Religion and the right to choose.

markj · n00b Joined: 09 Oct 2003 Posts: 17

Why do people feel they have the right to impose their religion on others especially their children. As a child I was sent to Catholic school and lead down that route as far as religion goes. I had no idea what it was all about if I'm honest and was never really allowed to question/challenge and therefor fully understand. I feel that religion was imposed on me in a very regimented way. I am not a practicing Catholic now in any way at all BTW, I have faith in myself as a person but that is the extent of my religion nowadays.

If you really believe or have faith in your religion then why impose it on others, encourage children to explore the ideas of faith and religion by exposing them to all beliefs. Forcing them into a faith before they can understand or make an informed decision is not a choice, it's more like a pressgang.

If religion is about faith and belief then I would expect it to be more of a journey like life itself. We are not born fully aware of the wonders of life and the world we live in but we learn as we grow, can religion not be the same?

I would relly be interested in other peoples views, especially on the right for children to choose.

69_rs_ss · n00b Joined: 26 Dec 2003 Posts: 65 Location: NY, USA

When I have children I am not going to bring them up under any religion. They can learn themselves in time. I also don't think most religions impose their faith on people. Especially the older religions such as Wiccan and Paganism. It is more the montheistic religions that happens with especially Christianity.

a23d56

69_rs_ss · n00b Joined: 26 Dec 2003 Posts: 65 Location: NY, USA

Sargonas · Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 5:50 pm Post subject:

I grew up in a similar sircumstance to your own. I was raised Catholic and told NEVER to question the belief in GOD, even if it made no sense sometimes, I was told "how are we to understand God's will, if he wants to be contradictory, he can because he makes the rules. It is not our right to question, just to serve."

I was never given a chance to choose my religion, it was instead forced on me. They even told us that it was our job to convert others to Christianity, to further force their beliefs on others.

I completely agree with you, but it is mostly abrahmic traditions that try and force their beliefs on you, especially CHristianity, and Islam.

Many other religions, mostly Karmic and pagans, dont force their religions on Children.

When I have kids I will show them all paths and let them choose. For the record when I go to college I minored in Religion and Philosophy which ended with me being agnostic.
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I do not consider it an insult, but rather a compliment to be called an agnostic. I do not pretend to know where many ignorant men are sure -- that is all Agnosticism means. - Clarence Darrow

Sargonas

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hellbringer · Tux's lil' helper Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 82

Then why do it with one? Don't teach him When he grows, he will have time enough to learn the one he chooses, if he chooses any.
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There is a lot of novelty and truth in what you say, but that which is true is not novel and that which is novel is not true.

69_rs_ss · n00b Joined: 26 Dec 2003 Posts: 65 Location: NY, USA

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Krigg · n00b Joined: 22 Apr 2003 Posts: 59 Location: Out There

Oh, that's it, you're going to H. E. double toothpicks!!!! :lol:

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Have gun, will carry!

Stormy Eyes · Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 6:42 pm Post subject:

hensan · l33t Joined: 26 Jun 2003 Posts: 868 Location: Sweden

Stormy Eyes

plate · Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 7:09 pm Post subject:

Why don't you discuss this at one of the existing threads dealing with religion...
Do you believe in God existence?
How can I justify the existence of a GOD!!!???
[SPLIT] Another random religion debate