I hear this quite often...
I can't believe that I have to let you in on this little secret...but:
Children learn by example...
So--with that in mind--when you claim that a child is being "brainwashed" when introduced to Christianity at an early age what is really happening in your camp of thought? Are you not setting an example of how much you outright despise the idea of the belief in something other than the tangible?
In essence--by your very neglect where introducing the child to an ethical tutelage--AREN'T YOU DENYING THE CHILD years of moral instruction?
Because, let's face it, your public school systems aren't exactly instilling the values of moral behavior as you might have hoped. They're more concerned with 'zero tolerance,' avoiding litigation, and teaching standardized competency tests. So which is it? Depend on the school system or depend on the parent? Whatever your answer, someone else of a non-religious nature disagrees with you.
So I'm bringing my children up in the Christian religion. As such, my children will be taught to tell the truth. They will learn not to prey on the weaknesses of the misfortunate. Additionally they will be taught to actively contribute to those less fortunate. They will learn to consider other, non-Christian, persons feelings when interacting socially. They will be taught to avoid prideful and scornful behavior. They will observe the nature of the Universe--as I have--in order to cogitate our place within said Cosmos. The same as every one of you are attempting right now...
So how am I denying my children the ability to decide for themselves?
I can't believe that I have to let you in on this little secret...but:
Children learn by example...
So--with that in mind--when you claim that a child is being "brainwashed" when introduced to Christianity at an early age what is really happening in your camp of thought? Are you not setting an example of how much you outright despise the idea of the belief in something other than the tangible?
In essence--by your very neglect where introducing the child to an ethical tutelage--AREN'T YOU DENYING THE CHILD years of moral instruction?
Because, let's face it, your public school systems aren't exactly instilling the values of moral behavior as you might have hoped. They're more concerned with 'zero tolerance,' avoiding litigation, and teaching standardized competency tests. So which is it? Depend on the school system or depend on the parent? Whatever your answer, someone else of a non-religious nature disagrees with you.
So I'm bringing my children up in the Christian religion. As such, my children will be taught to tell the truth. They will learn not to prey on the weaknesses of the misfortunate. Additionally they will be taught to actively contribute to those less fortunate. They will learn to consider other, non-Christian, persons feelings when interacting socially. They will be taught to avoid prideful and scornful behavior. They will observe the nature of the Universe--as I have--in order to cogitate our place within said Cosmos. The same as every one of you are attempting right now...
So how am I denying my children the ability to decide for themselves?