Is This such a bad thing to teach children?

[Bishka]

I want to know your opinion on it. My grandmother(member of the Church of the Nazerene) says that everything we teach in our Church is worshipping the pioneers, Joseph Smith and other prophets. Is the following such a bad thing to teach children?

(BTW this is from the Friend magazine, which is a LDS children's magazine, so I'm taking it in context from the magazine. This little bit is from a bookmark that they can cut out)

MY GOSPEL STANDARDS

I will follow Heavenly Father's plan for me

I will remember my baptismal covenant and listen to the Holy Ghost

I will be honest with Heavenly Father, others, and myself.

I will use the names of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ reverently. I will not swear or use crude words.

I will do those things on the Sabbath that will help me feel close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

I will honor my parents and do my part to strengthen my family.

I will keep my mind and body sacred and pure, and I will not partake of things that are harmful to me.

I will dress modestly to show respect for Heavenly Father and myself.

I will only read and watch things that are pleasing to Heavnely Father.

I will only listen to music that is pleasing to Heavenly Father.

I will see good freinds and treat others kindly.

I will live now to be worthy to go to the temple and do my part to have an eternal family.

FRONT SIDE OF THE BOOKMARK: There is a picture with Christ and children all around Him with the following below it:

I AM A CHILD OF GOD

I know my Heavenly Fahter loves me, and I love Him. I can pray to Heavenly Father anytime, anywhere. I am trying to remember and follow Jesus Christ.

So are these things bad to teach children? Other then my grandmother, I've had other friends that have thought so too.

 

[CaptainXeroid]

...So are these things bad to teach children?...

No. I think it's a wonderful way to teach children the basics of 'living right'.

 

[pdoel]

I don't see anything in there that sounds odd. Sounds some like good virtues to me.

It's easy for outsiders to see fault in other teachings. The one big one that comes to mind, is how many outside of the Catholic Faith see the dealings towards Mary as "Worshipping" Mary. But to those of the Catholic faith, they will quickly deny any ideas that they worship her, and see it more as paying respect.

I think what's important is what's in your heart. I really don't see anything in that list you gave me as worshiping Joseph Smith or his followers. Seems like good sense to me.

 

[michel]

I don't see anything in there that sounds odd. Sounds some like good virtues to me.

It's easy for outsiders to see fault in other teachings. The one big one that comes to mind, is how many outside of the Catholic Faith see the dealings towards Mary as "Worshipping" Mary. But to those of the Catholic faith, they will quickly deny any ideas that they worship her, and see it more as paying respect.

I think what's important is what's in your heart. I really don't see anything in that list you gave me as worshiping Joseph Smith or his followers. Seems like good sense to me.

I agree. This is a set of good morals; the only point I would make (with which you may very well not agree) is that I taught my children that their Religious beliefs were up to them to choose when they were older. This is so personal, I know, and I am sure you will do what your heart tells you is right, just as pdoel has said.

 

[Eynah]

I think that the reason some people would be against teaching that, and I'm not sure if your friends have been LDS, is what could have happened when they left the church. That, or they have heard things that may or may not be true. I know that some people have had problems giving up what they are taught, due to guilt stemming from what they feel are brainwashing techniques.

 

[Faint]

I want to know your opinion on it.

Since you asked...

I will follow Heavenly Father's plan for me

Why not follow your own plan? Teach kids to think for themselves and pursue their own dreams.

I will remember my baptismal covenant and listen to the Holy Ghost

Ummm...

I will be honest with Heavenly Father, others, and myself.

Honesty is good--with others and definitely with oneself. But since GOD is supposed to be all-knowing, I think the idea of being honest with him is superfluous. How would you lie to God?

I will use the names of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ reverently. I will not swear or use crude words.

Ever? Kids should be able to cuss sometimes. It's just language. But they should be taught when this is appropriate (and when it's not).

I will do those things on the Sabbath that will help me feel close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Waste of time IMO. Better to spend time having fun as a kid, maybe get involved in sports.

I will honor my parents and do my part to strengthen my family.

This is pretty good. I recommend protein shakes to help with the strengthening.

I will keep my mind and body sacred and pure, and I will not partake of things that are harmful to me.

Another good rule of thumb.

I will dress modestly to show respect for Heavenly Father and myself.

For kids, modest fashion is a good idea (whatever the reason). The church is on a roll...

I will only read and watch things that are pleasing to Heavnely Father.

Stupid. Seriously. First, how do you know that God doesn't like to watch "Family Guy"? Second, what better way to make kids ignorant, brainwashed idiots than to only allow them to read what your church deems acceptable. Third, what part of the Book of Mormon outlines acceptable television/cinema/books for children anyway?

I will only listen to music that is pleasing to Heavenly Father.

This is another ridiculously uptight, unnecessary guidline and a needless attempt at censorship. Do you think God would approve of Brandon Flower's (Mormon frontman of The Killers) lyrics about sexual jealousy? Kids can learn a lot more important things from Marilyn Manson or Bad Religion lyrics (not to mention the rest of my CD collection), but nooooo...they're too "evil".

I will see good freinds and treat others kindly.

Good.

I will live now to be worthy to go to the temple and do my part to have an eternal family.

Ok then. Is that like a vampire thing?

 

[Bishka]

QUOTE]Why not follow your own plan? Teach kids to think for themselves and pursue their own dreams[/QUOTE]
This is the plan I believe in. I will teach my children to think for themselve and if they don't follow the Church, then well, so-be-it. I've always questioned things.

Honesty is good--with others and definitely with oneself. But since GOD is supposed to be all-knowing, I think the idea of being honest with him is superfluous. How would you lie to God?

You would actually be suprised how many people think they can 'lie' to God, even if He is all-knowing, but this is also to help us. To humble us, we need to be humble to talk to God, and He knows everything, but He wants to hear it direct from our mouths.

Ever? Kids should be able to cuss sometimes. It's just language. But they should be taught when this is appropriate (and when it's not).

Yes, it happens, but I believe it is deragatory and not appropriate/

Waste of time IMO. Better to spend time having fun as a kid, maybe get involved in sports.

The Lord only asks for one day a week. That's all, and I think we all should be good enough to give that day to Him, IMO.

This is pretty good. I recommend protein shakes to help with the strengthening.

Obviously you aren't taking this seriously, so I have no clue why I am writing back.

Stupid. Seriously. First, how do you know that God doesn't like to watch "Family Guy"? Second, what better way to make kids ignorant, brainwashed idiots than to only allow them to read what your church deems acceptable. Third, what part of the Book of Mormon outlines acceptable television/cinema/books for children anyway?

I believe that God does not like shows and things like that, besides, He has better things to do with His time then watch TV. I never said that the children can't read, watch, listen, etc., but the Church suggests it to help us become a more Christlike person. It's called the Articles of Faith, Strength of Youth Pamphlet, and I can't remember references, but it is said at least a couple times in the BOM, "seek things that are good". Also, our Prophets have given us revelation on this topic.

This is another ridiculously uptight, unnecessary guidline and a needless attempt at censorship. Do you think God would approve of Brandon Flower's (Mormon frontman of The Killers) lyrics about sexual jealousy? Kids can learn a lot more important things from Marilyn Manson or Bad Religion lyrics (not to mention the rest of my CD collection), but nooooo...they're too "evil".

How do you know how uptight this is, eh? I listen to Led Zeppelin, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Madonna, Alanis Morisette, Pink Floyd and several others, none of which I think are bad.


Obviously you aren't taking this seriously, but I asked for opinions and you gave it. I still think that you brush-off the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints without a thought and don't care to see what good it is doing, IMO. I could be wrong, but that is what it seems like.

 

[Atheist_Dave]

"The lord asks for one day a week. Thats all, and I think we should all be good enough to give that day to him, IMO"

becky, I worked out that every christian will spend 3900 days on average doing nothing (example from a 75 year life span) 52 sundays a year x 75, what a disgrace.... Your could qualify as a doctor in that time, wouldn't that be more helpful?

P.S hilarious post faint, frubals to you x

 

[Bishka]

"The lord asks for one day a week. Thats all, and I think we should all be good enough to give that day to him, IMO"

becky, I worked out that every christian will spend 3900 days on average doing nothing (example from a 75 year life span) 52 sundays a year x 75, what a disgrace.... Your could qualify as a doctor in that time, wouldn't that be more helpful?

P.S hilarious post faint, frubals to you x

Doing nothing? I believe I am doing so much more then nothing. I am learning the teachings of the gospel, learning of Christ and growing closer to Him and closer in my goal in returning to my Heavenly Father.

I know that none of this will convince you, but this is my opinion.

 

[Atheist_Dave]

Fair enough, all those days though.....

If its what you believe its ok for you I guess, go for it...

Peace x

 

[Bishka]

Fair enough, all those days though.....

If its what you believe its ok for you I guess, go for it...

Peace x

I do believe in it. And I want to spend my time in Church and doing things for the Lord. As each to their own I guess.

 

[joeboonda]

Teach children the ten commandments, that Jesus loves them, to love each other, to pray, and you get a great nation. Take prayer and the ten commandments out of school, and tell them they are just animals, and they will act like animals. We will see in the afterlife if going to church and worshipping God, and praying, and teaching Christian values, was just nothing. Perhaps those who do not honor and obey God will be the ones who end up with nothing...

 

[Atheist_Dave]

At least we have lived our lives for us, as animals, which is what we are, and what we have always been.

 

[Faint]

The Lord only asks for one day a week. That's all, and I think we all should be good enough to give that day to Him, IMO.

Assuming the child lives to be 70, that's rougly 3,650 days out of a life that said child could have spent pursuing other interests. Also, considering that God supposedly cursed humanity, I don't think we should "give" him anything at all (but now I'm just nitpicking).
[edit:] Just realized that Athiest_Dave beat me to the punch on this one.

Obviously you aren't taking this seriously

I take everything seriously.

I believe that God does not like shows and things like that, besides, He has better things to do with His time then watch TV.

What does God do other than watch TV? Maybe all we are is God's television and when he gets bored with us he just changes the channel and we die. Therefore, you must never, ever be boring.

I never said that the children can't read, watch, listen, etc., but the Church suggests it to help us become a more Christlike person. It's called the Articles of Faith, Strength of Youth Pamphlet, and I can't remember references, but it is said at least a couple times in the BOM, "seek things that are good". Also, our Prophets have given us revelation on this topic.

"Good" is open to interpretation. The church clearly has an agenda when it comes to broadcasting.
Also, am I reading this right? Your prophets gave a you a revelation about television?

How do you know how uptight this is, eh? I listen to Led Zeppelin, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Madonna, Alanis Morisette, Pink Floyd and several others, none of which I think are bad.

Good music to be sure. So it's safe to say that your church would have no problem advising kids to listen to this music? For example:
Madonna "Like a virgin touched for the very first time..." or "I'm not the type of girl who likes to settle down...some people say I just want to fool around" or "I'm down on my knees, I wanna take you...There"
Pink Floyd "If we catch you in the back seat trying to pick her locks we're gonna send you home to mother in a cardboard box..." or "I need a dirty woman..." or "that one looks Jewish, and that one's a coon...who let all this riff raff into the room?"
(too lazy to quote more lyrics, but you get the idea)

I still think that you brush-off the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints without a thought and don't care to see what good it is doing, IMO. I could be wrong, but that is what it seems like.

You would be partially right, but my criticism is obviously not limited to LDS any more than any of the other abrahmic faiths. I think you church is doing good in the way a swimming instructor is teaching someone to swim by tying his arms behind his back. They can tread water, to keep from drowning, and teach others to tread water, but can't really compete in an olympic freestyle.

 

[Atheist_Dave]

Someone give Faint some frubals right now, ah heck I'll do it x x x x

 

[Bishka]

Assuming the child lives to be 70, that's rougly 3,650 days out of a life that said child could have spent pursuing other interests. Also, considering that God supposedly cursed humanity, I don't think we should "give" him anything at all (but now I'm just nitpicking).

I have to ask, how did you get that God supposdely cursed humanity?


You are being very nitpicky. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints advised on what to listen to, what the Lord would like us too, but we all have our free agency and choice.

Simple as that. I'm not going to try to argue with you, because , you obviously don't believe in anything I am saying. End of discussion.

 

[Faint]

Teach children the ten commandments, that Jesus loves them, to love each other, to pray, and you get a great nation. Take prayer and the ten commandments out of school, and tell them they are just animals, and they will act like animals. We will see in the afterlife if going to church and worshipping God, and praying, and teaching Christian values, was just nothing. Perhaps those who do not honor and obey God will be the ones who end up with nothing...

Sorry, this is hogwash. Teach kids to base their lives around superstition and you get witch burnings, religious intolerance, teenage pregnancies, and generations of puritan-based ignorance...not a great nation. We have been progressing more and more as we've become more secularized. You want a good example of how countries based on religion faire, look at the middle east.

 

[linwood]

"If we catch you in the back seat trying to pick her locks we're gonna send you home to mother in a cardboard box..."

I just love seeing a Young Lust quote anywhere.


I pretty much agree with what you`ve been saying throughout the rest of the thread as well.

 

[Atheist_Dave]

Religion also holds back science so much, we can't do any experiments or TV shows without an uproar. We have to tip-toe around the believers, there is no excuse for it nowadays, religion is the one thing that threatens humanity the most. Base a nation on religion, and you get people killing thousands to get entrance to their mythological afterlife, need I say it...9/11, yeah, well done religion.

x

 

[joeboonda]

Sorry, this is hogwash. Teach kids to base their lives around superstition and you get witch burnings, religious intolerance, teenage pregnancies, and generations of puritan-based ignorance...not a great nation. We have been progressing more and more as we've become more secularized. You want a good example of how countries based on religion faire, look at the middle east.

True Christianity is a far cry from Puritanism, superstition, or Mohammadism. True Christianity teaches love and forgiveness, not witch burnings, intolerance, and leads to less teenage pregnancies, as they are taught to wait til marriage, but are loved and the babies are loved not killed, if they don't. You say we have progressed???? More people have been murdered in the 20th century than all the others combined, by atheistic, communistic, "progressive" countries, do some real research, man.