Is it fair to brainwash our children?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You didn't answer who else teach morals directly
or indirectly except religion.

Uhhh...

...parents...

...teachers...

...peers...

...most people in society by example...? (some by negative example)

We're all in this, man. There is no instruction book. Many religions teach a lot of stuff most people find highly immoral.

Yes, but all of them are influenced by religion.

DP. Not in my area.

What area?

Liberal area with many educated people. Many didn't grow up with religion.

Religious traditions and values are already baked in the societies culture.

+1

liberal area poster has a comfy bubble on a platform created by Judeo-Christian values and doesn’t realize it.

Religion doesn't invent kindness.

It did invent some fun traditions we enjoy though - Easter bunny, etc.

Religion has a system of teaching kindness.
The best example is the Golden Rule in the positive and in the negative sentence structure.
Most famous universities started by clergy to teach religious studies and you have Sunday off so you can go to church.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m finding this question hard to process. Parenting isn’t about being fair. Presumably parents know more than their kids, so while they may listen to a reasonable argument, the parent’s vote has to outweigh the child’s. Parenting obligates us to pass along our values and experience to our kids, teaching them to make good choices and avoid bad ones. Sometimes, inevitably, we’ll be wrong. We “brainwash” our children to:

eat vegetables even if it doesn’t taste as good as chocolate ice cream
not to hit people when they get mad
to do their work before play
to treat others with courtesy, respect, and hopefully some kindness
to tell the truth, even when it gets them in trouble
not to steal
etc.

Whatever your religious views (or lack thereof) are, presumably you feel that those are the views that promise the best outcome while avoiding the bad ones. That may mean going to heaven instead of going to hell, not falling for a lot of “superstitious nonsense”, etc. Whatever your beliefs about religion may be, they strike at fundamental questions and potentially have profound implications. If you truly believe in heaven and hell, would you not do everything you can to see your child end up spending eternity in paradise rather than never-ending torment, not to mention finding spiritual comfort during their life? If you believe something else, wouldn’t you do whatever you could to ensure the best outcome for your child?

So is it fair to brainwash our children about religion? of course not
Is it right to brainwash our children about religion? If a parent truly believes their religion will help their child and not passing along those beliefs will hurt the child, then they have a duty to share that viewpoint with their child.

Ultimately, whatever you teach the child, they’ll eventually make their own decisions, on everything. All a parent can do is pass on the best information they have to a child and hope it’s helpful.

Can't see that it's helpful to a child to insist that they believe in a supernatural being who lives in the sky and judges them.

Do you insist that they believe in Santa Claus? When they stop believing in Santa, do you get upset?

Another atheist who is so very invested in how other people raise their kids. Why do you care?

I just don’t see how anyone has time or mental space to worry about how others live their lives. You don’t have enough going on in your own life?

Atheists posting here cannot stop thinking about other people’s lives and beliefs. It’s weird. Bored old ladies do that.

People care about a lot of things outside their own lives -- like the environment, and guns and wars and famines. Nothing weird about it.

You are wrong. To believe that parents must raise their children to anyone’s standards but their own is nuts. Anyone who thinks that is mad as a box of frogs.

Atheists and anti-theists show how delusional they are, and how out of touch they are, by insisting they or anyone has the right to vet how others make decisions for their children.

It’s creepy. Also, calling normal family life “brainwashing” is completely insane.

Op and their supporters should not be in charge of any child but their own. Mind your own business.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m finding this question hard to process. Parenting isn’t about being fair. Presumably parents know more than their kids, so while they may listen to a reasonable argument, the parent’s vote has to outweigh the child’s. Parenting obligates us to pass along our values and experience to our kids, teaching them to make good choices and avoid bad ones. Sometimes, inevitably, we’ll be wrong. We “brainwash” our children to:

eat vegetables even if it doesn’t taste as good as chocolate ice cream
not to hit people when they get mad
to do their work before play
to treat others with courtesy, respect, and hopefully some kindness
to tell the truth, even when it gets them in trouble
not to steal
etc.

Whatever your religious views (or lack thereof) are, presumably you feel that those are the views that promise the best outcome while avoiding the bad ones. That may mean going to heaven instead of going to hell, not falling for a lot of “superstitious nonsense”, etc. Whatever your beliefs about religion may be, they strike at fundamental questions and potentially have profound implications. If you truly believe in heaven and hell, would you not do everything you can to see your child end up spending eternity in paradise rather than never-ending torment, not to mention finding spiritual comfort during their life? If you believe something else, wouldn’t you do whatever you could to ensure the best outcome for your child?

So is it fair to brainwash our children about religion? of course not
Is it right to brainwash our children about religion? If a parent truly believes their religion will help their child and not passing along those beliefs will hurt the child, then they have a duty to share that viewpoint with their child.

Ultimately, whatever you teach the child, they’ll eventually make their own decisions, on everything. All a parent can do is pass on the best information they have to a child and hope it’s helpful.

Can't see that it's helpful to a child to insist that they believe in a supernatural being who lives in the sky and judges them.

Do you insist that they believe in Santa Claus? When they stop believing in Santa, do you get upset?

Another atheist who is so very invested in how other people raise their kids. Why do you care?

I just don’t see how anyone has time or mental space to worry about how others live their lives. You don’t have enough going on in your own life?

Atheists posting here cannot stop thinking about other people’s lives and beliefs. It’s weird. Bored old ladies do that.

People care about a lot of things outside their own lives -- like the environment, and guns and wars and famines. Nothing weird about it.

You are wrong. To believe that parents must raise their children to anyone’s standards but their own is nuts. Anyone who thinks that is mad as a box of frogs.

Atheists and anti-theists show how delusional they are, and how out of touch they are, by insisting they or anyone has the right to vet how others make decisions for their children.

It’s creepy. Also, calling normal family life “brainwashing” is completely insane.

Op and their supporters should not be in charge of any child but their own. Mind your own business.

Sorry dude but society has standards that prove you wrong. Beat your kids? They get taken. Don’t feed them properly or give them medical care? They get taken. As they should. The idea that your kids are your property to raise any way you choose is delusional.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m finding this question hard to process. Parenting isn’t about being fair. Presumably parents know more than their kids, so while they may listen to a reasonable argument, the parent’s vote has to outweigh the child’s. Parenting obligates us to pass along our values and experience to our kids, teaching them to make good choices and avoid bad ones. Sometimes, inevitably, we’ll be wrong. We “brainwash” our children to:

eat vegetables even if it doesn’t taste as good as chocolate ice cream
not to hit people when they get mad
to do their work before play
to treat others with courtesy, respect, and hopefully some kindness
to tell the truth, even when it gets them in trouble
not to steal
etc.

Whatever your religious views (or lack thereof) are, presumably you feel that those are the views that promise the best outcome while avoiding the bad ones. That may mean going to heaven instead of going to hell, not falling for a lot of “superstitious nonsense”, etc. Whatever your beliefs about religion may be, they strike at fundamental questions and potentially have profound implications. If you truly believe in heaven and hell, would you not do everything you can to see your child end up spending eternity in paradise rather than never-ending torment, not to mention finding spiritual comfort during their life? If you believe something else, wouldn’t you do whatever you could to ensure the best outcome for your child?

So is it fair to brainwash our children about religion? of course not
Is it right to brainwash our children about religion? If a parent truly believes their religion will help their child and not passing along those beliefs will hurt the child, then they have a duty to share that viewpoint with their child.

Ultimately, whatever you teach the child, they’ll eventually make their own decisions, on everything. All a parent can do is pass on the best information they have to a child and hope it’s helpful.

Can't see that it's helpful to a child to insist that they believe in a supernatural being who lives in the sky and judges them.

Do you insist that they believe in Santa Claus? When they stop believing in Santa, do you get upset?

But teaching them that there isn’t something greater than themselves and that God doesn’t exist isn’t brainwashing? You’re also teaching your child your beliefs as fact. Ie, brainwashing by your definition.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I get the how useful it is for humans to have morality and love of God but find it questionable to teach kids about just one religion because that's what I was taught by my parents who were taught by theirs.

I wonder if as parents its our responsibility to introduce them to all major religions, as well as concepts of agnosticism and atheism?

Of course however Americans are inherently stupid given maga cult pure brain dead they can’t teach their kids anything intelligent. The morons still think drag queens are the problem vs youth pastors/ministers and pedo police

That’s right even the lot have more pedos than drag queens who have zero stats of being child abusers


Bottom line maga morons are idiots Don the con supports of Russia over the us can not find their way out of an open paper bag

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m finding this question hard to process. Parenting isn’t about being fair. Presumably parents know more than their kids, so while they may listen to a reasonable argument, the parent’s vote has to outweigh the child’s. Parenting obligates us to pass along our values and experience to our kids, teaching them to make good choices and avoid bad ones. Sometimes, inevitably, we’ll be wrong. We “brainwash” our children to:

eat vegetables even if it doesn’t taste as good as chocolate ice cream
not to hit people when they get mad
to do their work before play
to treat others with courtesy, respect, and hopefully some kindness
to tell the truth, even when it gets them in trouble
not to steal
etc.

Whatever your religious views (or lack thereof) are, presumably you feel that those are the views that promise the best outcome while avoiding the bad ones. That may mean going to heaven instead of going to hell, not falling for a lot of “superstitious nonsense”, etc. Whatever your beliefs about religion may be, they strike at fundamental questions and potentially have profound implications. If you truly believe in heaven and hell, would you not do everything you can to see your child end up spending eternity in paradise rather than never-ending torment, not to mention finding spiritual comfort during their life? If you believe something else, wouldn’t you do whatever you could to ensure the best outcome for your child?

So is it fair to brainwash our children about religion? of course not
Is it right to brainwash our children about religion? If a parent truly believes their religion will help their child and not passing along those beliefs will hurt the child, then they have a duty to share that viewpoint with their child.

Ultimately, whatever you teach the child, they’ll eventually make their own decisions, on everything. All a parent can do is pass on the best information they have to a child and hope it’s helpful.

Can't see that it's helpful to a child to insist that they believe in a supernatural being who lives in the sky and judges them.

Do you insist that they believe in Santa Claus? When they stop believing in Santa, do you get upset?

Another atheist who is so very invested in how other people raise their kids. Why do you care?

I just don’t see how anyone has time or mental space to worry about how others live their lives. You don’t have enough going on in your own life?

Atheists posting here cannot stop thinking about other people’s lives and beliefs. It’s weird. Bored old ladies do that.

People care about a lot of things outside their own lives -- like the environment, and guns and wars and famines. Nothing weird about it.

You are wrong. To believe that parents must raise their children to anyone’s standards but their own is nuts. Anyone who thinks that is mad as a box of frogs.

Atheists and anti-theists show how delusional they are, and how out of touch they are, by insisting they or anyone has the right to vet how others make decisions for their children.

It’s creepy. Also, calling normal family life “brainwashing” is completely insane.

Op and their supporters should not be in charge of any child but their own. Mind your own business.

Sorry dude but society has standards that prove you wrong. Beat your kids? They get taken. Don’t feed them properly or give them medical care? They get taken. As they should. The idea that your kids are your property to raise any way you choose is delusional.

I thought normal people knew that harming their own children in any manner was not acceptable.

That is vastly different from a pack of online anti-theistic nut jobs telling people that they are brainwashing their children by raising them with faith.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I get the how useful it is for humans to have morality and love of God but find it questionable to teach kids about just one religion because that's what I was taught by my parents who were taught by theirs.

I wonder if as parents its our responsibility to introduce them to all major religions, as well as concepts of agnosticism and atheism?

Of course however Americans are inherently stupid given maga cult pure brain dead they can’t teach their kids anything intelligent. The morons still think drag queens are the problem vs youth pastors/ministers and pedo police

That’s right even the lot have more pedos than drag queens who have zero stats of being child abusers


Bottom line maga morons are idiots Don the con supports of Russia over the us can not find their way out of an open paper bag

You need to attend night classes and work on yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m finding this question hard to process. Parenting isn’t about being fair. Presumably parents know more than their kids, so while they may listen to a reasonable argument, the parent’s vote has to outweigh the child’s. Parenting obligates us to pass along our values and experience to our kids, teaching them to make good choices and avoid bad ones. Sometimes, inevitably, we’ll be wrong. We “brainwash” our children to:

eat vegetables even if it doesn’t taste as good as chocolate ice cream
not to hit people when they get mad
to do their work before play
to treat others with courtesy, respect, and hopefully some kindness
to tell the truth, even when it gets them in trouble
not to steal
etc.

Whatever your religious views (or lack thereof) are, presumably you feel that those are the views that promise the best outcome while avoiding the bad ones. That may mean going to heaven instead of going to hell, not falling for a lot of “superstitious nonsense”, etc. Whatever your beliefs about religion may be, they strike at fundamental questions and potentially have profound implications. If you truly believe in heaven and hell, would you not do everything you can to see your child end up spending eternity in paradise rather than never-ending torment, not to mention finding spiritual comfort during their life? If you believe something else, wouldn’t you do whatever you could to ensure the best outcome for your child?

So is it fair to brainwash our children about religion? of course not
Is it right to brainwash our children about religion? If a parent truly believes their religion will help their child and not passing along those beliefs will hurt the child, then they have a duty to share that viewpoint with their child.

Ultimately, whatever you teach the child, they’ll eventually make their own decisions, on everything. All a parent can do is pass on the best information they have to a child and hope it’s helpful.

Can't see that it's helpful to a child to insist that they believe in a supernatural being who lives in the sky and judges them.

Do you insist that they believe in Santa Claus? When they stop believing in Santa, do you get upset?

But teaching them that there isn’t something greater than themselves and that God doesn’t exist isn’t brainwashing? You’re also teaching your child your beliefs as fact. Ie, brainwashing by your definition.

+1

Very hypocritical, aren’t they? It’s honestly a joke.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m finding this question hard to process. Parenting isn’t about being fair. Presumably parents know more than their kids, so while they may listen to a reasonable argument, the parent’s vote has to outweigh the child’s. Parenting obligates us to pass along our values and experience to our kids, teaching them to make good choices and avoid bad ones. Sometimes, inevitably, we’ll be wrong. We “brainwash” our children to:

eat vegetables even if it doesn’t taste as good as chocolate ice cream
not to hit people when they get mad
to do their work before play
to treat others with courtesy, respect, and hopefully some kindness
to tell the truth, even when it gets them in trouble
not to steal
etc.

Whatever your religious views (or lack thereof) are, presumably you feel that those are the views that promise the best outcome while avoiding the bad ones. That may mean going to heaven instead of going to hell, not falling for a lot of “superstitious nonsense”, etc. Whatever your beliefs about religion may be, they strike at fundamental questions and potentially have profound implications. If you truly believe in heaven and hell, would you not do everything you can to see your child end up spending eternity in paradise rather than never-ending torment, not to mention finding spiritual comfort during their life? If you believe something else, wouldn’t you do whatever you could to ensure the best outcome for your child?

So is it fair to brainwash our children about religion? of course not
Is it right to brainwash our children about religion? If a parent truly believes their religion will help their child and not passing along those beliefs will hurt the child, then they have a duty to share that viewpoint with their child.

Ultimately, whatever you teach the child, they’ll eventually make their own decisions, on everything. All a parent can do is pass on the best information they have to a child and hope it’s helpful.

Can't see that it's helpful to a child to insist that they believe in a supernatural being who lives in the sky and judges them.

Do you insist that they believe in Santa Claus? When they stop believing in Santa, do you get upset?

But teaching them that there isn’t something greater than themselves and that God doesn’t exist isn’t brainwashing? You’re also teaching your child your beliefs as fact. Ie, brainwashing by your definition.

+1

Very hypocritical, aren’t they? It’s honestly a joke.

I can’t speak for all atheists, but I taught my kids skepticism and critical thinking, and we never talked about god. as adults, they can make up their own minds.

[Anonymous]

I find it interesting that people think we cannot teach morals or the concept of a greater humanity without using religion. I have certainly been able to do so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m finding this question hard to process. Parenting isn’t about being fair. Presumably parents know more than their kids, so while they may listen to a reasonable argument, the parent’s vote has to outweigh the child’s. Parenting obligates us to pass along our values and experience to our kids, teaching them to make good choices and avoid bad ones. Sometimes, inevitably, we’ll be wrong. We “brainwash” our children to:

eat vegetables even if it doesn’t taste as good as chocolate ice cream
not to hit people when they get mad
to do their work before play
to treat others with courtesy, respect, and hopefully some kindness
to tell the truth, even when it gets them in trouble
not to steal
etc.

Whatever your religious views (or lack thereof) are, presumably you feel that those are the views that promise the best outcome while avoiding the bad ones. That may mean going to heaven instead of going to hell, not falling for a lot of “superstitious nonsense”, etc. Whatever your beliefs about religion may be, they strike at fundamental questions and potentially have profound implications. If you truly believe in heaven and hell, would you not do everything you can to see your child end up spending eternity in paradise rather than never-ending torment, not to mention finding spiritual comfort during their life? If you believe something else, wouldn’t you do whatever you could to ensure the best outcome for your child?

So is it fair to brainwash our children about religion? of course not
Is it right to brainwash our children about religion? If a parent truly believes their religion will help their child and not passing along those beliefs will hurt the child, then they have a duty to share that viewpoint with their child.

Ultimately, whatever you teach the child, they’ll eventually make their own decisions, on everything. All a parent can do is pass on the best information they have to a child and hope it’s helpful.

Can't see that it's helpful to a child to insist that they believe in a supernatural being who lives in the sky and judges them.

Do you insist that they believe in Santa Claus? When they stop believing in Santa, do you get upset?

But teaching them that there isn’t something greater than themselves and that God doesn’t exist isn’t brainwashing? You’re also teaching your child your beliefs as fact. Ie, brainwashing by your definition.

+1

Very hypocritical, aren’t they? It’s honestly a joke.

I can’t speak for all atheists, but I taught my kids skepticism and critical thinking, and we never talked about god. as adults, they can make up their own minds.

I thought the proper way to raise children was to teach them all religions, and teach them about atheism and agnosticism. Then let them choose?

Why did you choose to not teach them all religions so they could have a foundation to choose from?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m finding this question hard to process. Parenting isn’t about being fair. Presumably parents know more than their kids, so while they may listen to a reasonable argument, the parent’s vote has to outweigh the child’s. Parenting obligates us to pass along our values and experience to our kids, teaching them to make good choices and avoid bad ones. Sometimes, inevitably, we’ll be wrong. We “brainwash” our children to:

eat vegetables even if it doesn’t taste as good as chocolate ice cream
not to hit people when they get mad
to do their work before play
to treat others with courtesy, respect, and hopefully some kindness
to tell the truth, even when it gets them in trouble
not to steal
etc.

Whatever your religious views (or lack thereof) are, presumably you feel that those are the views that promise the best outcome while avoiding the bad ones. That may mean going to heaven instead of going to hell, not falling for a lot of “superstitious nonsense”, etc. Whatever your beliefs about religion may be, they strike at fundamental questions and potentially have profound implications. If you truly believe in heaven and hell, would you not do everything you can to see your child end up spending eternity in paradise rather than never-ending torment, not to mention finding spiritual comfort during their life? If you believe something else, wouldn’t you do whatever you could to ensure the best outcome for your child?

So is it fair to brainwash our children about religion? of course not
Is it right to brainwash our children about religion? If a parent truly believes their religion will help their child and not passing along those beliefs will hurt the child, then they have a duty to share that viewpoint with their child.

Ultimately, whatever you teach the child, they’ll eventually make their own decisions, on everything. All a parent can do is pass on the best information they have to a child and hope it’s helpful.

Can't see that it's helpful to a child to insist that they believe in a supernatural being who lives in the sky and judges them.

Do you insist that they believe in Santa Claus? When they stop believing in Santa, do you get upset?

But teaching them that there isn’t something greater than themselves and that God doesn’t exist isn’t brainwashing? You’re also teaching your child your beliefs as fact. Ie, brainwashing by your definition.

+1

Very hypocritical, aren’t they? It’s honestly a joke.

I can’t speak for all atheists, but I taught my kids skepticism and critical thinking, and we never talked about god. as adults, they can make up their own minds.

I thought the proper way to raise children was to teach them all religions, and teach them about atheism and agnosticism. Then let them choose?

Why did you choose to not teach them all religions so they could have a foundation to choose from?

Because I don’t homeschool my children. I didn’t teach them calculus either, but they still learned it. And they were taught it by informed and skilled people when they were ready to grasp it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m finding this question hard to process. Parenting isn’t about being fair. Presumably parents know more than their kids, so while they may listen to a reasonable argument, the parent’s vote has to outweigh the child’s. Parenting obligates us to pass along our values and experience to our kids, teaching them to make good choices and avoid bad ones. Sometimes, inevitably, we’ll be wrong. We “brainwash” our children to:

eat vegetables even if it doesn’t taste as good as chocolate ice cream
not to hit people when they get mad
to do their work before play
to treat others with courtesy, respect, and hopefully some kindness
to tell the truth, even when it gets them in trouble
not to steal
etc.

Whatever your religious views (or lack thereof) are, presumably you feel that those are the views that promise the best outcome while avoiding the bad ones. That may mean going to heaven instead of going to hell, not falling for a lot of “superstitious nonsense”, etc. Whatever your beliefs about religion may be, they strike at fundamental questions and potentially have profound implications. If you truly believe in heaven and hell, would you not do everything you can to see your child end up spending eternity in paradise rather than never-ending torment, not to mention finding spiritual comfort during their life? If you believe something else, wouldn’t you do whatever you could to ensure the best outcome for your child?

So is it fair to brainwash our children about religion? of course not
Is it right to brainwash our children about religion? If a parent truly believes their religion will help their child and not passing along those beliefs will hurt the child, then they have a duty to share that viewpoint with their child.

Ultimately, whatever you teach the child, they’ll eventually make their own decisions, on everything. All a parent can do is pass on the best information they have to a child and hope it’s helpful.

Can't see that it's helpful to a child to insist that they believe in a supernatural being who lives in the sky and judges them.

Do you insist that they believe in Santa Claus? When they stop believing in Santa, do you get upset?

But teaching them that there isn’t something greater than themselves and that God doesn’t exist isn’t brainwashing? You’re also teaching your child your beliefs as fact. Ie, brainwashing by your definition.

+1

Very hypocritical, aren’t they? It’s honestly a joke.

I can’t speak for all atheists, but I taught my kids skepticism and critical thinking, and we never talked about god. as adults, they can make up their own minds.

I thought the proper way to raise children was to teach them all religions, and teach them about atheism and agnosticism. Then let them choose?

Why did you choose to not teach them all religions so they could have a foundation to choose from?

Because I don’t homeschool my children. I didn’t teach them calculus either, but they still learned it. And they were taught it by informed and skilled people when they were ready to grasp it.

So why do atheists and anti-theists here demand religious parents teach their kids about all religions and about atheism and agnosticism and then allow the child to choose? Children don’t have to be homeschooled to be taught things by their parents.

So the US should teach all religions in public schools, as well as atheism and agnosticism, by skilled and informed teachers, and then they will be sufficiently educated to choose a religion or no religion?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m finding this question hard to process. Parenting isn’t about being fair. Presumably parents know more than their kids, so while they may listen to a reasonable argument, the parent’s vote has to outweigh the child’s. Parenting obligates us to pass along our values and experience to our kids, teaching them to make good choices and avoid bad ones. Sometimes, inevitably, we’ll be wrong. We “brainwash” our children to:

eat vegetables even if it doesn’t taste as good as chocolate ice cream
not to hit people when they get mad
to do their work before play
to treat others with courtesy, respect, and hopefully some kindness
to tell the truth, even when it gets them in trouble
not to steal
etc.

Whatever your religious views (or lack thereof) are, presumably you feel that those are the views that promise the best outcome while avoiding the bad ones. That may mean going to heaven instead of going to hell, not falling for a lot of “superstitious nonsense”, etc. Whatever your beliefs about religion may be, they strike at fundamental questions and potentially have profound implications. If you truly believe in heaven and hell, would you not do everything you can to see your child end up spending eternity in paradise rather than never-ending torment, not to mention finding spiritual comfort during their life? If you believe something else, wouldn’t you do whatever you could to ensure the best outcome for your child?

So is it fair to brainwash our children about religion? of course not
Is it right to brainwash our children about religion? If a parent truly believes their religion will help their child and not passing along those beliefs will hurt the child, then they have a duty to share that viewpoint with their child.

Ultimately, whatever you teach the child, they’ll eventually make their own decisions, on everything. All a parent can do is pass on the best information they have to a child and hope it’s helpful.

Can't see that it's helpful to a child to insist that they believe in a supernatural being who lives in the sky and judges them.

Do you insist that they believe in Santa Claus? When they stop believing in Santa, do you get upset?

But teaching them that there isn’t something greater than themselves and that God doesn’t exist isn’t brainwashing? You’re also teaching your child your beliefs as fact. Ie, brainwashing by your definition.

+1

Very hypocritical, aren’t they? It’s honestly a joke.

I can’t speak for all atheists, but I taught my kids skepticism and critical thinking, and we never talked about god. as adults, they can make up their own minds.

I thought the proper way to raise children was to teach them all religions, and teach them about atheism and agnosticism. Then let them choose?

Why did you choose to not teach them all religions so they could have a foundation to choose from?

Because I don’t homeschool my children. I didn’t teach them calculus either, but they still learned it. And they were taught it by informed and skilled people when they were ready to grasp it.

So why do atheists and anti-theists here demand religious parents teach their kids about all religions and about atheism and agnosticism and then allow the child to choose? Children don’t have to be homeschooled to be taught things by their parents.

So the US should teach all religions in public schools, as well as atheism and agnosticism, by skilled and informed teachers, and then they will be sufficiently educated to choose a religion or no religion?

I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t want any religion taught in public schools. Unless it is in an academic way. Schools are for academics in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

In the US, children are property, owned by their parents until they’re 18. They have no rights of their own.