefs