Quote:
Originally Posted by idi banashapan
so, are you saying that as someone of faith, with children, you are indeed more bias towards getting them to follow the faith you feel suits you best without considering what they might feel best suits them, or without allowing them to stay neutral until a time comes in their life where they are mature enough to make their own choice? Would you freely accept their choice to not have a faith, or if they did have faith, to then abandon it without question?
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You aimed that at Chris and obviously he's able to answer for himself as I'm sure he will and although it's not a competition I consider him to be a far better representative of Christianity than I. Always have done.
Me I am of course biased towards Christianity for my children. Why? From my own experiences (and surely that's the basis any parent uses when deciding how to bring the kids up) it's what would suit them best.
Now when it comes to criticism of religion/faith/beliefs, stereotypes are used extremely regularly. If I told a stranger I bring my children up in Christianity there will be assumptions of wild-eyed Pasters screaming at and threatening them with hellfire and brimstone, that I will lock them in the basement with only bread and water should they ever say something positive about Darwin etc. How do I know? Because I've had those sort of suggestions aimed my way in the past when discussing the subject.
Hell, on Cable Forum I've even been accused twice of child abuse for saying I'll bring them up in Christianity.
Here's the joker in the pack - 2 of my kids will be brought up with Hindhu teachings. Possibly my 8 month old son will too.
For those incapable of not using stereotypes, let me help you narrow things down:
Should any of my kids tell me they are homosexual, they would be loved just as they always have been. A complete non-issue for me, their sexuality is their own matter and as long as laws are obeyed, it's none of my business and I won't waste a nano-second of my time having it on my mind. On that subject as long as they find loving partners who will treat them properly I'm happy.
What if any of them choose a different religion? I'll be disappointed obviously. But faith/beliefs
must come from the heart and only they can put it there.
If they come to me and ask what I believe or present me with a question that has a spiritual connection or answer, of course my reply will come with a "Christianity flavour". I'm not going to lie to them just to be 'politically correct'.
The part I play in bringing my kids up will be the way I feel is best for them, not what Dawkins or any of his disciples says is best. If someone wants to suggest it somehow harms them, feel free to call social services.
---------- Post added at 16:54 ---------- Previous post was at 16:52 ----------
Quote:
Originally Posted by idi banashapan
I hope this isn't an example of the utopian back-slapping I talked about earlier. this debate isn't a competition. it shouldn't be about shooting other people's views down. It should be a mature discussion which examines and questions BOTH sides of the fence, including those who may sit on said fence.
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Take it for whatever you want to see it as - my intention was emphasising how well Chris (as usual) answered and countered your points.
Quote:
Originally Posted by idi banashapan
so far, Chris is the only person from a religious stand point who has actually asked questions about an atheists view without getting defensive and sarcy. it's why he has a lot of respect from me. he is able to debate and not turn it into an argument.
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If you'd like one yourself,
headshot.