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Published: 2012-12-06 11:38:42 +0000 UTC; Views: 29980; Favourites: 938; Downloads: 21
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Before you start whining and/or reporting my stamp(s) as offensive to your sensitive little head -I do not believe that it would be morally acceptable for me (me, myself, personally) to raise whatever children I do end up having to be religious in any way. I was not raised 'forced' to believe -- slightly suggested was more like it -- and I think I turned out just fine.
Now, that's not to say I'm not going to expose my children to the many different religions out there. Religions are very interesting things. I think they're worth having a look at. I would like to show them these different faiths, while at the same time making sure they know that people all over the world believe many different things, and that while these things are interesting and fun to think and talk about, they cannot all be true.
When my kids get to an age where they can decide for themselves what they want to believe, then I'll go on from there. If the end up Christian,Hindu, Pagan, Jewish, Muslim, Atheist... then that's their decision, and I will want them to know that I support them no matter what.
So don't think that I'm an evil atheist who is going to force my children to NOT believe, just don't think that I'm going to force them TO believe anything supernatural in particular, either.
As a side note - While I was taking a shower today I had a fun little idea - Science Sunday School! There really aren't any Sunday School options for... well. Atheists. But it'd be really neat to see someone put together a Sunday School program for children interested in science and stuff -- regardless of faith. How awesome would that be?
Edit:
I should also add that NO. I am not trying to make science into a religion. I can see how my previous wording could have been mistaken by someone not really paying attention the the whole paragraph. That's okay, I'm used to people taking quotes out of context and trying to use them to justify silliness.
Science is obviously not a religion. Sunday School, as I experienced it, was mostly about creating community and friends, while still learning and enjoying something that we had a common interest in -- in that case, yes, it was God. But the difference here is that I do not worship science, and that accepting children of other faiths into whatever science club would come would NOT be about religious experience. You can enjoy science while still being of X, Y, and Z faith.
The point of said school would be to encourage an interest in science - something that America desperately will need of its youth if it wants to continue to compete in the world economy in the future. That's the way I see it.
Additionally - I could call it a "Sunday Science Club," but you know what? Nah. I'm going to stick with School. Because Christianity does not have a monopoly on Sunday activities, they do not own the words "Sunday" or "School," and you know what? S.S.S. looks way cooler than S.S.C. It even sounds more bad-ass, like a snake or something.
You know what, I'm totally going to go through with this when I move back to the US. And our mascot will be the snakes. I'll make billboards and post them on the sides of the roads so that everyone will be forced to look at them, too. And if your kid is too busy going to Church to attend this bad-ass super sweet Sunday Science School, then that's too bad. The rest of the Super Sweet Sunday Science School Snakes and I will be doing Science and not giving a single damn, because that's just how we roll.
SCIENCE SNAKES FO LYFE (But only the one life, because the majority of us will probably not believe in an afterlife. Although some might, but still, it's worth mentioning that there is probably no God, just to piss you off.)
EDIT
Adding on some fun things for certain people:
The Jefferson Bible - Thomas Jefferson's version of the New Testament wherein he removed all sections of the four gospels which contain the Resurrection, most miracles, passages indicating that Jesus was divine, and most mentions of the supernatural.
Thomas Jefferson - one of America's founding fathers. Was a Christian in name, however held deistic views. Insisted on the separation of Church and State on several different occasions.
Deism - the belief that reason and observation of the natural world are sufficient to determine the existence of God, accompanied with the rejection of revelation and authority as a source of religious knowledge. Deism became prominent in the 17th and 18th centuries during the Age of Enlightenment among intellectuals raised as Christians who believed in one god, but found fault with organized religion and could not believe in supernatural events such as miracles, the inerrancy of scriptures, or the Trinity.
Christian Fundamentalism - a movement within Protestantism upholding a literal reading of the Bible. Fundamentalists fight against things like evolution because it contradicts their warm fuzzy feelings about God popping everything into existence as-is (despite evidence that supports the Theory of Evolution), and are viewed by many as intolerant, narrow-minded, and obscurantist.
Creationism - the religious belief that humanity, life, the Earth, and the universe are the creation of a supernatural being, usually the Abrahamic flavour of God. Despite mounds of evidence that is in support of evolution, and an enormous LACK of evidence for creationism, people still cling to this way of thinking because, because God! And Jesus! Tide goes in, tide goes out! You can't explain that!
Atheism - the rejection of belief in the existence of deities. That's it. Seriously.
Texture Used: Knitwear 1 by ~Stocondil
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Comments: 919
BloodRedFullMoon In reply to ??? [2013-11-02 02:21:15 +0000 UTC]
I was never really *forced* to believe because my parents weren't really religious (although my mom holds some beliefs I can't understand, and it causes friction sometimes - for example, I can't explain to her why homeopathy is utter bullshit without her immediately becoming vitriolic and pulling up numerous examples of where it has supposedly worked), but my grandma is, and thanks to that I have been a baptized catholic almost from birth (that's rather common here in germany, but it still makes me sick) and was forced to go to catechism and first communion. During the time I didn't really understand the significance, and I do not remember ever actually believing in their god, but looking back I must say that what they did was dead wrong - I was never once asked for what I wanted, and in retrospect, if I could undo it, I would. If you think about it it's just outrageously audacious how they naturally assumed that I would follow the christian faith.
Should I ever have children, I will not force any beliefs on them directly, nor will I have any label put on them that implies that they should embrace a particular religion. And I sure as hell don't give a damn if my extended family thinks that wrong (some of them certainly will). But in the end, I have no right to make that decision for them, just as my family didn't have the right to make that decision for me.
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Shuriken123 In reply to ??? [2013-11-01 20:50:49 +0000 UTC]
Yeah, I would wouldn't force them to be Christian either. I'm not even Christian! I was once one though but I started to seriously doubt it.
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Shuriken123 In reply to Shuriken123 [2013-11-01 20:51:31 +0000 UTC]
*I wouldn't ...damn typo...
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Aerodil In reply to ??? [2013-10-13 05:06:02 +0000 UTC]
My parents raised me in a religion (I will keep said religion to my self) and I am starting to doubt some of the teachings.
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BloodRedFullMoon In reply to Aerodil [2013-11-02 02:12:19 +0000 UTC]
That's a good thing. Keep thinking for yourself, analyze that belief, see if it makes sense in the first place. I guess that's how people become atheists in most cases.
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Sataimio1875 In reply to ??? [2013-09-18 22:17:17 +0000 UTC]
ALL OF YOU ARE RIGHT!!!!
Seriously!
If I HAD any children, I WOULDΒ force them into
Β
Religion
Β Read theΒ Bible
Go to Church
Pray every night (DEFINETLY NOT!!)
Go to Christian Schools
Mention "GOD" or "JESUS" Every freaking second
Say holy things like: (long list warning)
"Praise the Lord"
"Jesus is Perfect! More Perfect then us!"
"God is the leader of all things!!"
"God is my real Father!"
"I shall respect mah elders!!"
No offense ANY OF YOU Religion peeps,
But,
Seriously!
2 much people believe in this! D:
P.S:
I shall NEVER make them pray before every dinner, because if they were STARVING and inΒ 1 min. they will die, "FEEL FREE 2 EAT!!"
Β
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DalmationCat In reply to Sataimio1875 [2013-10-10 01:54:52 +0000 UTC]
My dad wants me to have a religion, specifically Christian. He makes me pray before dinner at family reunions, and read the Bible. =-=
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RekaTheAmazingTaco In reply to DalmationCat [2013-10-21 21:18:16 +0000 UTC]
That must suck.
My family lets us be any religion we want, except for Christian.
No idea why.
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Sataimio1875 In reply to ??? [2013-09-18 22:05:35 +0000 UTC]
So true!!!
NO-ONE shall be forced 2 believe in GOD!!!!
P.S:
No offense 2 christiany. but I think they say the word "GOD" or "JESUS" too much!
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RemoratheCat In reply to ??? [2013-09-01 00:02:06 +0000 UTC]
All Christian families I know raise their kids Christian then give them the choice of whether to be baptised or not when they come of age
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Nekromanda In reply to RemoratheCat [2013-09-01 00:57:51 +0000 UTC]
And I'm sure that all Christian families you know fully represent every single Christian family out there. Β (Sarcasm.)
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Vyanni-Krace-ACE In reply to ??? [2013-08-31 15:27:30 +0000 UTC]
My parents did this with me and my sister. I think its how all kids should be raised; allowed to explore and make their own decisions about their beliefs when they are old enough to make a seriousΒ decision. Allowed to become their own person rather than a shadow of their parents.
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Waracki99 In reply to ??? [2013-08-23 00:08:53 +0000 UTC]
My dog tried to forced me to religon...
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SNlCKERS In reply to Waracki99 [2015-10-12 05:41:12 +0000 UTC]
I woke up one night and my Bearded Dragon was preaching in my ear.
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Captain-Grumpy In reply to Waracki99 [2013-09-17 15:11:14 +0000 UTC]
My turkey sandwich did the exact same thing!
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sunnybunny1199 In reply to Greyman95 [2013-11-04 01:48:03 +0000 UTC]
So did my television!
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artangel-demon In reply to ??? [2013-08-20 01:25:18 +0000 UTC]
Thank you!! Finally someone manages to utter the unthinkable!!Β
I've grown up in a devout Baptist family and I. Just. Don't. Agree. With. The. Views.Β
Am I a 'satanist' or 'heathen'? no.Β
I didn't have a choice in being raised in the religion, and I want the choice to not attend or at least find another church. I'm glad you're proudly speaking this out. That takes OVARIES.Β
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Sataimio1875 In reply to professorlayton22 [2013-09-18 22:06:31 +0000 UTC]
nice 1 bro XD
My mom needs 2 do that 2!
she talk 2 much
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tomboywolflover95 In reply to Sataimio1875 [2013-09-28 13:35:15 +0000 UTC]
I think i am the only one that has a mother that isn't trying to force me to her belifs XD She isn't even a Christian,she is a Deist XD
π: 0 β©: 1
Sataimio1875 In reply to tomboywolflover95 [2013-10-06 15:15:03 +0000 UTC]
oh nice icon
I EJ (eyeless jack)
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Sataimio1875 In reply to professorlayton22 [2013-09-18 22:25:49 +0000 UTC]
Yesh sometimes parents need a nice cup of
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Calypsoeevee In reply to ??? [2013-07-27 16:06:00 +0000 UTC]
I was raised in a secular Jewish family, but luckily, my dad is a-ok with me taking an interest in witchcraft. And I will be the same. If my children want to follow a different belief, then I will be totally fine with it. Because hey, it's their choice, not mine.
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KnockoutsSister In reply to ??? [2013-07-27 11:36:52 +0000 UTC]
My grandmother tried to force me to believe..
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Huskeygirl3 In reply to ??? [2013-07-26 19:49:29 +0000 UTC]
People can believe what they want but everyone will be on gods 'to die' list.He then toyed with our envorment.He flooded the whole world once and plans to end the world.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now,lets take satan.He killed his family and temped someone to eat a fruit. Β
Β
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Beauty-Bunny In reply to ??? [2013-07-24 10:43:36 +0000 UTC]
So, if you believe strongly that your children will burn in hell if they won't follow your belief, you won't even bother to raise them up in it?
I mean, sure... You can't FORCE belief... But, from your perspective; you have no trouble with your kids burning, just because it make risk your moral pride, and reputation?
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BloodRedFullMoon In reply to Beauty-Bunny [2013-11-02 02:09:17 +0000 UTC]
I think that's beside the point. Usually, if you're in the mindset of letting your kids choose what they want to believe for themselves, that already means you're not absolutely close-minded and moronic and probably don't take the bible all that literally in the first place. That or, more likely, you're already an atheist, in which case the supposed problem of "Hell" becomes irrelevant anyway.
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Beauty-Bunny In reply to BloodRedFullMoon [2013-11-05 16:39:28 +0000 UTC]
If being open minded means you are willing to let your kids choose a path which you believe to be hell, then such a state of mind should be despised.Β
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BloodRedFullMoon In reply to Beauty-Bunny [2013-11-05 18:33:46 +0000 UTC]
No, not really, because just because you believe something, that doesn't make it fact. You may believe in hell, but have no means by which to even verify hell's existence. But based on ancient superstitions you'd pick for your children a way of life that could severely impact the only life you know for sure they'll have? Now that sounds despicable to me.
Besides. If you're open-minded already, chances are you don't believe in such nonsense, so it's a non-issue, really, a self-solving problem. Which in turn means that those who believe in hell despise that open-mindedness not in themselves but in others - and that is the kind of attitude that leads to religious people trying to impose their skewed views on everybody, believer or not. See, it's all interconnected, really.
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Nekromanda In reply to Beauty-Bunny [2013-08-10 05:50:25 +0000 UTC]
Well, I'm an atheist, so I don't believe that my children will burn in hell anyway. But good point for those who do believe that and have agreed with me on this point!Β
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shinedust In reply to Beauty-Bunny [2013-07-31 06:21:55 +0000 UTC]
I think that sort of mentality is exactly what the stamp is talking about. Just because you believe something doesn't mean you should force your children to believe it too. Children should be exposed to all sorts of theologies and ideologies as they grow to help create a more rounded and tolerant human.
My parents tried forcing me to believe as they did, and I ended up having the priest of my religion class throw a podium at me in high school. That resaulted in me teaching about Paganism during class because I took his challenge of, "If you think you can teach the class better than me, then you do it!" So I did. People still tell me that my class was the only class they learned anything from that year. & I'm still not Christian, no matter how much it was forced on me.
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Beauty-Bunny In reply to shinedust [2013-08-16 02:31:47 +0000 UTC]
At least your parents were trying to protect you from the hell they believed you to fall in.
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shinedust In reply to Beauty-Bunny [2013-08-16 20:37:08 +0000 UTC]
No. They were trying to enforce their beliefs, things I did not myself believe, onto me. And my parents don't believe I'm going to hell, they just wanted me to be part of their religion, that's the one thing I can thank them for. I didn't have to deal with the BS, "You're going to go to hell," speeches other parents inflict on their kids.
The mentality that someone is emotionally abusing their child because they think they are "saving" them is nothing but horse shit and inexcusable behavior that often times causes lasting psychological and emotional damage.
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