ooh, did this stem partly from my response to the santa thing??? lol


i believe that children have the right to experience aspects of a lot of religions, or none at all, and make an educated decision for themselves when they are old enough to do so. i will take my children to religious festivals - be it buddhist, catholic, muslim, whtever - so that they can develop a respect and understanding of religions and what they mean to other people.

i think that it is unfair when parents put thier religious beliefs onto their children - especially fundamentalists - as they do not give thier children the opportunity to excercise freedom of choice; but instead instills into them the belief that this religion is THE truth, THE way of life, THE greater way to be.

an example for me that springs to mind is the 'duggar family' off foxtel, they have 18 children and are fundamentalist catholics, the children aren't even allowed to hold hands with someone outside the family until they are engaged to them, cannot share 1 kiss until they are married, spruke the 'truth' about evolution and how non-believers don't know the real story about creation. the mother wont even allow the children to see her belly as it gets bigger with a baby, as she has to remain modest - these are her own children- and all of the kids have to wear these ridiculous swimming head to toe suits to go for a swim.

obviously there are more things they do, but those readily sprung to mind.

i believe in the freedom of choice, and the respect for all people, whether they are religious or not. i don't know what's in the here-after, if there's a heaven or not, but i figure if i treat people with love and respect, that they'll let me through the gates.

btw - great topic, gets my blood boiling!!!