More Devotions

[naomi24]

My question stems from the previous one posted by Mooria. 'Devotions' - an odd term. Mooria says that during 'Devotions', God and the bible are discussed. However, the word 'Devotion' suggests that the lessons are aimed at encouraging children to become 'devoted' to the biblical God. If this is genuine bible study, with no ulterior motive, why not call it that? Is it indoctrination? I can't see what else it can be.

[beso]

Of course it is indoctrination aimed at getting children to worship God and the Bible. I believe that it is quite legitimate to openly criticise those that would inflict this wicked supernatural philosophy on children.

If someone wrote a question asking for resources to teach Hitler's philosophy I have no doubt they would be shouted down. Yet we have been brought up to tolerate those who would teach a book that includes glorification of widespread genocide in the name of God.

I urge everyone to simply read the Book of Joshua and then ask yourself if we should really continue to tolerate the activities of those who engage in teaching the Bible. It is not very long but filled with action. The ending is great too.

[luna-tic]

Hi Naomi,
It just sounds like re-packaging to me.
The Catholic school I work in often have the same approach.
They're always trying different ways to tell the same old story.
The latest musical number to be performed by the children is called `Born For This' with a picture of Jesus hanging on the cross as the attraction.
Mmm...Kids of eight years and more looking at a poster like that must make them think....Yeah! I want my name in lights.
Very strange.

[Theland]

Surely if kids are taught nothing structured, then the result will be anarchy. Oops, just remembered, we do in fact have anarchy on the streets already.
I wouldn't mind betting that kids taught devotions are not amongst the knife wielding anarchists.

[Theland]

...... unless they are devoted to the Arab paedophile.

[naomi24]

Theland, what has teaching children to worship the biblical God got to do with giving children structure in their lives? Nothing whatsoever. My child was brought up by my rules, which I have to say were fairly strict, and she was taught right from wrong and to respect others without reference to the Bible or the church. She is now a well-rounded, happy and self-sufficient adult with an excellent career. Proof, if any were needed, that children don't need religion to give them structure in their lives - they just need sensible parents who care enough to instill a bit of discipline and to say 'no' when 'no' is appropriate. That's where society is failing young people - religion has nothing to do with it.

[naomi24]

.........And I would mind betting that those who have outside interests and hobbies that don't include religion aren't among the knife-wielding anarchists either.

[Theland]

Fair comment Naomi.

[Teddio]

To "devote" is to give oneself exclusively to another thing, in this case the Biblical God. Of course the children are being indoctrinated since they are being imbued with a doctrine. This practice is unacceptable even with intelligent adults (eg. the Alpha Course) but entirely inexcusable with young kids.

[beso]

I brought up my kids without God. They think and act with consciousness and achieve their goals by work. They don't abrogate their responsibilities to finding truth by prentending some ancient misogynists worked it all out for ever.

[naomi24]

In a Pickle, that's quite a perceptive statement, and I think you're right. Organised religion does get in the way of humanity.

[Octavius]

If anybody researching Nazi philosophy or Holocaust denial asks a question, then it may well be answered with a "why". Not essentially a call for retributive justice by the great unwashed. Theirs not to make reply, theirs not to reason why.

Of course you are entitled to your view and it is unsurprising that some would see this as a form of brainwashing. But you seem to be confusing the contemporary meaning of �devotion� with the religious term �devotions�. If someone wishes to follow a religious path, then indoctrination is generally a requirement for esoteric knowledge. I presume the parents had made this decision on behalf of their children.

In religious terms �devotions� refers to observance of the Bible and prayers, or if you prefer �biblical studies and praying�. The poster referred to the activity in the religious terminology that they observe and practice. Personally I would have called it Bible studies (or sim.). You may entertain the idea of the perceived brainwashing (or religious indoctrination), but it is hardly cause for goose-stepping someone out of Answerbank.

[naomi24]

Who's goose-stepping anyone out of answerbank?