Should parents have the right to make thier kids conform to a certain religion?

[Xanikk999]

I dont think they should. Religion is something that should not be forced in this modern world and shouldnt have anyway actually.

And besides a person who doesnt want to follow a religion cant be forced to. He could fake it.

But anyway kids should be entitled to religious freedom also i think.

 

[GenMarshall]

If they live under my roof and are under 18 (US), they should conform to my religion whether they like it or not. They life under my roof, they live by my rules.

 

[JohnRM]

I don't think that it is that big of deal. Furthermore, I think it is a dangerous thing, the government legislating the household and the raising of one's children. It is done too much, already. I am certainly sympathetic to children who have to go to Church or Sunday School, and don't want to, but I don't think that it causes any significant harm to them, so it does not warrant government interference.

Now, if you are asking, 'should parents respect the wishes of their children?', I would say, 'absolutely.'

 

[Yoda Power]

No. However they should respect all beliefs nomatter what they are though. Atheist, religous or fanatical, it doesn't matter.

 

[Eukaryote]

I'm a christian but I'm gonna give this one a big fat NO!

 

[JohnRM]

If they live under my roof and are under 18 (US), they should conform to my religion whether they like it or not. They life under my roof, they live by my rules.

All that I can say is that taking an attitude like that will only turn your children away from religion and practically anything that you want for them or want them to do. You will be your own worst enemy.

 

[Atlas14]

No. If they had a single brain cell they would realize it is counter-effective anyway. You cannot force anyone to believe in God, people must experience God and choose for themselves.

 

[Katheryn]

If they live under my roof and are under 18 (US), they should conform to my religion whether they like it or not. They life under my roof, they live by my rules.

Exactly. If you are old enough to choose, you are old enough to pay your own way.

Still, I have to admit, both kids took to Christianity like a duck to water.

 

[GenMarshall]

All that I can say is that taking an attitude like that will only turn your children away from religion and practically anything that you want for them or what them to do. You will be your own worst enemy.

If they just say "I don't want to go" or "I don't believe in God" without any logical explanation or reason. I would just take it as a sign of rebellion from the child.

 

[punkbass2000]

Well, I suppose it depends on what exactly you mean. But generally, of course they should. The job of the parent is to raise the child as they see fit. IF it includes religion, then so be it.

 

[Xanikk999]

If they just say "I don't want to go" or "I don't believe in God" without any logical explanation or reason. I would just take it as a sign of rebellion from the child.

Why do you need a reason to not beileve in god? Its the same thing with beileving.

Dont be so foolish.

 

[El_Machinae]

I think that the parents have the right to demand obediance of their children, and this includes observance of religious ritual (as long as it is not abusive). That said, if the parents punish the children for having different opinions regarding the faith, the parents are immoral.

So "come to church, or punishment" is fine.
But "tell me you believe in God, or I'll punish you" is wrong.

Going to church is like any other social function you are dragged along to. If you have to visit Aunt "Augh! the lipstick" Bernie every weekend, you have to go to church too.

That said, forcing your children to attend church seems to be a bit asinine at some point. Forcing religion upon someone isn't very kind.

edit: in other words "yeah, what John said"

 

[Taliesin]

[directed at OP]
The corollary question, though, is "should the state have the right to dictate children's religious practice?" Because what you're proposing is that the state have the power to tell parents how they may or may not raise their children. I think giving parents authority over their children's thinking is much less odious. (Especially since your proposal would infringe on the parents' right to express their religious beliefs, and hence on their own freedom of conscience. It is generally recognised that freedom of religion is meaningless without the freedom to practise, and religious practice generally includes raising children in the religion.)

That being said, obviously children possess rights which would supersede their parents' authority in the matter. No parents have the right to raise their children in a paedophilic cult, for example. The borderline cases, such as allegedly Scripture-ordained corporal punishment, are tricky, but a border clearly exists; it is up to the courts to precisely locate it.

 

[Gilder]

If they just say "I don't want to go" or "I don't believe in God" without any logical explanation or reason. I would just take it as a sign of rebellion from the child.

You're going to end up seeing a lot of that, anyway.

 

[GenMarshall]

Why do you need a reason to not beileve in god? Its the same thing with beileving.

I need a reason why they don't believe in God, a logical reason, not a temper tantrum from the kid. You would want a reason why your hypothetical child believes in God?

Dont be so foolish.

Tell that to the person (MobBoss) who I took the advice from .

 

[sysyphus]

I think it is good for parents to teach their children about their religion, but should allow the children to make up their own minds about being followers (and isn't that really the essence of religion anyway, since a true practitioner is in it because of faith?)

I am an agnostic, my wife is a non-practising Jew. My father in law is an orthodox practitioner and will want to take our children to synagogue. I won't have them going every saturday (against their will), but I do want them to have the exposure nonetheless. It's good to provide your children with options, even if they're not the ones you would take yourself.

 

[Red Door]

Only when they're younger than 15, after that, IMO, the kid is old enough to make the decision for themselves.

 

[GoodEnoughForMe]

I would rather that they not force it upon their children, as it's morally wrong to do so, but there's not much that can be or should be done about it.

 

[GenMarshall]

Only when they're younger than 15, after that, IMO, the kid is old enough to make the decision for themselves.

So you're going by the time they make their confirmation?

 

[JonnyB]

If anyone under 18 isn't old enough to vote why should they be considered old enough to choose their religion?

It's up to the parents to make the decisions for their child.