(November 9, 2009 at 9:17 am)Darwinian Wrote: I bet that Richard Dawkins would teach his children to think critically and to consider all options before making their mind up.
Do you think that might include things like: There is no evidence for God and I'll tell you why but I cannot say that there isn't a god because then I would have the burden of proof. Science has proven that the Bible is not true.
If not, what do you tell your children about God, the Bible, and Christianity that would not constitute indoctrination relative to your position on the matter?
(November 9, 2009 at 9:17 am)Darwinian Wrote: He certainly wouldn't tell them that there was no God but instead ask them to look for the evidence themselves.
If he is an agnostic atheist, of course he wouldn't say that.
(November 9, 2009 at 9:17 am)Darwinian Wrote: As an atheist father of two I am very careful not to impose my beliefs, or lack of directly on my children. The last thing I would do is to tell them that there is no God.
I will assume here that you also are an agnostic atheist.
(November 9, 2009 at 9:17 am)Darwinian Wrote: Have they been brought up in an environment where atheism is the norm? Yes. But they have also been given the option to explore all options and they know full well that if they did become 'faithful' that they would still have my love and support.
So your children could explore Christianity without you giving your position on the matter?
(November 9, 2009 at 9:17 am)Darwinian Wrote: In contrast, most of the Christian parents that I have come across actually tell their children that God exists, tell them that the biblical stories are true, make them go to church, get them christened and describe them as Christians.
I have no problem telling my children that God exists, that the Bible is the word of God, and I do make them go to church. I think it is a parent's job to tell your kids what you believe and live a life consistent with that. So not to do those things would be inconsistent with that. As for getting them christened (I assume you mean baptizing babies) and describing them as Christians, I would not do either of these unless the child has made a decision for Christ and desires to be baptized. One is not a Christian until that person makes their own decision on the matter and I cannot make that decision for them. I can, however, lead them in the right direction.
Frankly, I do not see how this would constitute indoctrination but your way is good parenting (other than because you say so).
