Opposite Ends Of The Spectrum

A recent online discussion pointed out a salient point about why I am fond of Buddhists and non-theists , and wary of Christians and other supernatural religionists.

In a discussion about whether or not kids should be indoctrinated about religion -- whether for or against any particular one or religion in general -- there was a split that showed the vastly different worldviews of religionists and non-theists. While non-theists generally believe that children should be allowed to make up their own minds when they are capable of doing so, religionists are quick to want to take advantage of the malleable minds of children. One religionist even posted this quote:

"Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

...As if that is something to be proud of. This person was quite blatantly expressing a pro-brainwashing stance in his religion. This is, though, consistent with the child abuse that is rampant in the Abrahamic religions -- both physical abuse and mental abuse. While we mostly hear about the sexual abuse that these children suffer at the hands of Christians or the beatings --especially of girls -- in Islamic traditions, the mental abuse probably does more long-term damage.

I was encouraged by the general non-theist stance of allowing children the freedom to figure it out for themselves when they are ready and able. That's certainly the camp with which I would want to be associated. This is also consistent with many (probably most) Buddhist sects.

The Order of Interbeing, which I have mentioned here before, has a basic guideline for behavior called The Fourteen Precepts. The third precept reads thus:

Do not force others, including children, by any means whatsoever, to adopt your views, whether by authority, threat, money, propaganda, or even education. However, through compassionate dialogue, help others renounce fanaticism and narrow-mindedness.

Imagine if all children were given that respect.

So if you happen to be keeping a list of why there's not much likelihood of me adopting any supernatural religion, you can add the fact that I respect -- and care about the well-being of -- children.