Terrorism and Religion Help!!!

[xxsloshxx]

Ok guys. After having a conversation with my wife she said something that kinda struck me as odd. She said that in order for kids to be saved you have to make them fear hell. I've never been one for scaring someone into religion. Let alone our own children. I believe it should be a choice.

Anyways, the fact that she said you have to scare your kids into religion just kinda hurt. Then I got to thinking that it's sorta like "In Home Terrorism". So I went and looked up a definition of terrorism and it said this...

terrorism

noun
the calculated use of violence (or the threat of violence) against civilians in order to attain goals that are political or religious or ideological in nature; this is done through intimidation or coercion or instilling fear

That to me sounds like what was said to me as a kid and what will happen to our daughter when she grows up.

The threat of violence (hell), for religious goals. In Home Terrorism

Any thoughts? Comments? Helpful words of encouragement?

[dasbow]

I'd say that definition implies that the terrorizer (or terrorist, if you prefer) is perpetrating or threating to perpetrate violence. Pointing out the threat, real or perceived, is not the same thing. In fact, one could argue that it's helpful.

[Biff]

I think your wife is incorrect. Whatever religion you practice should be based in love. Using fear will cause children to become at first curious about the dark side of life and then eventually resentful and rebellious.

Showing them love draws them in and even if they stray from it they will associate love with their faith. People, no matter how angry or bitter, desire to love and be loved. It's as big a need as air, water, and food.

[Biff]

Pointing out the threat, real or perceived, is not the same thing. In fact, one could argue that it's helpful.

In small doses, yes, but not as the cornerstone of a faith.

[xxsloshxx]

I know and her church never actually preaches on Bible stories that I was raised on. All my daughter will know is the vengeful God. Not the loving, caring God that I grew up with.

[vsangelchick]

Religion is about beliefs...and faith. For example- I believe that no one is perfect, and that everyone deserves to go to hell and be punished for eternity. I also believe that because my God sent a perfect being (his Son) to take my place and punishment, I can avoid this eternal torment through my faith in Him. I do fear hell, I believe it exsists, and I have a way to stay out. It is through the love of my creator. Tell your child about your beliefs, teach them what you believe...scaring them isn't necessary. Force shouldn't be used where faith is concerned.

[vsangelchick]

Teaching one side only is like abstinence-only sex ed. You hear all the bad things, and only have one option to avoid them. Although it is the best option, it's not the only one....and ill-equipping someone that way is just plain wrong.

[xxsloshxx]

Tell your child about your beliefs, teach them what you believe...scaring them isn't necessary. Force shouldn't be used where faith is concerned.

Well it's too bad I don't believe in God. But I do believe in not forcing your children into anything. Also not scaring them into getting saved. Thanks for your help though.

[Biff]

Your wife is a fire and brimstone Christian and you're an athiest/agnostic? Wow.

[derek]

Your wife is a fire and brimstone Christian and you're an athiest/agnostic? Wow.

In my opinion, common religious beliefs are part of the basis for a healthy marriage, and I am asking you in all honesty, how do you do it?

[speedbump]

About 37% of marriages are mixed religious beliefs, according to USA today.

[zig]

I'd say that definition implies that the terrorizer (or terrorist, if you prefer) is perpetrating or threating to perpetrate violence. Pointing out the threat, real or perceived, is not the same thing. In fact, one could argue that it's helpful.

I deplore fear tactics and religious indoctrination as much as anyone, but I think this is a correct distinction to make. It's a bad thing to do, but it doesn't really fit the definition of terrorism.
Although if you call it "In Home Terrorism" like you have been doing, then that's a new term and can be distinct from the other definition of terrorism, so I'd say it's applicable.

[providencecrow]

I consider all religion taught to children before they are old enough to make an informed decision, not necessarily terrorism, but definitely not a good thing. I'd love a society where nobody told anyone about ANY religions until they are 18, then people would actually be able to make their own decisions on the matter.

[vsangelchick]

So are you now saying that no one can make informed decisions before the age of 18? What about "what sport would you rather play?" or "are you planning on gong to college or not?" I think it's ignorant to think that passing on morals and beliefs is bad. Do you let children run lawless until they can make informed decisions? I'm not saying anyone should force something on their children, but it's stupid to avoid an education on what's there. My brother's girlfriend has a 5 year old daughter who already asks "who made God?" Children are smarter than you give them credit for.

[dasbow]

Pointing out the threat, real or perceived, is not the same thing. In fact, one could argue that it's helpful.

In small doses, yes, but not as the cornerstone of a faith.

Well not as a cornerstone, no. Not really even a building block. I was just trying to draw a distinction between what is and isn't terrorism, and why it doesn't pertain to the subject, in my opinion. I'm most definitely not a fire and brimstone type, hardly religious at all, so I wouldn't go the Hell-Fire and Damnation route myself. I just wouldn't call it terrorism.

[providencecrow]

So are you now saying that no one can make informed decisions before the age of 18? What about "what sport would you rather play?" or "are you planning on gong to college or not?" I think it's ignorant to think that passing on morals and beliefs is bad. Do you let children run lawless until they can make informed decisions? I'm not saying anyone should force something on their children, but it's stupid to avoid an education on what's there. My brother's girlfriend has a 5 year old daughter who already asks "who made God?" Children are smarter than you give them credit for.

Well 18 was an example, if youd rather 13, fine. My whole point in the first place was this: Every religion in the world thinks that they are correct, so isn't it kind of strange that people tend to take on the same religion as either their parents or the majority of the people around them?

If every religion claims to be right, and the vast majority do say that non-believers can find their way and accept that particular religion, then we would more likely see such a correlation of environment to religion and people wouldnt automatically follow a particular religion just because its been in their head since before they could remember anything.

You know why that would never work? Because if you took the average 15 year old who had never heard of the bible, who had no knowledge of who or what jesus was, the concept of heaven and hell etc.. etc... and handed him a bible, there is no way in hell any rational person would after reading it go "This all makes perfect sense, this is exactly what im looking for".

And it's not so much the children i dont give credit to by the way, they indeed can be clever, its more the parents im worried about.

[Biff]

What good would faith be if you didn't believe you were right?

[vsangelchick]

If everything made perfect sense.....we'd be perfect beings....that is why we can engage in intelligent conversation about beliefs. I still have questions, which is why I study, I am growing in my faith. I do not think I have all of the answers, but I have faith that if I look, I can find them. Every growing, ever learning, until the day I leave the earth.

[ahole]

I know and her church never actually preaches on Bible stories that I was raised on. All my daughter will know is the vengeful God. Not the loving, caring God that I grew up with.

You should make up a new God, that is even more loving and caring than your God. It worked really well for Christians, because lets face it, the God of the Old Testament was a pretty vengeful God. The New Testament God, on the other hand, is mostly hugs and love.

[providencecrow]

You should make up a new God, that is even more loving and caring than your God. It worked really well for Christians, because lets face it, the God of the Old Testament was a pretty vengeful God. The New Testament God, on the other hand, is mostly hugs and love.

Why do i need to make up a new God when we have the fresh faced Xenu to look towards. I wonder if Christianity would have been attacked to death like Scientology has if the internet, TV, and radio all existed during the conception of the new testament. My guess is wed be majority Jewish, if anything, if they had the communication network we have now back in the early days of the church.

[lovegrenade]

You should make up a new God, that is even more loving and caring than your God. It worked really well for Christians, because lets face it, the God of the Old Testament was a pretty vengeful God. The New Testament God, on the other hand, is mostly hugs and love.

Why do i need to make up a new God when we have the fresh faced Xenu to look towards. I wonder if Christianity would have been attacked to death like Scientology has if the internet, TV, and radio all existed during the conception of the new testament. My guess is wed be majority Jewish, if anything, if they had the communication network we have now back in the early days of the church.

Xenu's a little too expensive for my taste. Kirstie Alley has given them over $5 Million so they would correct her Fat Cow Syndrome.

It's unfortunate that we don't have "miracles" like they did back in the early days of Christianity. Oh wait, we do.

It's Jesus!!!!