A subtle form of child abuse

[_Panopticon]

http://www.theofrak.com/2012/05/which-world-is-better-for-child.html

Anyone who was raised in a religious family can relate to the picture on the left. It's one thing for kids to be taught to believe in innocuous fantasies, such as Santa Claus. It is quite another to add to childhood fears and reinforce the idea that ghosts, demons, evil spirits, etc., literally exist.

People tend to forget that the comforting lies of religion come with a dark side. Traditional religion, in attempting to deal with the problem of evil, has created a host of boogeymen over the centuries. In my opinion, teaching children to fear the unseen world is tantamount to child abuse.

I really don't blame my parents, because they believed what they taught me. However, what I want for my children is a world of science where they can laugh at childish tales of the supernatural.

[_stemelbow]

People can be so black and white. Such a divisive attitude.

[_Panopticon]

People can be so black and white. Such a divisive attitude.

I'm not sure I understand your point. I'm saying that I was raised to believe in a frightening world of evil spirits. This is a fundamental tenant of Mormonism. I know many people who were raised the same way and report similar fears as a child. In my opinion, it is a form of child abuse to foster these fears in children.

[_zeezrom]

My kids don't fear ghosts or Satan but they do fear:

Bears
Poisonous snakes
Sharks
Tsunamis
Earthquakes
Hot lava
Fast cars on the road near the school

[_Panopticon]

My kids don't fear ghosts or Satan but they do fear:

Bears
Poisonous snakes
Sharks
Tsunamis
Earthquakes
Hot lava
Fast cars on the road near the school

Agreed. I'd add religious zealots to that.

[_Shulem]

It's the DEVIL!



The Devil is watching your every move, kids.

[_Shulem]

[_Hades]

If you have a teenage daughter who becomes pregnant you are supposed to send her into the bishop for council. He will work his Mormon magic to make sure she is properly shamed and shunned by the tribe. Most likely she will be disfellowshiped and required to meet for more council. She will be given tasks to complete. She won't be allowed to participate fully in the religion. She will be counseled to give up the child. She will become the licked cupcake, unworthy of a worthy priesthood holder.

She will also be made aware of all the Satan and hell BS. She will be told that her eternal salvation hangs in the balance. God is not pleased.

What about all this is not abusive?

[_Shulem]

She will become the licked cupcake, unworthy of a worthy priesthood holder.

And what about the priesthood holder (teenage boy) that had sex with her? He's a cupcake licker! What precious daughter of God would want a cupcake licker on their wedding night? Why should a virtuous young woman want a priesthood holder that already licked a cake?

[_just me]

This is so so true! I actually still struggle with the fears once in a while....even just last night I had to shake the feeling that a spirit was in my room. Jeezus. God, I was so scared every night as a child. I would get under my covers and hope that my blanket was impermeable by the boogie man, demons and ghosties residing under my bed.

Whenever my kids talk about ghosts and things of that nature I mention that they are just pretend and don't exist. They still believe in the devil and crap, though. This might take a while.