yeeesss...

 

Yes, parents can and should tell their children what their personal beliefs are. But when it comes to forcing their beliefs to their children, that's where things aren't right. And true, maybe the lives are the line, but once the child understands all that the religion is about and the consequences of their actions, they must choose their own path, and not be judged about the choice they make. Many parents fall into the critizing category because they are fanatical about their views at times.

 

*thebestyoucan*

Well I partially agree with you. But I think your idea of this mostly stems from the fact that there are a lot of parents who teach religion based on some kind of contempt I don't really understand. I agree with you there, but I personally know many people who will and should always teach their children truth according to their faith based on their love for their children.

 

Doesn't the bible teach that Jesus told us what to do? Who is going to tell our children what to do if we don't? Is Jesus going to come into their hearts and magically say, "this is what you need to do?" If you believe that then I will agree with you, but I don't believe in that.

 

I know it goes both ways, there are people who teach wrongly and there are people who teach in love. But I believe there are a lot more people who teach in faith and love than you think. No matter how old the child gets I will always try to steer my child in truth if I don't believe they're in truth. This doesn't mean I believe I know the complete truth. But I have a very strong belief in God and for that reason I will teach my children. I've studied religions and beliefs and I very strongly believe I am doing the right thing. If I'm ever unsure of myself then I will make sure I work hard to find my faith. I'll never just give up and not care what my beliefs or other's beliefs are.

 

ok. it's true. The bible does encourage humans to share the word of God. That's why some religions (such as Jehovah's Witnesses), so desperatly share the "good word" ...And that's all good. But there are parents that FORCE their religion to be practiced and any personal beliefs the child may have is judged and unnacceptable. That's were parents go wrong. Many people do share the knowledge in faith and in love. i encourage that. And no, i do not believe that God will just magically make you know what needs to be done. The child should be given the parents' views of their personal religion. and after the child knows what the religion implicates and the consequences of ones actions (depending on what those may be), then they should choose their own path accordingly. I'm not saying just giving up. say (and this is just an example, take it as you'd like), say you believe that your child's immoral path will take them down the wrong path, and it could mean that they do not receive God's approval, no, don't just let them do whatever. Let them know you disagree BUT let them decide. Maybe your good example will change their path. But the point is...don't force your views on them. leave that for God to judge. They are individual humans that must make decisions on their own..

 

Eric: thank you for the lively "argument" it works my mind and expands my view! :)

.

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You know what? Don't listen to what other people have to say about why they do or don't believe in a God, try and find your own way. Have conversations with yourself (not in a crazy way:p), read up on different religions and philosophies etc. You'll be struck by all the similarities and poetry inherent in every religion; it's all really quite amazing to think that we nutty humans can come up with such beautiful, poetic ways to express ourselves.

 

And it seems like (correct me if I'm wrong) you're searching for a definite yes or no answer to the question of whether God exists, but in all honesty, you're not going to find an answer now, or probably ever. This might be enough for one to say "well that must mean there is no God," well not necessarily. Searching for any kind of spirituality is a process. Er, this probably sounds like a lot of crap to you, but hey.

You're never going to have enough proof to make you 100% certain that God exists, but the rich experience of exploring is what makes it worthwhile...for me, anyway.

:)

 

on the contrary--sometimes is good to hear others experiences---just like when you are going to try a new product, you want to hear from your friends or neighbors if they have tried it and if it works------the same, its always good to listen to others what they have to say as well as exploring on your own the question-----------but you are never going to get anywhere sitting at home just wondering----you have to go outside and maybe visit some religions, or read the bible, pray on your own to see if there is a God------and only like this will you know

 

When somebody tastes a new candy that came out and its the most delicious candy they have ever tasted---dont you just wanna share that with your family or friends and dont you want to give them a little bit to taste so that they too could enjoy its rich flavor--------------well its the same with religion

 

*Justine* Wrote*

God is a figment of your imagination, it's something that makes you feel better about death.

 

eeesh...this is one of those general comments that people take on when they know nothing about God. :stunned: . The same people that i know who have said something along those lines are the same people that say "who believes in the bible? it was written by men in skirts/dresses?!" people :stunned:...that just happened to be the style of dress, just like the gay and retarded thing that boys wear now-a-days uhhh gross grily tight pants :stunned: ...anyway that was kinda off topic, but whatever.

 

Alyssa, no one can/should tell you what to believe , or not to believe in. Take your own path! :) This seems to be important, so look into it with careful research (in your own way). Make self assesments of yourself to find out what you do believe in! :rolleyes:

 

Hmmm, I was raised Catholic though, I went to a Catholic high school for 2 years which had religion everyday, so actually I do know a thing or two about God. My comment was just my own opinion.

 

And the author of this thread should definitely consider their own beliefs and not take seriously what people say on a message board, that is just lame. It was just my general opinion that's all, I am entitled to that.

I'm not really looking for a yes or no answer--I know I'll never get that.

 

But, I just don't know what I believe in... I'm starting to dissapprove of everything I'm being taught about my religion--I don't know why...

 

When we have debates about creation and religion in class, I always find myself speaking against my own religion and so called "beliefs". I really don't know what side I'm on...

Yah, you definitely get to that point in your life where you want to ask questions like that. I went through that too, you start to question what you have been preached about your entire life and start to wonder what it is that YOU actually believe in.. it's all a part of growing up and it's fine.

I'm a Muslim but I'm not very religious (my family is)

I'm not sure I believe in God sometimes ... its like ... my parents pray and pray and pray and same with my sisters and nothing .. our life is pretty much the same .. same as in down in the .. just DOWN.

I kinda feel like American society has made it taboo for people to not believe in God.

I myself am torn in belief..

A part of me is saying " who put us here if God didnt" and then the other half is saying "If there was really a God, then he wouldnt put us on this earth with all these temptations, and make it impossible not to sin, and then go and say that we will burn for eternity if we do" Im really glad that you made this thread..

I have felt guilty for the past few months because I have been doubting his excistence..

I feel like I have been brainwashed all my life to believe in this higher being, who has not really been proven to exsist.

Sometimes I get this overwhelming feeling that if I dont believe in and worship God, that when I die I will burn..

and its really scarey..

 

But one thing I feel comfortable believing in, or thinking or whatever you would consider it, is that when we die we become someone else.

Like our souls are reborn..

I dont know..

Im just as confused as you..

i think you should talk directly to God and find a solution to this problem :idea2:

 

http://www.titane.ca/concordia/dfar251/igod/main.html

^lol Emre, he kinda reminds me of Arnie!

:D But Arnie is much more intelligent that he knows he can't be a God :P

Yeah, that igod is a bit of an egoist! :lol: