by Richard Collins

Created on: May 07, 2008

Forcing children into a religion is an archaic practice and must end. A child knows nothing of racism or religion or fear of the other. Their minds are a clean slate and the only way they become racists or learn to accept religious dogma and superstition as reality, is if they are indoctrinated when they are too young to have any mental defenses. The bad thing is, parents bully their small children into a religion that they themselves may only have a slim hold upon.

Probably no more than 15 or 20 percent of the religious take their religion seriously, meaning regular attendance at services, tithing, and serious bible study. Surveys show the other 75% might make it to church once and awhile.

According to this account in USA Today, (http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2007-03-07-te aching-religion-cover_N.htm?csp=34) Americans Get an F in Religion. The article states:

"Sometimes dumb sounds cute: Sixty percent of Americans can't name five of the Ten Commandments, and 50% of high school seniors think Sodom and Gomorrah were married.
Stephen Prothero, chairman of the religion department at Boston University, isn't laughing. Americans' deep ignorance of world religions - their own, their neighbors' or the combatants in Iraq, Darfur or Kashmir - is dangerous, he says."

The most recent studies show these casually churched Christians cannot even name the gospel writers. They are in church for cultural reasons or social support, or because someone at one point in their life probably forced them into Sunday school and they could not veto the plan.

Even if 90% of people say they believe there is a God, so what. A high percentage of people actually believe in ghosts, and astrology. Imagine worrying about the position of the stars and whether you should hide under the bed on unfavorable days. Others believe in aliens that have a curious fascination for country yahoos, cows and the human anus. Many of the "taken" claim they were subjected to probing of the most personal nature. The hilarious, unfounded things gullible people believe are not arguments for the truth of their claims.

Because children are forced into religion, a resentment builds up over the years. Accordingly, young Baptists and Catholics are rebelling and voting with their feet. The departures usually occur when youngsters go off to college. They learn to their amazement that many people manage very well with no religion. The worst thing the newly emancipated can do is reveal a pious religious streak because they

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>