Is religious indoctrination child abuse?

Originally posted by whodey
The Bible says to teach a child in the way he should live and they will not depart from it.

Is christians in general okay with that children is up-brought in the spirit of jehovas witness?
Because they (the jw's) are the only christians there is, according to them.
If no, then they haven't read this reference in the bible or not believing in part of the bible.

Originally posted by wolfgang59
If religion cannot be forced on a child how do you account for most Jews having Jewish parents.
Most Christians having Christian parents
and most Muslims having Muslim parents?

And the flavour of that religion also follows from the parents.

It follows that choosing a religion is not a rational decision otherwise we would see
similar percentages of Jews, Christians, Muslims and Sikhs following Islam.

Kids learn how to pay lip service early on.
A lot of times that is enough for the adults.
With Jewish people it seems to be more cultural.
But you are right, despite this quite a good chunk of kids follow their parents.

Originally posted by KellyJay
I suppose it matters what they see too! If they see loving, caring people., or people who don't practice what they preach, I imagine that will matter over a life time.

Yes totally. Loving families always have better influence on their kids, no doubt.

Originally posted by wolfgang59
It could be that of the little old lady across the street.
Couldn't it?

Could be, but usually it is family or government worldview that kids adopt.

Schools have become little more than worldview indoctrination centers. Throw in government propaganda and using courts to enforce worldview, the government has a powerful influence.

Originally posted by karoly aczel
Kids learn how to pay lip service early on.
A lot of times that is enough for the adults.
With Jewish people it seems to be more cultural.
But you are right, despite this quite a good chunk of kids follow their parents.

If I were to be born in Tel Aviv, then I would probably be a jew today.
If I were to be born in Teheran, then I would probably be a muslim today.
If I were to be born in the City of Vatican, then I would probably be a christian today.

In every case I would as a child chose the religion of my parents as default. When I grow up I would make a second decision to accept or to deny the faith of theirs. Rarely I would change to another religion.

So my religion is the product of where I am born and by the parents I have. And that holds for anyone. With only a few exceptions.

Originally posted by FabianFnas
If I were to be born in Tel Aviv, then I would probably be a jew today.
If I were to be born in Teheran, then I would probably be a muslim today.
If I were to be born in the City of Vatican, then I would probably be a christian today.

In every case I would as a child chose the religion of my parents as default. When I grow up I would make a second de ...[text shortened]... here I am born and by the parents I have. And that holds for anyone. With only a few exceptions.

Starting off in some family does not mean you will end up there, Christianity has to be
a personal choice God does not have grandchildren. I believe if you are born into a Jewish,
or Muslim family you are called one.

Originally posted by KellyJay
Starting off in some family does not mean you will end up there, Christianity has to be
a personal choice God does not have grandchildren. I believe if you are born into a Jewish,
or Muslim family you are called one.

"Starting off in some family does not mean you will end up there"
But most often do.

"Christianity has to be a personal choice"
But most seldom is.

Originally posted by FabianFnas
"Starting off in some family does not mean you will end up there"
But most often do.

"Christianity has to be a personal choice"
But most seldom is.

If by Christianity you mean going to church or paying Church tax, then I agree with you.

Originally posted by Eladar
If by Christianity you mean going to church or paying Church tax, then I agree with you.

Do you think that a child, not paying church tax, cannot be christian?

Originally posted by FabianFnas
Do you think that a child, not paying church tax, cannot be christian?

Do you believe that there is a spiritual dimension to human life ?
Do you believe that Jesus Christ spoke anything to the realm of human life if it exists ?

Originally posted by sonship
Do you believe that there is a spiritual dimension to human life ?
Do you believe that Jesus Christ spoke anything to the realm of human life if it exists ?

Your avoiding my question:
Do you really think that a child must pay church tax to be called a christian?

Edit: Oh, sorry. I was expecting Eladar to answer this question...

Originally posted by FabianFnas
"Starting off in some family does not mean you will end up there"
But most often do.

"Christianity has to be a personal choice"
But most seldom is.

It is a calling that has to be answered.

Originally posted by KellyJay
It is a calling that has to be answered.

I've made my point.

Originally posted by FabianFnas
I've made my point.

Not sure what point that is, but okay.

Originally posted by KellyJay
It is a calling that has to be answered.

If your god figure does not issue this "calling" ~ like to my Muslim neighbours, for example, happy, fulfilled, and content in their generations old piety and religious devotion ~ do you think it is just and morally coherent if they are then tortured for eternity as a consequence?