(ab)using children
While one affirming to others that there is (or isn't) a God is committing an error in judgement, others err on a completely different scale.
"[Children] are so usable in Christianity."- Becky Fischer in Jesus Camp
Labels: belief, documentary, god, jesus camp
posted by Gnuosphere at 12:33 AM
![[FSF Associate Member]](http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6994/739/400/member.0.png){kind=small}
9 Comments:
What's wrong with telling your kids you believe in God?
I don't understand your interpretation of my post as I never made such a claim of wrongdoing.
Informing others of religious belief is honest. There is a significant difference, however, between open honesty regarding one's beliefs and an intent to propagate the unaffirmable. It is especially disturbing to see such intent expressed at children. Those who do so are using children to escape their fear while euphemistically claiming to be "doing God's work".
Maybe they're doing it to escape fear. Some, though - think missionaries and priestly or preacher types - surely do it to line their pockets.
We must keep the business coming, else we're out of a job.
This is why missionaries are, to me, a plague upon the earth. Literally. Watching them tear up Asian families has angered and pained me to no end. Little busybodies who've memorized parts of one mere book.
*sigh*
There are definitely differences in every individual. Some definitely do it as a way to make money. Others actually are following their own deeply conditioned beliefs. I met many missionaries in Africa and I would say most are genuinely deluded, not scam artists.
And while I find missionary propagation of religious belief twisted and dangerous, there are also beneficial, practical projects that many missionaries work on. But of course, individuals can always work on practical projects without throwing their deity or beliefs into the mix.
I want my children to be decent, compassionate people.
One chooses organized religion, the other, a humanistic, less structured code of beliefs.
My beliefs are evolving. I'm trying to break free of the constraints but not the compassion.
Life is a gamble, love is a risk, connections are vital.
diane
"Genuinely deluded" - I like that.
And it's true.
But their charity always seems to have a string attached - either to control people's worldview, behavior, or both. True charity gives without demand.
And those Catholics in Africa whose charity includes telling people in AIDS-stricken areas that the pope says condoms are a sin? Pure, tragic evil in my book.
Diane: "My beliefs are evolving."
Tried shedding? :)
Clay, I agree about the string attached. That is important to note. Sometimes that "demand" is so subtle it doesn't appear to be such on the surface. Often, the demand is simply to help propagate by identifying with the movement. A demand for numbers. And yes, the idea that birth-control is sinful is truly tragic - tragic evil.
Shedding? Everything and beginning again? Not sure if I have the time for that. I'm not young in years, unsure of how much time I have left to question and remake my philosophy.
Can't believe that my unique qualities, however insignificant in the greater scheme of things, will be lost with my physical death. Yet, wanting something to be true doesn't make it so. I'm hopeful and frightened at the same time.
Skepticism is simultaneously liberating and terrifying.
I want to live forever and yet...
"Not sure if I have the time for that."
Time?
Post a Comment
<< Home