(April 23, 2009 at 5:31 am)athoughtfulman Wrote: Children CAN be taught to believe only one thing, but I think the idea that they cannot question later is pointless.
From an atheists point of view, I would say that generally any person who grows up a christian and remains one their entire lives has been taught one thing and has not questioned. But that is inconclusive, because I know there are christians around who grew up going to church, went through a stage of doubt and questioning until they sorted out their beliefs, then went back. So they were taught to think in a certain way, but they were able to question.
In the end I don't think they can be made to not question later. Sure, depending on their circumstances, some children will grow up and never question. But I think this is less to do with the parents than it is to do with all their other influences, such as friends, media (TV, internet, etc), books, and so on.
Agree with you
It also have to do what kind of person you are. It depends how smart you are, how educated you are, how you work mentaly and so on.
I think the surrondings is one of the most importent, just as you pointed out athoughtfulman. If your surronded by religious fanatics and you parents are that too, then you probably wind up becoming one too.
However knowledge is the key to solve all this and which make you think on your own. If you let other think for you then you can become to believe nearly anything.
