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Originally Posted by Bestworking:
Should minor children be allowed to decide for themselves whether or not to attend church or should their parents decide?

 

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I think thats a little too nosey, concerning someone else's children.

I'm sure you want some outsider telling you how to raise you child.

It's their children, not yours.

 

Should atheist be allowed to raise their children outside the church?

 

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This brings up a few questions.

 

If a minor child said they didn't want to go to church and the parents took them anyway, would there be a punishment for the parents? What would it be and who would do the punishing? Would that be a violation of the 1st amendment?

 

On the other hand, if a child of non-believing parents asked to go to church and the parents refused, would that rule equally apply?

Originally Posted by INVICTUS:
Originally Posted by Bestworking:
Should minor children be allowed to decide for themselves whether or not to attend church or should their parents decide?

 

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I think thats a little too nosey, concerning someone else's children.

I'm sure you want some outsider telling you how to raise you child.

It's their children, not yours.

 

Should atheist be allowed to raise their children outside the church?


It is going to happen, so it doesn't matter what I think about it really.  It's up to each family what the children learn, so whether they go to church or not will be up to the parents.

 

I figure teach my kids about many religious belief systems, teach them what my spouse and I believe is a decent and moral way to live, and when they are grown they will choose whatever path works for them.

 

 

It was a simple question nash. Do you or do you not think parents should force kids to go to church? Force being the key word. YOUR opinion if you have one, not what the government or others think. My children have been invited to church by their friends and have either gone with them or declined. They have even gone to VBS. Religion doesn't scare me no matter how much people want to insist it does.

It was a simple question nash. Do you or do you not think parents should force kids to go to church? Force being the key word. YOUR opinion if you have one, not what the government or others think. My children have been invited to church by their friends and have either gone with them or declined. They have even gone to VBS. Religion doesn't scare me no matter how much people want to insist it does.

 

You're right, it is a simple question and an interesting one.

 

I don't have an answer for you at the moment. I need more information first, that's why I asked a few questions.

 

The key word in your original question is "allowed". Who would be allowing minor children to choose to attend church regardless of their parents' views?

 

If a child decides they don't want to attend church one morning and the parents take them anyway, would there be a punishment for the parents? If so, what would it be and who would be doing the punishing?

 

Also, in this hypothetical situation, if a child of non-believing parents asked to attend church, but the parents refused to take them, would this be a violation of the same rule?

 

Lastly, would this hypothetical rule be a violation of the 1st Amendment?

Originally Posted by INVICTUS:
Originally Posted by Bestworking:

Invictus, yes atheists should be and are allowed to raise their children outside the church, you should be and are allowed to raise yours in the church. That wasn't the question.

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OK, Should a minor be saddled with that responsibility?

 

People are forced to send their children to school, and when they are older

they are very grateful you had the good sense to do so.

.

 

OK, Should a minor be saddled with that responsibility?

 

People are forced to send their children to school, and when they are older

they are very grateful you had the good sense to do so.

 

 

Not sure what responsibility you mean. And yes, parents are forced to send their kids to school unless they homeschool, and kids can drop out of school.

Originally Posted by Bestworking:

OK, Should a minor be saddled with that responsibility?

 

People are forced to send their children to school, and when they are older

they are very grateful you had the good sense to do so.

 -----------------------------

 

Not sure what responsibility you mean. And yes, parents are forced to send their kids to school unless they homeschool, and kids can drop out of school.

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You don't know what responsibility but you asked the question......

Kids can drop out of life and also kill their parents, so whats your point??
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Nash, forget government, forget everything except the fact you have taken your children to church all their lives and the day comes when they say they don't want to go. Do you tell them they are going, no if ands or buts about it, or do you tell them it's their choice?

 

I don't have children, so this has to remain a hypothetical.

 

My parents made me attend church even after I didn't want to go. I didn't have a choice and I hated going. Even after I started having doubts about God's existence, I still had to go and sit through it. I lived in their house, that was their rules. I resented being forced to go and dreaded Sundays and Wednesday nights.

 

Eventually, my parents stopped going and I didn't go back to church for years. I had no interest in it. I'll still never go back to a CoC unless someone is getting married or buried. Still dealing with that resentment all these years later.

 

So it's one of those "my roof, my rules" situations, but it won't be like what I went through. When we have kids, we'll take them to our church. It's nothing like what I grew up in and I want my kids to learn, grow, and enjoy the experience. I'm not going to force my faith on them, but provide them with information so they can decide on their own.

 

When they're old enough to really understand theology and other world views, it's up to them to choose their faith. I can't do it for them. If they choose not to attend church, forcing them would not change their mind. All I can do is equip them with the information and pray they make the right decision. If they chose to walk away from the church, that's up to them.

 

Does that answer your question?

Originally Posted by Bestworking:

You said should kids have the responsibility. I ask for what. My point is what I ask. Would you force your children to go to church against their will? It's not a trick question.

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I thought I gave you a clear answer, my fault, I believe all parents should force

their childern to go to church until an age where they can decide for themselves.

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Originally Posted by INVICTUS:

Parents should take their children to church whether the parents

want to go or not, and the same with school.

 


Do you mean if they just don't feel like it on a given day, or do you mean they should take their children to church if they don't believe what it taught there or have another reason they don't want to go to a particular church..or any church?

Originally Posted by Bestworking:

LOL, and what age would that be?

Every kid matures at different rates, can't really put a firm number on it. I think I was around 12 or 13 when the thought first hit me that maybe God wasn't real. I would guess somewhere in that neighborhood. Like I said, we don't have kids so this is all hypothetical.

 

It's not really about the age, but the maturity level. When they're at a level to not only understand Christian theology, but also objectively weigh objections to it, then they're at a place where they are able to decide on their own.

 

My goal would be to provide the best information, positive experiences, and help them to really understand what Christianity is all about so that they can make a truly informed decision.

Originally Posted by frog:
Originally Posted by INVICTUS:

Parents should take their children to church whether the parents

want to go or not, and the same with school.

 


Do you mean if they just don't feel like it on a given day, or do you mean they should take their children to church if they don't believe what it taught there or have another reason they don't want to go to a particular church..or any church?

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I guess different questions can be continuously added to this all day, and

what if, what if what if, but I'm a believer. I'm going to raise my kids in the

church the same as I insist they go to school.

And then they grow up.

.

Originally Posted by INVICTUS:
Originally Posted by frog:
Originally Posted by INVICTUS:

Parents should take their children to church whether the parents

want to go or not, and the same with school.

 


Do you mean if they just don't feel like it on a given day, or do you mean they should take their children to church if they don't believe what it taught there or have another reason they don't want to go to a particular church..or any church?

------------------------------------------------------

I guess different questions can be continuously added to this all day, and

what if, what if what if, but I'm a believer. I'm going to raise my kids in the

church the same as I insist they go to school.

And then they grow up.

.


Umm, no, I wasn't asking what if anything.  I was simply clarifying what you meant.  I was asking if you meant parents who don't want to go to church or don't believe in what churches teach "should" still take them to church.  I didn't understand why for example, atheist parents, should be taking their kids to church, but I was clarifying your comment so I would understand what you meant originally.

 

It isn't a what if to me...you do what you want and all of the rest of us will too, but I was curious to know if you meant ALL parents should take their kids to church no matter what they believe is the best way to raise their children?

When I was a child I was dumped off at Church by my parent. It backfired with my siblings and myself. I believe if a parent wants to go with their children, then you should make them come with you. But like those above, I believe that if the child is an appropriate age (12-14) depending on maturity of the child, then they should have the right to chose.

Skippy

Originally Posted by frog:
Originally Posted by INVICTUS:
Originally Posted by frog:
Originally Posted by INVICTUS:

Parents should take their children to church whether the parents

want to go or not, and the same with school.

 


Do you mean if they just don't feel like it on a given day, or do you mean they should take their children to church if they don't believe what it taught there or have another reason they don't want to go to a particular church..or any church?

------------------------------------------------------

I guess different questions can be continuously added to this all day, and

what if, what if what if, but I'm a believer. I'm going to raise my kids in the

church the same as I insist they go to school.

And then they grow up.

.


Umm, no, I wasn't asking what if anything.  I was simply clarifying what you meant.  I was asking if you meant parents who don't want to go to church or don't believe in what churches teach "should" still take them to church.  I didn't understand why for example, atheist parents, should be taking their kids to church, but I was clarifying your comment so I would understand what you meant originally.

 

It isn't a what if to me...you do what you want and all of the rest of us will too, but I was curious to know if you meant ALL parents should take their kids to church no matter what they believe is the best way to raise their children?

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I, of course, don't mean everybody, just believers, and if you don't, as a believer,

you aren't a true or worth your salt believer.

Everyone works out their own religious beliefs as they age.

At least mine can't say they weren't confronted with it at an earlier age.

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Hi all,

 

Jennifer asks the question:  "Should you parents force your their children to go to church?"

 

NO!  They should TAKE them to church!   Believe me, there is a great difference.

 

My five grandchildren, kindergarten to 11th grade, love attending church -- always have.  And, they love their fantastic Christian school.   This I can promise you -- for the rest of their lives, they will be thankful to their parents for the sacrifices they have made to assure that all five are in this Christian school.

 

And, when I attend Grandparent's Day at this Christian school -- I am so thrilled.  It thrills me to see the children, teachers, administrators, parents, and grandparents -- ALL joining together in prayer, song, and worship to our Lord.   My only sadness in all of this -- is that NOT ALL children are so blessed.

 

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

 

Bill

Originally Posted by NashBama:

This brings up a few questions.

 

If a minor child said they didn't want to go to church and the parents took them anyway, would there be a punishment for the parents? (...) Would that be a violation of the 1st amendment?

 -----

 

Illustrates a gross misunderstanding of the 1st Amendment.  If the government dares to step in and tell a parent where to church their child (or not) THAT would be a violation. 

When I was a believer, we went to church.  At least twice a week.  The kids went and fussed and moaned about it all the time.  Too bad.  My house, my rules.  It's not like we could leave them at home by themselves while we went to church.  And I just HAD to go to church.  What would people think if I missed, you know?

So, yes, of course, a parent has every right to force their beliefs onto their children if hey deem that as necessary. 

When kids are in the eighth grade, they have confirmation. For those who haven't attended church, that is when the child CONFIRMS that they believe. They may refuse to be confirmed, if by then they decide they don't believe after all. Up 'til then, I think they should go to church and Sunday school so they can learn what it's all about. After all, it's hard to make a decision when you don't have all the information.

 
quote:   Originally Posted by Unobtanium:

When I was a believer, we went to church.  At least twice a week.  The kids went and fussed and moaned about it all the time.  Too bad.  My house, my rules.  It's not like we could leave them at home by themselves while we went to church.  And I just HAD to go to church.  What would people think if I missed, you know?


Hi Uno,

 

Can you honestly tell the folks on the Religion Forum that, as a child, you sincerely invited Jesus Christ to come into your life and be your personal Lord and Savior

 

Or, did you just attend church with your family and sit in the pew making spit-balls or paper airplanes out of the bulletins?

 

Uno, as a young boy and as a teenager -- I attended the Nazarene church on Hatch Blvd, I attended the First Baptist church in Sheffield, and, I occasionally attended the Methodist church in Sheffield.   Did that make me a Christian believer?  NO!  In no way!   I did not become a Christian believer until I was fifty years old.

 

So, Uno, can you honestly (and, you will know if you are being honest) tell us that you sincerely invited Jesus Christ to be your personal Lord and Savior -- and then became an atheist?

 

If so, I have a bridge in Brooklyn that I can sell you very cheap -- for you are easily confused.

 

Keep in mind that I can tell folks that I was, at one time, a giraffe.  But, that does not make it true.

 

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

 

Bill

I don't get why Uno would have any reason to justify whether he was a real Christian or not anyway...or anyone else really.  We come to this place in our lives on different paths, and if we aren't where we want to be we can keep searching.  If we found a path that works for us and we are happy then that is awesome, and I can't imagine justifying to anyone if I am a real anything.  

 

Talk about spitting contests...I'm a real this or that and you aren't because you didn't get here the way I think you should.  Really each person's path is different, and whose business is it if someone is a real Christian...and who should be judging another's "Christianness"?  Unless you are the person you wouldn't ever know what someone is thinking or feeling.  Seriously, it isn't a contest or a job application to prove anyone is worthy for a title.

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