Religious views should not be taught at a young age.

Thank you for your participation, pixel20. As I stated before, morality is something that most children can learn and cultivate morals without the interjection of religious beliefs and principals. Most children and people in general know by instinct what would be considered inherently good or inherently evil. To add further emphasis to a child over how to conduct themselves morally, one could simply teach the simple motto, "treat others the way you wanted to be treated", which is a great first step in the right direction for a child to develop their own views as well as understanding right from wrong. In the case of family growth and stability, I concede with the data and the observation that religious families tend to be one more stable and with lower divorce rates then non-religious families. However, other studies have also shown that "for individual norms... this rule of cohesion no longer applies." (http://family.lovetoknow.com...) [How Does Family Religion Decrease Family Cohesion? Paragraph 1 of that section] From these teachings of religious and moral values comes another predicament, the challenges that the religiously brought up adolescence face when they meet contradicting views from other individuals. Their ability to connect with others become skewed when facing such people as their biases and lack of understanding with the different way of thinking creates a gap that usually can't be mended. Instead, this leads to minimal social communication and friendships with others holding opposing views as they children seek out those of like mind. Granted, humans are predisposed to do so already but this is pushed further when the conflict arises with morals and things taught by family. Many do not wish to tempt their fate by delving into other ways of thought and belief because, sadly, in many religious practices, does who do not follow said doctrine they are guaranteed a spot of torment such as hell or limbo. This looming chance of damnation ruins the possible friendships and moments of empathy that otherwise could arise with more common ground to share among-st people . During your closing statement, you made the claim (pixel) that all of society would benefit from a following a common religious doctrine and religious values. I disagree. History has shown what happens when people hold a completely uniform beliefs, be it religious or otherwise; mainly in the fate of failed empires and nations. Some of these nations and Empires that come to mind include most Medieval Houses and the ruling Catholic church during that time period, the Holy Roman Empire, the Great British Empire, Middle-Eastern countries which are now at a state of civil war and terrorism, and even Communist Russia and North Korea. (Though Russia had outlawed the practice of religion, it was their uniform belief in their form of government that added to their downfall.) Times in which humanity in different parts of the globe decided to unify under one belief were times in which needless conflicts were fought; where crimes in the name of religious doctrines were normal and even promoted. (Salem witch trials, Jihads, The Crusades, Slavery) Humanity experienced the most growth and prosperity when we deviated from those norms, such as the Great Enlightenment Period and the era of modern science during the 1900's. Teaching children a uniform religious belief isn't the path to raising children. Letting people choose in their own time what they want to believe insures for more diversity both culturally and spiritually; which in turn will help keep humanity in check and expanding our horizons. Let us allow kids to make their own decisions free from religious influence until they can decide on their own terms what to believe. Thank you for your call to arms, pixel20. You have the floor