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In reply to the discussion: The practice of a religion is a choice. Period. [View all]MellowDem
(5,018 posts)31. I understand where you are coming from...
but it's still a choice.
I'm not too harsh on those who "choose" to when they live in places like Iran, and I am sympathetic that in almost every case, I am talking to victims of childhood indoctrination, many of whom don't even consider that they were indoctrinated or understand how that is abuse. I came from the same place that they did, and for many years willingly engaged in cognitive dissonance and intellectual dishonesty, ironically lashing out against those that were trying to break me of that childhood indoctrination, but that is unfortunately how the world goes.
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I'm on the opposite side of this--I'm anti-religious, but I don't think this is true. Most people
Dark n Stormy Knight
Mar 2013
#4
That might be accurate - but I was referring more to the suggestion of how you should act
el_bryanto
Mar 2013
#6
Yes, but it seems to me that most don't have that choice. If you are brainwashed, and religion is a
Dark n Stormy Knight
Mar 2013
#14
Arguments against religion are one thing - i generally don't have an issue with those
el_bryanto
Mar 2013
#29
That's a fair response - certainly people on my side of the fence can be jerks as well
el_bryanto
Mar 2013
#42
It is a strong possibility that that congratulations was a personal one, not marketing, one person
patrice
Mar 2013
#48
That's why most religions teach it as an obligation complete with dire threats for those who choose.
Tierra_y_Libertad
Mar 2013
#10
I think calling parents who make their kid go to Sunday School "child abusers" is a bit of a stretch
Peter cotton
Mar 2013
#21
Parents have the right to bring their child up in whatever tradition they see fit,
Peter cotton
Mar 2013
#34
I was told that a number of times on other message boards when I mentioned I'm an atheist.
Peter cotton
Mar 2013
#39
You can try to reduce it to the absurd if you want, but forcing irrational nonsense
cleanhippie
Mar 2013
#37
Forcing irrational beliefs on children is abuse, whether the state thinks it is or not.
cleanhippie
Mar 2013
#46
In cases of stirct sects I might agree with you, but just teaching your children your faith is not
hrmjustin
Mar 2013
#43
Teaching about faith is one thing, indoctrinating children into it is abuse.
cleanhippie
Mar 2013
#50
I love the UU church. I don't always agree with their theology but many religious people can
hrmjustin
Mar 2013
#53
So we are in agreement then? There is a difference between religious education and indoctrination.
cleanhippie
Mar 2013
#54
I would say it is a fine line. Forcing your children to believe something goes against my view
hrmjustin
Mar 2013
#67
For instance, some religions say you can't eat pork. But there is no state or federal LAW
Lex
Mar 2013
#20
To some of us, since it IS belief, the extent to which you NEED confirmation from others is the
patrice
Mar 2013
#32
I agree with all of that. What I believe does not require any of what you describe.
patrice
Mar 2013
#52