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One can be a moral atheist or an immoral Christian. Religion really doesn't have anything to do with this.
If they are a true Christian, in that they follow the ways of Christ (as their belief tells them to), then yes, morality is automatically a part of it. If they acted immoral or evilly, then they would not be a Christian, regardless of what they might call themselves.
If they are a true Christian, in that they follow the ways of Christ (as their belief tells them to), then yes, morality is automatically a part of it. If they acted immoral or evilly, then they would not be a Christian, regardless of what they might call themselves.
I am curious. When your kids ask you WHY, what do you tell them? Why do I have to share? Why can't I be mean to my sister? Why don't you cheat on your taxes if you are not going to get caught? Not safety issues, that is obvious. Religious people, do you tell them because God says so? Do they accept and agree with that explanation?
I am working through what I think of this. Thanks.
"Because I said so"
We use a french version that I can not spell (Pasque Je le dee)
My father raised my sister and I with values, consequences and the concept of taking responsibility for our actions. We were not in a religious household.
When my sister was a very young child, she wanted a pack of gum in the store. She was told no. When my father wasn't looking, she swiped a pack of gum and put it in her pocket. The gum was discovered later at home, and she had to explain herself. Not only did she get in big trouble at home, but .. my father marched her right back to the store where she had to give the gum back and explain to the manager why she took the gum and why it was wrong. Humility is a humbling experience for a young tot. This lesson stuck with her for life.
One of my father's favorite sayings growing up was "The problem with telling lies is remembering which lie you told to who." This used to come up if he caught my sister or myself in the middle of a non-truth. Again, humility is a very humbling experience growing up. And, finding out and knowing you are busted and you aren't going to talk your way out of the issue, this creates a fork in the road - do what is right, or dig yourself in deeper.
We learned to be resourceful and frugal, take only what you need and leave some for others. My grandmother was a huge influence with this. She would allow us to cut up and dish out desserts or treats, and if we cut into unfair portions (giving ourselves the bigger portion), she would call us out. This concept rolled over into many other parts of our childhood.
Of course, we were also taught to treat those how we wanted to be treated. If one of us were out of line, we were questioned - how would we like to be on the receiving end?
Having a child own up to his/her own actions goes a long way in teaching values. It is the parental unit's responsibility to lead by example, and then hold children accountable.
Interesting discussion. As others have already shared, we're not a religious family but we are very moral. Even if I were religious, I would want my children to learn more than "because God says so." IMO children need to be taught a much deeper understanding of morals than that. They need explanations, not mere orders. Most things can be easily explained by "treat others as you would like to be treated." It's a basic moral concept, not merely a religious concept.
My son recently shared an intellectual discussion he had with a religious friend a few years ago. His friend believed he should do things to please God. My son told him that he felt that was hypocritical. He explained to his friend that we should do things because we personally and intellectually embrace the right thing to do, not simply because God instructs it. He friend was impressed. The discussion inspired his friend to intellectually consider his position on issues instead of simply going through the motions. He became closer to God by fully forming his beliefs as his own instead of simply following "because God says so."
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