1 of 26

Write now Article Tools

Most civilized adults, particularly parents, educators and activists would be quick to assert their commitment to the protection and welfare of children. We all want them to have a good start in life and to be spared the ruinous effects of ignorance, accident, hunger and disease. We want them to lead long, happy, successful and productive lives, and so, to that end, we strive to provide for them all the advantages we possibly can and to eliminate, or at least limit, the number and intensity of the dangers they must face.

Part of that endeavor involves ensuring that they do not end up with warped ideas, destructive habits, drug addictions, gang involvements, terrorist activities or jail-time, but that instead, they get a good education, learn positive and healthy attitudes and develop healthy bodies and life-styles.

Much of the success we want them to experience depends upon the values they are given at an early age and the character they develop as they mature. Very often we depend upon the television, the school teacher, the church or good luck to accomplish that Herculean task for us. Doing that is a luxury we dare not indulge. It is a cop-out and there is too much at stake. Parents must assume the primary responsibility for all aspects of their children's upbringing. Self-discipline, good judgment, industry and manners are not a product of chance but of loving discipline and cultivation based on modeling.

So, in this process, how do we save the children from religion? Can we save them? Doesn't everybody have a religion or believe something? Doesn't their belief system underlie all aspects of their lives and actions? It is certain that they will each believe something. Where are they going to get it, and from whom? Is it not the great privilege and duty of parents to influence or structure this crucial area of their child's development at least as much as they would diet, health habits, politics, morals or standards of decency? If there is truth should we not seek and share it? If there is good and bad should we not promote the good?

If this be the case, should not innocent children be guided to believe what is true rather than be left as prey to the vagaries of chance or the subtle enticements of more sophisticated promoters of falsehood? Should they not be taught the skills of testing for truth and given the tools of wisdom to aid them in considering the source, meaning and destiny of life in this world? It is obvious that there are many contradictory belief

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Protecting the children from religion?
We want to hear your view. Write now!