I think it's wrong to allow children to decide for themselves if they want to attend religious services. While living under my roof my son was compeled to go to church eventhough I could not make him believe in God. The only way to MAKE someone believe in anything is by brainwashing.

No, it's not wrong. I think it's the only right thing to do. Let them decide for themselves.

I understand how a theistic parent would be distraught by the prospect of their children deciding to be atheist. There is a certain faith in religion, you adamantly believe it is the right path and are only concerned for your children. I appreciate and respect that. But if youre atheist and your children are considering religion, Id say the only thing fueling your animosity would be bigotry. Its important that people be able to decide for themselves. Teach them what you want. Show them what you can. Let them experience the world and faith alike... and ultimately its their decision. You cant and shouldnt force program people, to either side of a belief. Its human nature, be it evolved or God-given, to be able to think and reason and learn and experience, and to make decisions for ones self.

Don't you think as a role model you should offer some direction, some discussion, as to what you have seen or heard on the subject. Don't throw them out there to flail on their own...they won't get a grounded sense of what is faith, beliefs, or religion. Come'on.

No, I would encourage my children, to look at all parts of religion, and make his own mind up.

No. God looks into the heart, either a person believes or they don't..even most believers have moments of doubt..I think a parent (believer or non believer) should grant access to the information, but the ultimate decision belongs to the individual.

When children become free thinking, sometime between, say, 10 and 15, they need to make up their own mind. My parents forced me to go to church every Sunday until I turned 18.

My son will decide for himself what he wants to believe. I'll love him no matter what.

The Bible says to "train up a child in the way he should go". Training begins when a child is small - not an adult.

I don't think so. I'm agnostic, but my son has chosen Christianity. My daughter probably will too when she's old enough. I think that parents should teach their children good morals and how to have a healthy and decent life. You don't need religion to do that.

Not at all. Religion is a very personal choice. They will believe what they want to believe wether you like it or not.

A child ultimatly must decide for themselves if they believe in God or not. Parents should provide guidence for the child to make their decision, even if the parents believe or do not believe in God. My parents were unhappy when I claimed to not believe or was egnostic but they still supported me. Many years later things occured in my life I learned in my life and heart that yes there is a God of this universe and He has a son known as Jesus. This changed my life completely.

Childhood is way too early for a person to make such decision. My 2 cents.

They will eventually decide one way or the other, but you teach them to believe as children, just as you teach manners, and anything else important.

Every person ultimately decides who or what they will be, the road they will take. But it is up to parents to teach the best road they know, what they find works well and the moral and standards that they family goes by in actions and deeds. It's no different than manners and behavior, and should be taught with good sound reasonings for it all, not just do this, don't do that. Give reasons and show a purpose for all your behaviors. It's all part of trying to raise the best human being as possible, that will love and respect other humans. If he sees it working for his parents and wants to follow in their footsteps, good for him. If not, that's fine, too. Let him seek his way as best as he can.

Absolutely not - this is the way it should be. They should be given every opportunity to find out about all religions, and atheism too, and whatever else, so that they can make an informed decision that is consistent with their own belief system.

Not at all.

It's wrong, in my opinion, to try to impose anything upon any one. Religion was imposed upon me when I was a little boy, and when I became a teenager and begin researching and think for myself, I very angrily began to rebel against it; and the relationship with my father and other members of my family broke down.

In my personal opinion, I don't think it is wrong at all. Actually, I think that would be the right way to go.

Once they's old enough to understand... Like sex.

No. Children should be raised to think independently and be open-minded and not spoon-fed to believe & follow their parents' dogma and ignorance

Should you let your children decide for themselves if they want to go to school? Should you let your kids decide if they want to brush their teeth? Should you let them decide what they want for dinner, then expect them to fend for themselves to find some food? If you have children it is your responsibility to teach them. If God exists (and he does0, teaching your children about him is THE most important thing you can do for them.

I think that is normal for most kids to go through not believing....the ultimate rebellion...they will find their way as they grow up to what ever belief they may finalize on....

NO an kudos to you if you do that. I think no child should be made to make such an important decision before they are old enough to decide on their own the full complexity and undertaking of such a thing as a religion. I have no problems with people introducing them to religion, but they should give kids the right to decide to be devout when they are old enough to really know what it entails.

We as parents are accountable for our children when they are young. When they get to the age of accountability they have to decide to make that relationship person if they choose. The bible says to bring your children up in the way of the Lord and they will not depart. All you can do is teach them and hope they will go the right way.

Everyone eventually decides for themselves whether they will believe in God or not. But a proper exposure to God and religion can help to counteract the brainwashing that popular culture is constantly throwing at our children in books, movies, TV, songs, advertisements, and even video games. Popular culture is constantly bombarding them with intensive, not-so-forcible indoctrination, aimed at setting up worldly convictions and attitudes. Popular culture comes at us from all directions including books, movies, TV, songs, advertisements, video games and even the Internet. A few of the these immoral values include: - Lust and Sex (outside of marriage) - A disrespect for God and religion - A disrespect for lawful authority - A disrespect for our human dignity - Envy, greed and consumerism - Anger and violence - Drug abuse including smoking and alcohol - Vanity, outside is more important than inside - Prejudice and hate I think that if we expose our children to all this immorality without the moral anchor of God and religion "until they can come to a conclusion of their own" then we would be unwise, irresponsible, and frequently too late. With love in Christ.

Won't they do that anyway? ;-)

Not only wrong, impossible.

this is not applicable in Islam. Islam and therefore believing in God is a way of life. The believer is expected to develop spiritually, socially, physically, morally, and in all aspects of his/her life. Believing in God is not just an opinion or an ideology to adopt in order to discuss or practice with others in a cult or organization. The muslim believer is to observe all teachings of Islam (social, spiritual, judicial, economical, political) throughout his/ her life. Believing in God is the unified motivation which underlies practicing Islam in order to become a better human.

How can you force a child to do so? You can't. They will decide for themselves whether the parent likes it or not. It is in the best interest of the child to make sure that they are educated in all aspects of belief or non-belief so that they are at least making an informed decision. This is not to say that taking a child to church when they are young is wrong. It's not. Sharing morals and values of yours with your child is parenting. That is different than a base of religious belief or non-belief.

Giving your child a general feel of religion is not a bad idea when he/she is the right age of course. Raising a child in a religion can have some harsh effects later on in life if he/she rejects the beliefs in the future. In other words, I would let my child tour churches and different religions about when he/she is 8-10 years old at the earliest, and then I would let he/she make the decision that is right for himself/herself.

Definitely not, my parent left the decision to me and I intend to leave the decision to my children, regardless of whether their beliefs mirror mine. I believe that one should be educated in as many aspects of spirituality/religion as possible and be allowed to make the choice on their own, not forced into whatever religion (or lack thereof) that their parents believe in. I personally am a spiritual person but choose not to follow a given religion, and my husband feels the same way; however, if our children grow up and decide they want to become Christian or Muslim or Buddhist or atheist or any other thing, I will support them and keep the communication about our beliefs open and honest.

When your child becomes at the age of reasoning . That is when they are old enough to decide then they will be accountable. Children are not accountable when they have no understanding yet. The bible says bring your child up int he way of the Lord and they will not depart from the faith. As a parent it is our responsiblity to bring them up in the faith. They need to be able to have a personal relationship with God. I used to go to church as a child when I was an adult then I started a personal relationship with him. God finds us we dont find him. He chooses us. It is up to us when he reveals himself to open our hearts and learn who he is .

you cant FORCE a person to believe anything. They may go through the motions because you make them, but they will belive what they decide.

many are of the opinion that they will not force their children to believe in God, and that it is a decision they can only make themselves. while it is true that ultimately the child has to decide for himself in the end, the parent does bear a responsability to educate their children about who God is. if that parent thinks that their child will be able to make an intelligent decision without the help he deserves and is entitlled to, think again. the bible gives clear instruction as to who is responsable to give this education. many parents think it is up to someone else to teach their children about God. however, there are many bible passages that indicate as to who has that obligation. for example the book of deuteronomy 6:4-9 says: "listen,o israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah. and you must love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your vital force. and these words that i am commanding you today muat prove to be on your heart; and you must inculcate them in your son and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up. and you must tie them as a sign upon your hand, and they must serve as a frontlet band between your eyes; and you must write them upon the doorposts of your house and on your gates." so clearly stated the parents are the ones to instruct their children from infancy to love God. of course at the beginning of the scripture cited it implies that for the parent to teach the child to love God, the parent must first love God himself. ultimately, once the parent has done everything in his power it has to be the child's decision as to what he is going to believe. Jehovah God pressures on one, much less forces no one to love him.

i think thats the best thing definitely not wrong

yes. God wants everyone to know of him. everyone should bring thier kids up in good values and to believe God.

No, i believe that it is right to let a child decide if he/she believes in god. If you force your child to believe in god, then not only are you yourself defiling the sacred scriptures that are gods inspired word, but you arent truly letting them embrace god. Thus defeating the entire purpose of the said religion (srry if i wrote a little complex)

Of course, I'm suprised you had the balls to ask this....

Yes it's wrong. If you believe in God and live by his word, he tells us that we are responsibble to teach them the word and to protect thier innocence.

No it isn't wrong. A child should be allowed to decide whether they want to believe in God and parents should respect the child's decision. If a parent keeps making the child go to church then that is a form of indoctrination, which is also wrong.

Not at all. In my opinion, children should be shown HOW to think, not told WHAT to think.

How could you do otherwise? You cannot tell a child they have to believe anything.. they either do or they don't.

How could it be wrong to let someone follow his heart and not the things others tell him.

No, not at all. Who wants someone shoving beliefs down his/her throat anyway? Would you want that? Probably not, eh? Then don't do it to them, either.

It's the only sensible way to go - with one caveat. A religious parent making that choice has to truly offer the information in a neutral way - without Heaven / Hell carrot and stick tactics.

It is wrong not to let them decide for themselves.

Not at all. Besides, what's the alternative? You can't police their minds. There are no Psi-Cops a la Babylon 5 to monitor whether they're obeying your command to believe in God. Be supportive, provide them with a knowledge of right and wrong, then let them decide whether their worldview includes God or not.

You are fooling yourself to think otherwise. The single worst thing a parent can do is force religeon or belief in God. That is strictly for that soul to decide.

No not at all, its the right thing to do:) I think its best to tell them whats out there and let them choose for themselves..it will make them more confident and feel like they have more freedom and control in their lives and they will be very thankful you gave them the opportunity i think :) my mom did this and I love her for it

The beliefs of the parent have a strong influence on the childs point of view. I firmly believe children should not be indoctrinated but whatever the parent believes will rub off - no matter how passive the parent sets out to be.

never let your children make their own minds up about anything important. always strive to make them just like you. instill in them all your silly thoughts about god, and your biases and racial tendencies too. keep this perpetual madness going.

My parents were of two different beliefs. My dad said that he simply believed in "God" but, he spoke against what was written in the so called "Holy Bible" not having an accurate knowlege of what it said. For example, he believed that the "Bible" taught that it was kosher to eat human beings since they had a split hoof. He also believed that "black" people were the product of an ape rapeing Eve. My mother was a Christian and forced my brother and I to attend church. Her church antics consisted of going to altar call and crying her brains out. She once tryed to insist that I was a Protestant Christian when it was asked "What religion are you?" on a form that I was filling out when I answered "None." I chose not to follow in either of their foolish beliefs systems.

It is ultimately thier decision. The true approach for the question would depend on your beliefs. If you are cristian the Bible says to teach the children God's word so that they are educated in the belief enough to account for thier own spirituallity when they mature. However if you do not have a belief system, then you would probably not see it as important for your kids to know the bible, however whether it is wrong or right you never know how faith would impact your child's life. Some christians have a piece of mind believing in an eternal life of bliss awaiting them instead of simply just not existing anymore. I think that "CogitoErgoCogitoSum" gives great advice in saying to make sure everything is available to them from religion to science to just life itself.

No. Every human on earth has the right to decide their religion for themselves. Salaam

Yes it is wrong. Children should be discouraged from believing in myths.

You are to live out whatever you profess to be true in front of your children. If you are fake, they will most definitely rebel against your belief. God gives us all the gift of free will, so they will decide one way or the other when they become curious. The world we live in today is set up to lead them far away from God. It is always wise to give them a strong godly upbringing, but be sure you live up to your teaching. Christian hypocrisy is the number-one reason for atheism today.

How can that be wrong? That is the only way that can be right!

Eventually, it ALWAYS comes down to God and the individual. No one CAN make that decision for another. Although one might raise a child up in a church, it can't effect his beliefs one way or the other. My own upraising was strictly atheist. My father ridiculed religion and the religious as early back as I can remember. I yearned for something spiritual in my life from a very early age and explored many religions. I wasn't given any "freedom" to decide by my father. In fact, I was forbidden to attend any church, even as a guest of a friend. It wasn't until my teen years that I could "sneak" off to church functions with friends, justifying it as "he didn't ask and I won't tell." .

No not at all! Your children should have a choice ! I have been brought up in a christian home, and as blessed as i feel to have such a loving family, enviroment growing up, you should not force it upon your children. Would you like your children to believe in God only to please you and make you happy, or believe in God because its something they want ? Just my thoughts :D

I'm not yet a parent, but I can say that growing up I never had religion pushed on me. I think goodness that's how it went. I can't say for sure whether I'd be christian if it were pushed on my during my childhood, but as I've gotten older I've seen things and thought about things and evaluated things and have formed my beliefs on my own, which I think is way it should be. I went to church with my ex girlfriend sometimes. She was catholic. It never bothered me to go. It made her happy, but I never bought into it. I have friends that had religion pushed upon them and they are no so close-minded to anything but their beliefs. I don't think it should be like that ...

I will rasie my kids as Catholics. When they become adults i cant force them to believe anything. I hope they do believe though.

what does the Bible say? "train them up in the way they should go" . for God , it is parents responsibility..it begins at home...so from God's point of view...YES , it is wrong.....children inherit their parents sin out of ignorance....how are they supposed to KNOW HIM, much less Believe if they aren't brought up...they will end up as the idol worshippers children of the OT.....

When the moment for the child comes & he requestes to decide , you should know that u failed as a parent :) This applies to christians :)No offense !

Of course not. Childeren, and most adults, are free thinkers. The choices THEY make will impact them. Becides, if the belife is given and not learned, there is no real understanding.

It is not wrong. I had Christianity forced upon me when I was a child. In High School I took a course called World Religions which taught me of many different beliefs. I am Heathen, I believe in many Gods, as do other beliefs. A belief is like a memory; unique to each their own.

You can't force anyone to actually believe anything. You can only teach.

I believe it is YES, because the Bible clearly states that we Are To train a child up in the way he should go and when he is older he will not depart from it. Who would Not want to see there child not go to Heaven?? God bless.

The simple truth is this: You cannot make them believe, even if you absolutely wanted to. God requires us to make this decision on our own. We cannot ride in on our parents 'coat-tail'. We need to make the decision, I believe you can be a good example though. And there's nothing from stopping you praying to God and asking Him to reveal Himself to someone.

nope, they will choose for themselves neway.

No! I think it is rather wrong to not let them decide.

www.defineyourgod.com

No,but it IS wrong for YOU to decide what they believe.

No it is not for that is their life you can help them throw it but can't make all of their choices

yes, even toddlers can grow to know the Almighty ...training children starts early in ALL things!! and the Bible tells , our responsiblity for our child to have a relationship with our Maker..."Train them up in the way that they should go."

While I was growing up my parents were very active in their church. Every Sunday morning I went to church service, every Sunday night I went to church service, every Wednesday night I went to church service, every event at our church I was taken, and church camp in the summer when I was a teenager, I was there. Now that I'm in control of my own life, I don't go to any church. I've had an overdose of religion I think. Churches are nothing more than social clubs where nearly no "worship" of any kind takes place, except maybe for the love of big expensive building.

No, but I think it's important to educate them about religion and spirituality.

And do you honestly suppose that it's possible to MAKE anyone else believe in God? Ultimately, everyone decides for himself, so - as asked - this is a silly question. But I must wonder if the question REALLY is "Is it wrong to raise a child in your own faith/religion?" To which the answer is: OF COURSE NOT!

No, I think it is right to let your children decide for themselves. Parents should not coerse their children into anything, but for those parents who know God, it is only natural and wise for them to attempt to lead their children in that direction because they know what will make that child happy. It is no longer an opinion for those who know God, it is a fact, spiritually speaking. I think the key is relationship. A child is a person to be respected and given dignity. After all, Christian parents cannot save their children. Only Jesus can. While it is the obligation of Christian parents to be an example and try to guide their children to a path that will be fulfilling and where as few as possible problems will arise, we must let the child come to his or her own decision even when we disagree. God does not force His will on anyone. Love does not do that.

Children automatically believe in God. If you lie to them they will resent you one day.

...You need to teach your children God...and his ways...What he wants out of his people...and the difference between right...wrong...what is moral, and just...how to be understanding, patient, and faithful...When they get older....they will understand this. Do not ever force God upon your children...but give them what they need...so When they grow older...they will know, but it is there choice if they want to believe it or not.

sorry to say,but hes the only one who can truly decide for himself. i once heard how you can take a mule up the mountain as many times as you want,but you cant make it drink water.

I will let them decide for themselves, much as I decided for myself.

yep...u are supposed to put em on the right path....if not , u will answer ,and your children MAY answer, and your grandchildren MAY answer, etc....thats a parents job ,teaching ,training and raising...otherwise , its neglect..derelection of duties....crime against God..:)Justme

Nobody can force anyone to believe what they don't want to believe. I know as my father pushed his beliefs (and non-beliefs) on me for years. Responsible parents should guide their children on what they consider the correct path in life. They may very well feel that includes an education and life that includes God and their church. It's their responsibility to decide what is best for their child while they are children and to provide a moral and spiritual compass for their children. When a child enters adulthood, he -- like every one of us -- chooses to live as they want. Their beliefs will change over the years.

It is written in the Bible that it is the duty of each believer to teach the "law" (originally the law of Moses, later became the Christian version of the original Moses law, oe in otherwards Old Testament and New Testament) to each new generation, to pass this "law" on to our children. This is how each generation learns about God. If a parent feels that they cannot do a good job on this, the church usually offers Bible study, catechism or other opportunities for the children to get a good Bible education. This religion education should continue about as long as other education, or at least into high school. Then after the child has had the opportunity to learn the Bible and to practice biblical belief with other children and with family members, if the child then want's to choose not to believe, we cannot really force our beliefs on them. That would probably do more harm than good. If the parent did not do a good job bringing up the child to follow thi bible teachings, and the child is a non-believer, then I feel that the parent should attempt to make up for what they failed to do. It would be a shame for a good person to be led astray just because a parent neglected their duties. And parents, as a teacher, I would also encourage you all to make sure that you are teaching you child good manners and responsibility! I don't see this displayed as much as I did when I was growing up!

I believe that it is not wrong, but necessary. Until children (mostly after the teen years) develop their own stance on God, he won't be influential on them nor will anyone be able to convince them of him being the way. Let your life be an example, talk about God with them (in conversation, not a lecture) and pray for them.

In the end, you cannot force anyone to believe anything (though you can certainly try!). They will believe what is in their heart. I plan on teaching Christianity to my children, along with living a Christian lifestyle to set an example. After all, actions can be much more powerful than words.

it's wrong to force anyone to believe anything. God is a very personal experience for each person, not for anyone elses business.

It's not a matter of letting them decide. As they grow, they make their own choices, whether we like them or not. All parents teach their kids, whether consciously or not, what they believe to be right.

On this question right and wrong does not matter. Your children will decide what they believe in regardless if you give them permission or not.

As long as they believe in father christmas, the easter bunny, and flying pigs at the same time, then they can believe in god. We are all born agnostic. And should remain so until convinced otherwise. So I am all up for them to make up their own minds even if that requires correcting any religious education they get if it explicitly states that god exists, because that is a falsehood. I'd want them to look at the evidence and weight up the pros and cons before making any decision they may regret later in life.

Raise a child in the way they should go. While a child will ultimately make their own decision, the parent is here to educate that child to make an informed decision. It is not right to let a child make choices in ignorance. To many are doing that these days and you see where things are headed.

No way, with things like religion you have to brain wash them from a small age so that they grow up to be a god fearing person. that's the only way to truly make them delusional. de·lu·sion: A false belief strongly held in spite of invalidating evidence, especially as a symptom of mental illness: delusions of persecution.

Even though I'm not a Christian, I would imagine that God would be much happier if someone came to him by their own free will and out of a conscious choice rather than being forced.

They will decide for themselves. You could force them to go to church, but not to believe in gods.

In the end they will decide for themselves wether you let them or not.

No i think its wrong to shove a religion down your childs throat because thats what you believe. I personally think its like mental child abuse to force/brainwash your child into believing what you do. It seriously stuffs up lots of them when they get to the real world. So no i think its right to let them decide for themselves.

No. Everyone has their own believes. Forcing them upon children will only push them away. Let them decide for themselves what is true or not.

Exactly how does one "let your children decide", is it that you do not teach them anything at all and let them hear from other sources and absorb an opinion? However, in the end the decision is up to them, even if you try to cram religion down their throats. The decision will be eventually made by the children themselves, even if it is after they are one their own.