Atheists Against Christian Parenting
March 17, 2010 by Rick Osborne
The attached video is of Richard Dawkins, an avowed atheist speaking about why he thinks children should not be indoctrinated in religion. Part two will be attached to my next blog.
Recently, there has been a rash of books written by atheists vilifying religion and blaming it for the woes of this world. One best-selling book generated a wave of controversy because it suggested that efforts be made to eradicate religion. The author also takes aim at parents who teach their children religion, calling it a form of child abuse.
Here’s their logic (as far as I can see it). There is no God. Humankind invented God and created religion. Religion is destructive in that it polarizes people, and therefore, causes wars and all sorts of atrocities. The reason religion continues to thrive is that religious parents indoctrinate their children. Therefore, stop allowing the indoctrination of children and the world will become atheistic and wonderfully peaceful.
First of all, let me touch on the things that I agree with. Humanity has suffered much in the name of religion. Also, there are some religious groups in the world that teach violence to their children. There are also many religious parents worldwide that indoctrinate their children, or in other words, tell them what to think instead of teaching them how to think. I agree that all of these things are inappropriate parental behavior.
However, the author in my estimation, has built a very flimsy argument when it comes to Christianity.
Yes, the history of Christianity gets demerits for violence, but to blame present day Christianity for the mistakes of those in the past who did wrong in the name of Christianity is hardly fair. That would be like calling for the end of today’s German culture because at one point it spawned misguided people who caused wars.
The very word Christian means Christ-like or follower of Christ. Everyone who has read the Gospels even once knows that Jesus promoted love, forgiveness, humility and godliness. He did not promote violence, war and insurrection.
The Body of Christ worldwide has come a long way and is a force for good on our planet. When a catastrophe puts people in harms way anywhere in the world, it’s the Christians and Christian relief organizations that dig the deepest and run to care. Millions of Christians and Christian churches worldwide reach out to help and love their families, neighbors and communities every day. These heartfelt charitable acts are a big part of what it is to live a Christian life.
It’s hard to study the history of Western Civilization without seeing the amazingly wonderful impact that Christianity and individual Christians, compelled by their Faith, have had on the world today.
For a great summary read this link: http://crossandquill.com/journey/?page_id=267
Furthermore, what is it that Christian parents are teaching their children? If you examine the words in red (Jesus’ teaching), you’ll find that a large percentage of what he taught wasn’t about what we believe, but about who we are and how we behave. We teach our children to love, to be caring, kind, generous and considerate of others, to be involved in their communities, to be team players and to be respectful of others who have contrary opinions or beliefs. How can this be damaging to our planet?
Going back to the general arguments about religion being a planet damaging force, studies show that children raised in religion are happier, more other-focused, and less prone to get involved with crime and high-risk behavior. They even tend to exercise more, eat better, and volunteer more frequently.
(Check one of the studies here: http://www.youthandreligion.org/news/preliminary.html )
A brief study of history will show even the casual reader that things like political agendas, territorial disputes, racial differences and yes, even atheism (the murder of countless religious people in the name of communism, for the sake of the state) have been behind some of the greatest carnages visited on mankind. Should we forbid the teaching of politics, patriotism, property rights, racial uniqueness and atheism?
If your children are old enough, have a chat with them about what the atheists believe and are saying. Perhaps even let them read this blog and help them think it through. Our children need to know their Faith well enough that they can refute this kind of distorted logic when it’s leveled at them.
(RICK OSBORNE / Christian Author, Speaker & Bible Teacher)
ParentingTwits 
I take issue with the part about “religious kids being less likely to commit crimes” and whatnot. It seems odd that less than 1% of the prison population is atheist, and yet you make a claim like that… It’s context sensitive anyhow, meaning that the religion aspect has nothing to do with whether or not a person will grow to be a criminal and spreading things like that is pure propaganda.
Christopher, thanks for reading and for your comment. The part of my article that you’re taking issue with was based on research that I was merely drawing attention to. The link to the research is provided in my post and it is reputable. I agree with you that a mere religious upbringing (which can be just an inherited generational religious identity) does not guarentee anything about a child’s future. However, if you read the rest of the articles in this series you’d see that I’m quite against parents doling out religious traditions and labels without real substance. What makes a difference is when parents not only believe in Jesus but actually live according to what he taught and teach their children (by example first) to do the same. Jesus wasn’t about religion he was about loving God and others. It’s the child who is raised with love and to love who is raised as a Christian not the one who is merely told that they are a ‘Christian’.
I also take issue with the part about religious kids being less likely to commit crimes, because I have seen conflicting research showing the complete opposite. The study you are referencing I believe came out in 2004. There is another research paper showing the complete opposite in 2010, which shows the prison population of atheists in proportion to the atheist population being much lower than the religious. In both cases, there are a lot of factors that are not addressed that need to be to draw any kind of conclusion. Correlation does not imply causation.
Even if the study you are referring to is accurate, this does not imply that religion is needed to raise moral children. Keep in mind that the non-religious are mostly atheists, and that atheists are demonized and reviled by the surrounding Judeo-Christian culture in the United States. They are genuinely afraid for their well-being, and it is hard for them to form a community due to such social pressures. Finding a way to raise a child under those conditions range from an act of social gymnastics to a trial by fire depending on how deep rooted the prejudice against the nonreligious is in the community.
Alex, thank you for your comment. Please remember the context of my posts; I am not trying to vilify or persecute atheists – I was merely responding to atheists that were vilifying Christian parents who bring up their children in their faith. I’m very sorry that you and others are being persecuted for your non-faith. Please let me apologize on behalf of Christians who know better. The Apostle Peter tells us in 1 Peter 3:15 that we are to treat those outside the faith with gentleness and respect. We (Christians) certainly don’t like being persecuted, so it’s beyond me that those who follow the one who said, “Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.” would persecute anyone.