Protestantism

» paper_turtle - Religion good for kids?

Interesting--an article which posits that religion is good for kids BUT it doesn't interview any children, or talk about how religion might be of benefit to the child, from the point of view of the child.
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And, it seems to be the article kind of misses the point. Religion, healthy religion, gives one inner resources which help one develop resiliency in the face of challenging situations.
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maybe the parents of only the best behaved children feel comfortable in a religious congregation.

"There are certain expectations about children's behavior within a religious context, particularly within religious worship services," he said. These expectations might frustrate parents, he said, and make congregational worship "a less viable option if they feel their kids are really poorly behaved."
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Hmmmmm ..... both my children were physically active and very vocal. They found sitting silently through church very difficult. I didn't force them to attend church if they weren't up for it. The thing is, though SOME churches really don't like children all that much. They frown at even the least little bit of innocent noise. I knew I had found the right church home when a child burst free of his mother's arms, ran to the front of the church, and hugged the minister's legs. The minister hugged the child back. The congregation laughed and smiled through the whole incident. The minister allowed the child to stay at the front of the church until it was time for the children to go to Sunday School.
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But not all churches are like that, some want children to be little automatons with toggle switches that can be turned off and on--complete silence and somberness in church, and preferably until the child has left the church grounds as well.
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peace and love,
Paper Turtle

-- posted by paper_turtle