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Table
I posted this reply to a question on the preaching of hellfire on the blog of ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
eclective:-
What we really need is some form of social contract. A code of behaviour towards another which, while not a "law" in that it will involve police, courts, fines, prison etc., nevertheless outlines acceptable vs. unacceptable behaviours.
For example, sexually abusing a child - that is breaking the law. Cops, prison and rightly so. Vile. Murder - the same. Assaulting someone - the same.
Teaching children age four about hell? Sure, but it's ethically wrong and in breach of the social contract which outlines at what age children are allowed to be taught what subjects.
Suggestion for such a social contract:-
Personally, I feel that religions should not be foisted upon children. They should stay clear of it until they're at least old enough to vote, and to choose for themselves as fully grown adults.
YMMV, of course.
I really only put up this post here because I love what I did with the table. I love HTML, and I just want to keep the basic structure handy in case I need it for a later post.
eclective:-What we really need is some form of social contract. A code of behaviour towards another which, while not a "law" in that it will involve police, courts, fines, prison etc., nevertheless outlines acceptable vs. unacceptable behaviours.
For example, sexually abusing a child - that is breaking the law. Cops, prison and rightly so. Vile. Murder - the same. Assaulting someone - the same.
Teaching children age four about hell? Sure, but it's ethically wrong and in breach of the social contract which outlines at what age children are allowed to be taught what subjects.
Suggestion for such a social contract:-
| Age | Subject one can be taught |
|---|---|
| 4 | Avoiding selfish behaviour (selfishness is wrong, share and share alike, play nice, be kind) |
| 5 | Everything has its time, and everything dies. But death is something to look forward to after a happy life: it's what you do with your life that counts. |
| 6 | People live in communities, and in those communities we know one another and look out for one another, helping out when we can. |
| 7 | Some people find solace in religion. Among the religions from which we can choose are the following:- (list choices) |
| 16 | Choose a religion, if you wish. Or learn more about what religions mean to you. It's up to you. |
Personally, I feel that religions should not be foisted upon children. They should stay clear of it until they're at least old enough to vote, and to choose for themselves as fully grown adults.
YMMV, of course.
I really only put up this post here because I love what I did with the table. I love HTML, and I just want to keep the basic structure handy in case I need it for a later post.
no subject
The problem is that if religion is explained to children in the context of "some people believe this," and then they ask, "but is it true?" you're forced to say:
1) "No." Which is the truth as it is observable in the real world, but again, not popular.
2) "Yes." Which is an opinion at best, a lie at worst.
3) "It's what some people believe," which is no kind of answer, and in the process sets the stage for kids to believe that whatever they believe is not only right but true.
Unpopular?
I couldn't ask for a better friend than that.
Admittedly, age 4 is the best time to teach the young about science and scientific enquiry, which is to say to engage their curiosity about how things are in the world.
Matt, you know that the best time to start teaching kids about science is when they're so full of that one constant, supposedly irritating question that's on every child's lips at that age:
"'Cause why, Dad?"
lolol
It's really a phase I never grew out of myself. I was never satisfied with just one answer. I just learned to ask it of people other than my weary folks. And occasionally of myself. You'd be surprised.
So it should be with kids.
Get them questioning, from the moment they learn to talk (and bless them when they do), and if you encourage them to treasure their curiosity, they'll never look back. Or want to look back, either.
If they come up with the question of "why do we have to die?" just tell them "Because there comes a time when we've done our bit, we've run our course, and it'll be time for us to make way for better, fitter ones who'll pick up where we left off. Because it's never about just one person, no matter how many books and TV programs tell you otherwise - it's about the species, and the planet we're living on.
"And because when we get to an age when our time's looming, we won't want to hang on. I personally doubt there's a form of existence after we die, but if there is, then we must face it just like you did when you came into this world. With curiosity and the desire to know more."
And if they ask "Is this all that there is? Is there nothing more?" you can say "There is more meaning to life than this. But you have to make it for yourself. You really can't rely upon others, especially those who haven't been able to figure this our for themselves first."