• Welcome to Religious Forums, a friendly forum to discuss all religions in a friendly surrounding.

    Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to the following site features:
    • Reply to discussions and create your own threads.
    • Our modern chat room. No add-ons or extensions required, just login and start chatting!
    • Access to private conversations with other members.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon!

Your Child's Religion

HiddenDjinn

Well-Known Member
It's My Birthday!
And they will be raised that way. The only religion practiced in the home will be Judaism, and those are the values that will be taught. But I cannot force my children to truly believe what I do, no matter how hard I might try. And I think that to try to hide other religions or points-of-views from them would do far more harm that good.

I don't say "this is what I believe, but do what you want", but at the same time I don't hide the fact that that I believe isn't the only thing out there. Also, something else to consider is that Judaism is a new path for us all; my oldest two, the ones that claim a different belief, are teenagers and were never exposed to Judaism as small children. If I had converted before I had children or while they were still young, it might be different. But I can't turn back time.

I would love for all four of my children to find the same fulfillment and peace I have in Judaism, and I will do everything I can to help them to do so. But I cannot make it happen. As much as seeing my kids start Jewish families of their own would make me happy, I'll be satisfied to have raised four healthy children who are good people.
Ok, I see your point.
 

ChristineES

Tiggerism
Premium Member
I think what we are all failing to see is that our children are not just subjected to only what we teach them, but also what the whole world teaches them. They will meet millions of people in their lifetime and see all kinds of information and only a small percentage will be from their parents. They have television and internet, newspapers and magazines, books and lectures and much more.
:)
 

Onkara

Well-Known Member
I think what we are all failing to see is that our children are not just subjected to only what we teach them, but also what the whole world teaches them. They will meet millions of people in their lifetime and see all kinds of information and only a small percentage will be from their parents. They have television and internet, newspapers and magazines, books and lectures and much more.
:)

This is a very good point you make, Christine. I personally encountered religion (Christianity) at School and not at home. I feel it is dominantly society that influences children.

Isn't there an expression "Give me a child for 7 years and I will give you a man", imply that a child can be educated into any religion given the exposure?
 
My son is only 3 1/2, so we haven't started any religious education with him yet, but when he is older I plan on educating him, to the best of my ability, on all of his options and then letting him choose which path he feels resonates the most with him. I care more that he is a compassionate, respectful human being who understands what he accepts or rejects than I do about what path he decides is right for him. As well, I want to instill in him the ability to think for himself, to consider his various options and decide from there what makes the most sense to him. That matters more to me than which conclusion he comes to.
 

Wombat

Active Member
My son is only 3 1/2, so we haven't started any religious education with him yet, but when he is older I plan on educating him, to the best of my ability, on all of his options and then letting him choose which path he feels resonates the most with him. I care more that he is a compassionate, respectful human being who understands what he accepts or rejects than I do about what path he decides is right for him. As well, I want to instill in him the ability to think for himself, to consider his various options and decide from there what makes the most sense to him. That matters more to me than which conclusion he comes to.

Well said, well intended and welcome to the Board.

(Though, as a parent, I am tempted to suggest- teach him to be greedy, self centered and mean and then when he goes through adolescent rebellion he will turn to all those virtues you desire for him. ;) )
 

lilmama1991

Member
When the child or children gets older than they're on they're on so if they choose to go to another religion than its on them but while they're younger I still have to let them go to the kingdom hall when i go or when i decide to do bible study they still have to do it
 
Top