And Slaters Go Plop

If you are a Christian and have watched the above video, I would ask that you imagine a similar video released by an Islamic group. Imagine that they stated that the best way to spread their beliefs would be to target children because “if a human does not hear about Mohammed as a child, they will most likely never follow him”.

And they’d be correct.

Almost all people who are religious have adopted the religion they were exposed to while they were children. It is undeniable that this is the most effective way to spread religious belief. Children are sponges.

Now, I’m confident that the maker/s of this video had nothing but the best of intentions when they outlined this strategy; they are likely convinced that nothing but good can come from introducing children to the teachings of Jesus and to ensure their eternal salvation by doing so.

Here are my thoughts on a more ethical approach:

If they are your own children or if you are their caregiver then I can think of no better gift than teaching children how to think rather than what to think. If you believe something to be true but you are aware that there is some controversy then, by all means, let them know what you believe but make an effort to present the alternatives. And let them know that they are entitled to make up their own minds in their own time.

If they are not your children (i.e. the ones targeted in this video) then leave them alone. Feel free to provide aid for the needy, even basic education, but please don’t turn their minds into your personal battleground. The best you can hope for is that their caregivers exercise the same restraint when it comes to the spreading of their personal beliefs.

“Don’t do to other people’s children what you wouldn’t want people to do to your own”.