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SirLance · 10-03-2006, 09:59 PM

Intense1, welcome to TFP. It is a very cool, diverse, free thinking place.

I was raised Catholic and educated by Jesuits, who taught me critical thinking, a tool which has served me well. Faith cannot be taught, it is a gift.

They never said so, but I think what underscored the Jesuit's philosophy was that faith in God, while a gift, is also a choice, and should be an educated choice, and freely made. True faith can't come from indoctrination. How can it, when there is no room for doubt.

I am probably misquoting, but I believe it was Gallileo who said "God gave me a mind that I might use it."

These kids will have a harder time spiritually because they will be denied the struggle that strengthens faith. I'm sure these people believe they are doing these kids a service and somehow imbuing them with a firm belief, but really they are harming their long-term spiritual development.

I pray that these kids get the opportunity to experience doubt, to struggle through it, and to find a renewed and stronger faith in the Gospel's real message: The Kingdom of God is at hand, repent and be saved.

Turn towards God by your own free choice, and he'll welcome you with open arms.

10-03-2006, 09:59 PM	#34 (permalink)
SirLance Junkie Location: In the middle of the desert.	Intense1, welcome to TFP. It is a very cool, diverse, free thinking place. I was raised Catholic and educated by Jesuits, who taught me critical thinking, a tool which has served me well. Faith cannot be taught, it is a gift. They never said so, but I think what underscored the Jesuit's philosophy was that faith in God, while a gift, is also a choice, and should be an educated choice, and freely made. True faith can't come from indoctrination. How can it, when there is no room for doubt. I am probably misquoting, but I believe it was Gallileo who said "God gave me a mind that I might use it." These kids will have a harder time spiritually because they will be denied the struggle that strengthens faith. I'm sure these people believe they are doing these kids a service and somehow imbuing them with a firm belief, but really they are harming their long-term spiritual development. I pray that these kids get the opportunity to experience doubt, to struggle through it, and to find a renewed and stronger faith in the Gospel's real message: The Kingdom of God is at hand, repent and be saved. Turn towards God by your own free choice, and he'll welcome you with open arms. __________________ DEMOCRACY is where your vote counts, FEUDALISM is where your count votes.