David N said ".......that indoctrinating children with a singular religious view, especially with the threat of hell if not believed, is mental child abuse."

My sentiments exactly. It's an issue I've raised and stated on at least two occasions in my posts at OLO.

Thank you Mr. Nicholls for your well written and argued post. It's very refreshing to see someone prepared to allow logic and common sense augment a point of view rather than the spurious notions of those on the religious right.

Denial of heaven and hell does not for one moment mean they don't exist. I would suggest teaching a child they they evolved from a blob and are actually really a little god capable of determining what is right and wrong themselves is actually child abuse. We see the results of this doctrine that has been taught for the last few decades. Many don't give a stuff about anyone but themselves and everyone does what is right in their own eyes. This includes child sexual abuse, murder, rape, stealing etc. It is foolishness to even call these things wrong if God Himself had not declared them wrong. Many adults might not want to receive forgiveness and face up to their own depravity but that should not stop them teaching their kids the way to a fulfilled life. I guess that is why so many 'atheist' pay to send their kids to schools where at least some biblical morals are taught.

"Denial of heaven and hell does not for one moment mean they don't exist."

Runner, denying Santa and the tooth fairy, does not mean that they
don't exist. Go on, prove to me that they don't. You cannot
prove a negative, sorry.

Absolutely agree Aime; and for the same reasons.

Many thanks David N.

For the record; I felt no need to tell my children anything, they were comfortable with their own being; and in particular NOT that my children had evolved 'from a blob'! Further; I would sincerely appreciate Runner, if you can provide the stats that show the majority of atheists pay to send their children to Christian schools? I am surprised at this; but would be more than happy to be enlightened upon seeing the evidence..

You see; what I am getting a tad ticked off with, is the incessant mantra that Christian=Good/Atheist=Bad.

All I've seen so far is the oppressive, obsessive need to push the Christian barrow, which in itself shows intolerance. Add to that the glaring intolerance towards other faiths/lifestyles,-(remember, you are supposed to be the 'good guys')-, and my molars start to curl.

It comes as no surprise to me that Christians spend so much time extolling their own virtues, and then defending themselves. It is the inevitable result of the criticism of other 'lesser mortals who have not discovered the one true path'. Us 'bad guys' are simply not going to wear it.

Creation itself is proof of a Creator! Failing to acknowledge the depravity of man's heart is putting your head in the sand. Just read the posters who defend the indefensible murdering of unborn babies make that clear enough without having to go any further. The only exception to the depravity of man was the Lord Jesus Christ. Their is no other human who was ever sinless or without depravity. You are wrong GINX that Christians extol their own virtues. We extol the Lord's virtues. Most of us are but poor imitations

Runner, buddy, you did not answer my question....

Yes, yes, OK. the Lords virtues. Right ho. But it IS a broken record.

Creation itself is proof of life-form! Agree to disagree or we will spend a hell of a lot of time on this...

I am NOT a Christian. I am NOT Right-Wing (yech!). I do NOT believe in abortion, unless there are really mitigating circumstances. I will never except that in this age of prevention, abortion should be as prolific as it is. So get off your high horse.