How important do you feel religion is in raising your children?

I believe that when you are a Christian, it is best to either send that child to a Christian private school or if you cannot afford the tuition, to home school. The reason is that education of the public school is secular and they believe that even reading a Bible on the school grounds at lunch hour is illegal. (It is not). We are supposed to raise the children in the way of the Lord and the Christian world view is opposite of the secular world view. I did not become a real Christian compared with the story about Noah's Ark, and Jesus being a good man with good values, until after my sons were almost grown and so they went to public school. But one is married to a Catholic girl, and the other is going with one, so even though I am not Roman Catholic, at least they will be able to send the kids off to a private school where they will learn about God, Jesus Christ, and follow the Ten Commandments. I do not think it is right for parents to say to a child "okay do you want to go to public school or to St. Vincents, Calvinist Christian, Our Lord's ----or whatever the name is of the private school," and let the child decide. Their minds have not formed yet and besides you are the parent. We need all the help to install the Love of God in them.

Children can grow up in religion and be happy. Remember the bible talk alot about happiness, holiness and moral values. I grow up in the church and does not regret it a bit. It is because of this I have still go against doing the things that I know is wrong. Allow your children to go to Sunday School and try your best to understand the stories so that you can be able to pass on the knowledge that you have. As for the discussions just be yourself it works when you are like that. Welcome to MYLOT and I hope you will enjoyed yourself as I am doing.

I cannot understand your question. The fact that you can send them to a christian school does not mean that you have to distinguish between having a holy or a happy atmosphere at school. A good school must provide a happy environment and conducive to learning. A good christian school must do that plus providing a christian environment where kids learn not only by words but also by deeds of teachers and the other people that they encounter. I send my child to a catholic school, he is happy at school doing arts crafts, computer lessons and sports plus the holy religious activities. Being religious does not mean to be unhappy.

There is nothing written in stone on religion being a mandatory presence in someone's life, hwoever, I was raised in a Catholic family, and taught that religion plays an extremely important role in our lives. It taught us values, beliefs, and morals which were not only taught through religion but from my parents, and if it wasn't for religion being instilled in my life, I do not know what path of life I may have chosen. In my opinion religion is extremely important in a child's life and it is up to the parents to teach this to their children.

I do not believe in religion or God so if I have children they will not be christoned or baptised. However if they express an interest in religion later in life then I will not stop them. If they want to believe then they can do.

i think , god shold live in everyone's heart, it will be helpful at anytime. for choose the shool, as you wish, the most important is to make the kids grow happily.

raising your child in the lord is always good. you made a statment that is it more inportant for them to be happy or holy it is important for them to have both while they are growing up it,s your choice to guide them and teach them whats right or wrong kids need to be told what to do until they get to be responsible enough to do it themselves.you can raise them in the lord and they still do things that are not pleasing to the lord thats there imperfection i raised my son in the lord he start doing things he should not have been doing so see all you can do is pray what you teach them with god guided word the bible and hope they turn out ok remember what don,t kill you will make you strong.

I don't think there is a right or wrong way. No matter what school they go to they will know about God. My kids go to public and also go to scouts, which is held in a chruch. , so they tell them about God. I don't believe in God, but I don't stop my children from beleiveing whatever they want. We talk about beliefs sometimes. I want them to be open to everyones beliefs.

I think a child should be raised Holy and Happy. My husband and I both grew up with religion in our backgrounds. I went to catholic school for 10 years as a child. As an adult, we both got away from the Lord. Having children has brought us back I am thankful to say. I think children are to young and inexperienced in life to make their own decision in this matter. When they grew up and understand the full consquences of not have God in their life, it will be up to them to decide how big a part religion will play for them. My son is 3 and loves going to sunday school. They teach him about Jesus in a way that he can understand it. He was so proud a couple of weeks ago because he learned how to sing "Jesus loves me". I think it's every parents personal choice on how to or not to introduce religion into their own children's life. Good luck with whatever decision you make. And I think this was a wonderful first question for you to post. Welcome to Mylot :)

it is important that we educate them about our religion so that they will have some beliefs that will guide them in their life. we don't have to have our children so involved in religion . we just have to explain our faith so that they will have some ideas about faith and so when they are in right age they will be able to decide if they will continue with the faith that you have shared with them.

The truth of the whole matter is that the very best recommmened way in raising children is through religion.It is important because they will taught moral values of life.Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child but the rod of corruption will drive it far away from him.Sending your children to religion school is an investment that will bring joy to the entire nation.Alot of child are causing problems to day because they are not taught the way of the lord.If the right seed is planted at an early stay in life the result is always beautiful.

its okay sending children in religious school if you have the means, but if they dont have that capacity, the public school is still available . I believe every individual should listen to the word of God, its keep reminding you the goodness and maybe God is sending you message for the day to keep. Through us parents, we should be the first teacher to teach them to act properly in every situation, the basic prayer God has taught us, through bible reading and verses to remember, and keep hoping to raise them not only good but holy. Keep your family unite and love dwells in your home, it is not a question whether you send them to religious school or not, its not a question if they are servant of God in church, its a question how you treat love with relationship in them. If God dwells in their heart, as temple of God within by the power of the Holy Spirit, no man can fall down a heart that is pure. Let the loving continues not only to your home, there are others that you will enjoy doing good. Your presence and love is more valuable to your children, not too strict not to loose, keep your support on your children and guide them as God loves you.You dont have to worry much if the love of God is in you, try to read the Bible and learn from it, with your family, share your thoughts every day or weekend.Start bonding and worry-free. Freedom is given to everyone, enjoy it while it last.

Hello!!I think religion is a necessity in life so the best thing to do is to raise your children with this belief. I am not saying to be obsessive with this thing but it is a good thing to give your children an idea of religion from their early years. Happy mylotting!!

i think its not the path that matters but the goal... all religions teach us the same things... its only our perspectives that change each religion.. i think instead of emphasising on religion, parents should teach children more about the moral values in life..