Should indoctrination of a religion be (il)legal?

[Syterion]

Well? Do you think is fair to teach an impressionable child a religion(or perhaps a hatred of religion) without exposing him to other religions or no religions at all? Is this the parents' right? Does the child have a "right" to not have home propaganda?

I know things change when the child grows up and his opinions change as he looks more at the world around him, but I still think it instills prejudices.

BTW, it's a public poll because I see no reason for people to be ashamed of their vote. I'm a hereby against every non-public poll.

 

[Dida]

I being an Atheist myself, would not indoctrinate my kids with Atheism. I would trust himself to make the best decision when he is old enough.
I think teaching religions to little kids is okay, but the part of religion that descriminates against non-believers or advocate violence against infidel should not be taught to kids.

 

[puglover]

Is it wrong for a parent to tell his/her children about his/her beliefs? This is just another restriction of free speech.

BTW, I can predict what Perfection will pick.

 

[WillJ]

A ban would seem pointless, since it couldn't be enforced AFAIK.

Or should we not take that into consideration?

 

[Yom]

No, I should have the right to be able to raise my kids as I please as long as I am not abusive (which indoctrination is not).

If a child is lied to young in life, then it sucks to be him or her, but ignorance is not permanent unless imposed. A child can change his or her mind as an adult.

The government indoctrinates children (public schools - though not in religion), and the media and government manipulate information to indoctrinate the average citizen as well. The only difference is the subject of indoctrination.

 

[jonatas]

Well? Do you think is fair to teach an impressionable child a religion(or perhaps a hatred of religion) without exposing him to other religions or no religions at all? Is this the parents' right?

children have the right to become a fully functioning member of society and the state... if the religion the parents are indoctrinating is some extreme cult or fundamentalism which isolates the children and prevents them from fully developing in society and limits their future, then it is most definitely NOT the parent's right... parents do not have the right to be irresponsible... i don't have a problem with a religion which is fully integrated within society

 

[luiz]

Parents indoctrinate their kids with plenty of stuff besides religion, like political orientation, ethics, sports team, etc.

When the father say "stealing is wrong" he is in fact indoctrinating his kid with his belief system. How is religion any different?

 

[jonatas]

How is religion any different?

it becomes relevant in extreme cases.... for example, if a female is not allowed to go to university because her family she is raised from is some extreme fundamentalist.... or children are home schooled and denied access to the society at large... for "normal" situations it isn't a problem, but it can become a problem in extreme situations

 

[luiz]

I agree, but that goes for non-religious extremism as well...
For exemple, think about indoctrintaing some kid with Nazi ideas.

 

[jonatas]

I agree, but that goes for non-religious extremism as well...
For exemple, think about indoctrintaing some kid with Nazi ideas.

yes, any sort of extreme ideology (religious or political) which manipulates children is dangerous for that matter...

 

[10Seven]

I have so much faith in my beliefs I will indoctrinate my son from the get-go in order to restrict his freedom to determine his own ideals - if I let him do that he might not validate my beliefs! And that would be terrible.

In the mean-time, if he questions my manipulation, I will abuse him with fear and fire and brimstone.

All to save his soul, of course.

 

[10Seven]

I agree, but that goes for non-religious extremism as well...
For exemple, think about indoctrintaing some kid with Nazi ideas.

And Communism and Capitalism.

I think the way is to educate our children widely, and, essentially, give them the tools to come to their own decisions - and not to try force them to my beliefs.

 

[Babbler]

AS long as the parent's beilfs are not causing the childern physical or pyschological harm, nor is undermining society at large, the childern should through whatever the parent feel apporate.

 

[punkbass2000]

First option, without doubt. Once you start telling people what they can teach their children, you're on a really slippery slope, IMO. The real problem is preventing society from indoctrinating them .

 

[SeleucusNicator]

Since more theoretical arguments against such a ban have already been made, I will simply point out that it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to prevent home indoctrination.

I mean, what do you propose to do about it, have all children raised at state-run facilities away from their parents?

 

[punkbass2000]

And even then, it would be difficult to ensure every facility teaches precisely the same wolrdview.

 

[10Seven]

Since more theoretical arguments against such a ban have already been made, I will simply point out that it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to prevent home indoctrination.

I mean, what do you propose to do about it, have all children raised at state-run facilities away from their parents?

Which would be absurd - however, state guidence in curriculum and restriction on religious indoctrination in school can provide a more moderate environment - with a view for promoting a more free and educated choice.

The dangers of indoctrination and everyone's interest in providing for a wider education seems real to me - such examples as Nazi Germany, Red's Under the Bed, genocide, etc, etc, are a result.

This doesn't mean we need a USSR style dictatorship on education, however.

Other countries seem able to skirt the edge with both enough, but too much by way of state guidance.

 

[Babbler]

And even then, it would be difficult to ensure every facility teaches precisely the same wolrdview.

Wouldn't that be just state indoctrination?

 

[10Seven]

And even then, it would be difficult to ensure every facility teaches precisely the same wolrdview.

Rigid conformity needn't be necessary, but, essentially, just restriction on extreme, and assurance in freedom of information.

For instance, preventing the restriction of Evolution - I, personally, think both evolution and religion should be available to learn, or even be part of curriculum.

 

[10Seven]

Wouldn't that be just state indoctrination?

Indoctrinate the people into believing that they should be allowed the freedom to make up their own mind, without information restriction and manipulation