The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

well I was having a discussion with a friend earlier, regarding why we chose the religion we chose or the life style we choose to live.

And we took our kids to a park where they was a church picnic going on. Now, mind you i am very open minded.

They were having a kids event and it is an open park, and they had tables with kids games and my son was invited to come play. One of the adults asked my son what church he attends and well him being my son , simply replies, my momma's a witch her church is every where. Now i don't force my children to follow any religion i feel that he will have the option to choose what he wants to believe.


I was raised catholic and it just wan't my cup of tea. I am very in tune with nature and am happy with the path I have chosen.

So my question is, do you feel kids should have a choice of what they want their faith to be, or should they have to follow their parents until they are old enough to make their own choice?

I absolutely do bellieve that a child should be able to choose the way that they want to believe. I would never force my child to believe the way that I do. that is just major grounds for rebellion and going against what the parents want. Freedom of Religion is a major thing. I believe in free will and will stand behind my children whichever path they may choose.

I have always believed that pushing a religion on anyone, young or old, only results in that person pushing religion away.

yes... it is good to teach children about faith and religion.... as long as you teach them tolerance for those who don't share their beliefs...

there are many faiths on VR.....

and many people on VR have strong beliefs and faiths.....

but it is a wise person who learns of all faiths and finds their own path.

:)

They should totally choose. Children grow up with a total range on emotions. they wan't to get a taste of life and try out all sorts of things, including religion. As a teenager I tried out multiple religions, but grew up atheist.

well i think that until they are old enough to understand the differences and what each religion stands for, they should be brought up in the way of the parents. BUT they should be taught to be open minded about every different religion so that when they are old enough they are able to make an informed descision on which one they prefer to follow

I am 100 percent for choosing.. My parents let my sister and brothers and i choose.. I tried the hole church thing and it didn't work for me. But that is not to say that it will not work for my kiddos.. If they want to go as they get older they are free to go.. I just will not be going with them. My oldest is starting to get to the point of asking quieastions and he is 5 going to be six tommrow i answer him and he goes on his way.. I will NEVER force anything on him. As they get older they may choose and i will be there to help them no matter what..

Already asking questions at 6? Clever kid. I started debates with my dad when I was religious. I was a little kid though and didn't know what I was talking about. He was atheist so i guess he kinda rubbed off on me... well, so did my mom cuz i used to be into wiccanism until i moved to buffalo and lost all my shit.

I think no matter what they should always have a choice. I mean my dad found out I was a witch, by raiding my room and found my book of shadows and everything he burned it all but first he read the book and I think it cursed him. But anyways I was just sharing what happened to me.

I would teach them about my beliefs while they're growing up, but if they chose to follow something different when they get older that is perfectly fine by me!

Also it is important to show them what you are and tell them that they are allowed to believe what they want that you will still love them.

Raised a Catholic, but am an atheist. Raised son w/o religion. no icons or prayers. Maybe a Jesus fucking Christ when I stubbed my toe. Now think we humans function well with something to rebel against, so no telling where he'll end up in the spectrum.

Well my son has for the most part attended every Open and circles with me and when he went to stay at grandmas house she tok him to sunday school and when he heard the teacher say there is only one Gos, he argued with.... he wasnt allowed to come back. He is very open minded as he has been raised that way he doesn't like it when thigs are forced.. which is good it makes him have an open mind I have let him get a tatse of other religions so to speak so in time he will choose what he wants

They absolutely should have a choice. My older children went to several different types of churches growing up depending on their friends religions and then non-denominational with me while I had a religion. As they got older they didn't want to go at all and I didn't force it on them even though their grandfather is a pastor. Two of them are now Athiests, one an Agnostic and another an Evolutionist. My youngest son just goes to VBS for now. I am Agnostic.

I feela child has the right to choose what religion they wish to follow yet I also feelthat the parent or guardians should expose them to many different religions and have them study or at least know the different ones that are out there for them, My parents made sure I knew all kinds of religions and to also respect them even if I did not follow / choose them as mine.

Yet, yes I feel each individual should have that choice of what religion if any they wan to follow.

personally I teach my kids about several beleif, religions and lifestyle so they can make a decision based on knowledge and not on ignorance or fear of what they do not know, and if they choose to learn about those I do not know about then I ask questions so I can learn too.

Learning about a religion or a lifestyle don't mean that you will take that path, it just shows open mind and also the option to chose to accept and allow others to chose.

I hate when some come to me and say this religion is this and that when most of the time all they talk is "ear-say" which is not valid and to me shows a great ignorance and close mind.

Don't mean I agree with a religion because I learned about it, I am a knowledge freak, but at least I am able to understand what they do ro refuse to do, with respect.

I also think sharing what you know is good, it don't mean others will agree or beleive but it will allow them to make the choice as if they respect your right to freedom, or if they are hypocrite and deny you the right to freedom of choice while they have it.

Both my children, 28 and 30, were allowed to find their own way. They were raised by two witches who influenced them in their early years, they attended large group circles and full moon rituals of the coven. They both attended private elementry school and high school where they were exposed to Judaism through out that time. They were never directed towards one belief or another but have grown to be adults and are both religious, but very liberal in their chosen paths. One is Christian and the other is Jewish. Their parents were brought up in Irish Catholic families, so we have all been exposed to many religious cultures.

My parents never forced a religion onto us my older brother was baptised. They other two and me weren't. As I was growing up friends down the road were 7th day adventises so I went there with them. Then friends of mine a bit later on were Uniting so I went there. Then as an adult more friends where Uniting so I went there. No I dont go anywhere so I feel pleased that it wasn't rammed down our thoatts or was it ignored it was our choice.

I believe this to be a question for a common sense answer...What ever the child decides is up to the child, the parent(s) are just their for guidance while the child is on their own journey. No one should ever place judgement on anyone specifically children.

I believe that everyone of every age group has a choice of what deity they worship or don't. I personally am agnostic for the not so simple fact that I don't know what version of the 'truth' to believe.

This represents a constant sourc of discussion between me and my wife... I want to let the children choose their religion or path in life when they are older and she wants to baptise them as soon as they are born, to "protect" them with the divine help... This is a mistake, forcing the children into a religion they cannot understand, just with the excuse that "if they don't like it they can change it later"...

I think they should be taught the religion of there parents until they are old enough to choose. I always wanted a religion when i was little but my parents were athiests.

me and my 3 sisters where brought up wiccan when my to older sisters where 14 and 16 they picked to change there faith to catholic but me and my lilttel sister stayed wiccan and now im raseing my 2 kids wiccan when they are old enugh tp pick there faith ill let them pick the path they wish to take in life i will not force them to stay wiccan as long as there happy im happy now deep down i do wish they will stay wiccan but i will in no way make them do some thing they do not want to do to me thats just wrong we have minds and sould be let to pick what our faith is and how we live your lives not have some one do it for us!!!

for many people choice is not a luxury they have. a lot of people are raised to believe in something. and without critical thinking skills are bullied into remaining of that beleif through their adult life too via scare tactics and bribes and threats. tsk tsk, feel sorry for them really.

Everyone young and old should choose there beliefs for themselves with children i think its a good idea to teach them about all different religions and let them grow to believe what they wish too.

When I was a child most parents sent their children to Sunday school in order to enjoy a little peace and quiet on a Sunday.

Choice with a good understanding of all the major religions seems as good a path as any.

I think it should be up to the individual to decide what they believe in.

Yes i believe kids should be given the choice to what path they should follow, i dislike parents who force there kids into religion or a path which the parents have taken. We are all individuals, and therefore our own person.

regarding the path we take, i think nothing is to chance, the path has been set before us by some higher being, now i dont believe in god, but maybe the higher being, being us before we are born, if that makes any scene, we have all walked the path before but we dont know that till we have.

I can fully relate to this question. My family is catholic and brought up that way. My brother married a Jehovah's Witness girl (she's lovely) and I have 2 nephews by them. We were told that they are being brought up both witness and catholic and when they are older can decide what they want to do.

I think it's up to the kids when they feel ready to make their minds up

I think that a child should be brought up the decided religion of the parents because religions are sometimes tied to the history of the family, holidays, customs, etc., and I think everyone should know where they came from.

If the parents come from two different religions, the parents need to decide what is best for the child, or determine by religious custom. But, the child should be taught both both so he is at least knowing his/her families cultural background, customs, family history, etc.

I think it is also the responsibility of parents to be prepared for the day when a child does come to them asking about other religions. If there is interest of a particular religion outside of the family one, perhaps rather than say no, the parents can allow the child to read up and study up on the desired religion or Path, and send the child to someone in an advising capacity (**Pastor, Rabbi, Elder, Priestess/Priest) from that faith to give counseling and options.

If the child is serious, not willing to wait, and not yet an adult, the parents can take recommendations from the Advisor** and see if the child is ready to change his religion or path and should continue studies. Then once the child is of an age where he/she is considered an adult, he/she can decide if he/she wishes to convert.

A child should be able to choose the religion which best suits them, I am catholic and my kids have choosen their religion, i donot force them to believ or think or act as i do.

I believe children have a right to choose but it is hard to choose when they do not understand the choices. If you want your children to be able to choose their own religion than you must let them experience them. I don't think it is wrong to show them your religion and then show them other ones so they can make an informed choose.

Yes very true then this leads to the child growing up too quickly, and then can lead to other problems later in life, the children now-a-days are growing up far to fast.

yes a lil push in the right direction never hurt anyone but too much could cripple the child for life.

No they should have choice to what faith they want to follow. I was raised with my own beliefs and free will and I was born a thinker, and thinkers are very curious people. I don't go to church, because I think Wicca is more beautiful. Now I am considered a wiccan and a mystic, and I am proud of what I am. I think the world should be free religion, and I think people should have the right to beleive in what they want to beleive.

Until a child is serious minded enough to decide for themselves I see nothing wrong with that child being raised in the faith of it's parents provided it's not an abusive one. Like many others I no longer follow the faith I was raised in (Southern Baptist) but I made that choice with full knowledge. But as a child the church was an excellent social exercise and the sunday school lessons a good start on gaining learning tools that can be used in education.

The most important part is teaching tolerance and knowledge of other faiths and their right to exist. But until old enough "mentally" to say they want to leave or explore another faith I think following your parents beliefs are fine.

I agree Nightgame. I think the problem that is occuring in most of the negative situations here is not the Religion itself, but the way and means by which the parents are allowing the child to be subjected to it.

Yes it is the parents or carers, they, themselves force the religion upon them, then being made to go to church, or a place of worship, in ways religion can be good, if the person who so wishes chooses it.

It can be yes, but then that can install fear of dying or doing 'the wrong thing' that being having sex before marriage or having a baby out of wedlock, there are nothing wrong with these things, so why are they commended?

Fear can be good in a child but like every + side there has to be a - side to it too.

yes so really religion can be a bad thing as it does install negativity on life, i tell ya what i dont know it is a bad thing but can be good

i believe the choice should be give based on the facts and information provided but we must be careful not to taint the information presented to the child or they will be unable to make an informed decision

As A child, I was forced to be raised Catholic. I also started raising arguments, at age 9. Thank goodness I was finally able to get away from the "religion." I believe a child needs to learn about different religions for knowledge only. They should be able to choose what best suits what they believe. I hated being forced to do something I hated. I have chosen a path that suits me, not my parents.

That brings up a larger question of free will. You were raised a Catholic and might have read a little of St. Augustine who taught in The Confessions that free will was actually a trap. If God or your Higher power wants only what is best for you then anytime you do that you are exercising Gods will and not your own. By default, you exercise free will only to defer from Gods will. In other words to sin. The trap of free will. So...I think everyone should have the right to exercise free will should they so choose. :P

Children need something to hold on to. To believe in something other than oneself. So teach your kid a belief,but also explain others. This way the kid will understand ur ideas & also understand others. Teaching tolerence.

I think the child should be able to choose their own faith, but if they want to follow their parents, then i say let them. I grew up with no faith at all until I was 10 and i decided to ask God into my heart. So I have had the faith for seven and a half years. and my mom likes the thought about that. Sooo I think that the kids should be able to choose their own faith, and that the parents should be behind them all the way, even if the kid's faith is different than the parent's.

I think, like you, I would let my child chose what faith they wanted to follow, as long as I could teach them morals first.

It would not change my view of my child, so long as they were respectful and loving in their heart.

I think that children should be exposed to all religions, and experiences possible. They should also be given the opportunities to experience the traditions of the basic holidays of the average religions (Christmas/Yule, Samhain/All Hallows Eve/Halloween, Ostara/Easter/Passover etc.)
Encourage them to do the research for themselves when they start to ask religious questions. Let them know your points of view but also that what ever choice they feel is right for them is ok too. This is especially important when there are opposing points of view.

Yes they should, but then the parents(one religion) are going to conflict with the children(another religion) because, no matter what the religion it will always conflict with the other.

I whole heartedly believe that children should choose on their own. Now, it's only natural for a child to follow along with his parents at first because they don't know what they want. But so long as they know that it's alright to choose something else if they should want to, I see no problems in it. Half my family are Christian fanatics *fun dealing with them... lol* and the rest are mostly Catholic. I choose to have no religion and instead just learn about every religion... It works out quite well for me.

as an honest response rayne i believe that kids at a young age should stay with their parents religion for a period of time till they are old enough to make a wise decision rather than not have the proper knowledge of things and make a mistake that may have negative effects in the end...

just like lady dark rayne i was raised to be catholic but i desided it wasnt *quote- my cup of tea* so i started looking at other religions and faiths to observe them and make a choice in the end im 20 right now and im still looking for the right one....
now if im having trouble making up my mind how do u think a 5 to 12 year old will fair with that decision?

children should do as they please within respect, they know right form wrong and if they choose religion they choose it. i they dont they dont. there is no point in forcing a child to do something, they are highly impressionable.

I myself believe that a child should be able to decide if they want a religon in their lives and shouldn't be forced into any because of the way their parents were brought up. I say that because I was forced myself as a child into the catholic religon and now that I am over 40 and an adult I don't go anymore because I have my own belief in the lifestyle they I choose for myself o be apart of and if my family knew, I know they would think I am crazy and need physchological help.

Yes to rebel is normal and right like you said Ade! If the child didnt then in effect would sow signs of weakness in later life

well my son who is 11, has been raised with both catholic and wiccan beliefs and he is leaner mo towards my beliefs simply because he ses things as i do and well hes a momma's boy and has always had a deep interests in the way i do things.

And that good, if he is intrested in it then a lil push IE explaining what it is about and showing him.

My parents are very loosely C of E and yes, they did send me to sunday school when i was a kid but like many people here and it it 'wasn't my cup of tea', I was just plain bored, but thankfully my parents are open minded and when I told then i didn't want to go anymore, they did not make me, now I'm sure sure what religion I am...still deciding:)

All the points raised so far are very good and I fully agree espeically with Tzaddi and my fellow coven member PsiVampire. It's every persons god given right to choose their own destiny and not for that destiny to be choosen for you. Of course you can bring the child up right and teach them to respect life, but to try to push them into one religion or another will cause rebellion and deservedly so.

I think the best course is to give the child open, honest and non biased info on all relgions when they show an interest and trust them to make their own mind up.

Indeed they should have that option i agree! tell them about every or most of the religions and let them choose. But only when the time is right, they should not be shunned into religion at a too early age.

I think children have a hard time chosing a religion. They cant realy tell one from another. A good parent wont make theire children follow them in the same religion as theirs. They would teach the child about everyone and then he or she can make a choise when the time has come

That's the point i was trying to make. Just teach the kids be be basically a good person and then let them make up their own mind about religion when they are old enough to decide for themselves.

in my country in india people take the religion their parents are actually. everyone here is happy to adopt or follow the religion of their parents here. though i think personally that if someone wants to preach some other religion than they should be given the freedom to do so .

This thread has been automatically closed for length.