Lying to Children is Imoral

[Joe Daddy]

Something to think about for those who pass down their religious beliefs to their children.

An extremely interesting debate.

[SoonerBeerMan]

Who decided it was lying to pass down religious beliefs??

[PennyQuilts]

Some of my best childhood memories were of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. Lie away. And as for god, I think we need to stay out of other people's business. Take it up with your owm mama and daddy if they tried to raise you in a religion you don't want - but if you do, I'm thinking they screwed up someplace else. The vast majority of people in the US, certainly in years past, were raised in their parents' faith. It honestly isn't that horrible a burdern.

[Joe Daddy]

Some of my best childhood memories were of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. Lie away. And as for god, I think we need to stay out of other people's business. Take it up with your owm mama and daddy if they tried to raise you in a religion you don't want - but if you do, I'm thinking they screwed up someplace else. The vast majority of people in the US, certainly in years past, were raised in their parents' faith. It honestly isn't that horrible a burdern.

Any comment on the points of debate in the video? Or are you only interested in making personal comments about the poster?

[PennyQuilts]

Any comment on the points of debate in the video? Or are you only interested in making personal comments about the poster?

I meant the generic "you." Sorry, wasn't even thinking about you, personally. And I think my comments were spot on. In summary, I don't think it is that big a deal and certainly no burden to someone who is mentally healthy. People who are all angst ridden about this clearly don't have any real problems. Like cancer, death of a child, an amputated limb or no food on the table. This is the sort of thing a pampered 13 year old gets her panties in a wad over. At a certain point, I guess old people like myself just have to let it go. Some people need the drama but thankfully, I'm not in that group.

And for what it's worth, most of the people allegedly "lying" to their children either believe it or haven't really thought about it. I'm not a believer, personallly, but who the hell cares? A child eventually grows up and can decide for himself/herself. It is what I did and I didn't end up traumatized over it. I thought the whole thing was rather interesting. The debate was fascinating - I kind of enjoy that sort of thing. What I was focusing on was the whole immorality angle. I think that's hogwash. Passing down religious beliefs has positive ramifications for society as a whole and I wholeheartedly approve of it. For those parents who don't believe and take the time to educate their children about their responsibliities to self and others, that's great, too. But I have seen far too many parents do neither and it isn't pretty.

[BBatesokc]

While I guess he makes a good argument for those looking for a reason not to believe, I didn't hear anything that convinced me that exposing kids to Christian culture is a bad thing.

[PennyQuilts]

I'd make the argument that exposing young children to this sort of thing has the beneficial side effect of allowing them to engage in internal questioning, fantasizing, considering and decision making - all excellent exercises for a young brain to develop circuitry that will come in handy as a teen and adult. Forget the subject matter - that is secondary. Children will actually increase their intelligence by using their brains while they are developing, not to mention their imagination and ability to develop empathy when questions of morality, good/bad/consequences, etc. are discussed. To turn this into a moral vs. immoral question misses the forest for the trees with it comes to young children, IMO. They benefit from this sort of thing, physiologically. The subject matter gets their attention and rolling it around in their little brains tends to help their brains to learn to work. Nonsence about how it harms their psyche, so long as you don't have abusive parents, is just that - nonsense. Anyone that tender is not going to make it in the real world, anyway. And the ones who want to argue about it, 9 times out of ten, are just flexing their brains and challenging authority in our society. It is good for them. Gives them something to rebel against. We all need that, especially when we're young and trying to sort out where we fit.

[metro]

Is misspelling immoral?

[PennyQuilts]

Is misspelling immoral?

If it is something that will send you to hell, I am surely hellbound.

[jmarkross]

Is misspelling immoral?

Yes--it is I-moral...even in I-taly

[Caboose]

Some of my best childhood memories were of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. Lie away.

Did your parents tell you that you were going to burn in hell for eternity if you didn't believe the Easter Bunny or didn't perform some useless ritual to appease him or didn't make a mockery of your humanity so as not to offend him? No? Then why are you comparing the two? Mental and emotional abuse in the name of God is no less horrific than any other.

[PennyQuilts]

Did your parents tell you that you were going to burn in hell for eternity if you didn't believe the Easter Bunny or didn't perform some useless ritual to appease him or didn't make a mockery of your humanity so as not to offend him? No? Then why are you comparing the two? Mental and emotional abuse in the name of God is no less horrific than any other.

No of course not, but, respectfully, I think you reach too far. There are lies and there are lies. The video didn't make a distinction between teaching christianity and immorally lying to children. I find that absurd. Had it been couched in abusive terms that would have been one thing and I might have agreed with you. But it wasn't. There is a wide range of theology, depending on your Christian sect/denomination. The hellsfired and brimstone teaching is a very real part of some theology and not so much in others. Most others.

BTW, if they said Santa would escort you to hell if you were bad, I would certainly agree with you. However, at worst, he brought you coal or switches and even as a child I knew I probably deserved them. And adored my family and Santa for overlooking my faults. Santa is a great symbol of a tolerant and loving God.

You've made no bones that you aren't Christian, as have I. We seem to view this very differently, however.

[Martin]

nobody would ever scare kids into being good at christmastime... right? : ) -M

[Joe Daddy]

nobody would ever scare kids into being good at christmastime... right? : ) -M

Wow! Learn something new everyday. lol. Krampus is scarier than Satan!

[bombermwc]

Who decided it was lying to pass down religious beliefs??

Agreed. If you're aetheist, fine then don't teach those lessons. But don't tell everyone that does that they are idiots. That's the whole basis of the other aethist thread. You're just as wrong to beat people upside the head with the "not god" as well the "god" side.

[PennyQuilts]

Wow! Learn something new everyday. lol. Krampus is scarier than Satan!

It is a useful tool. I have been threatening my dogs with Santa if they touch Christmas decorations. Of course, a lump of coal would be the best gift ever if you could ask Pearly so maybe my strategy will backfire.