How does being involved in church groups stop violence among children?
438641
Because they don't have idle time on their hands.  They are always busy doing the church group things.  Which are normally not directed towards violence.  Their time and their minds are taken up with activities the church group is doing.  It's really a matter of occupation.  Fill up their lives with a group that's doing good things, with caring adults around to watch for any problems.
770835
We, in spite our of best efforts, cannot keep God out of anywhere... God is everywhere.  Families are primarily responsible for teaching faith, hope, love and peace ... not schools.  Where was God when those children died?  Holding their hands and crying with them and all the parents over the hardness of our hearts toward one another .. all insisting that our God (or violence, or money,or...) is the RIGHT and ONLY way.
450593
What doesn't!?\n\nTo begin with, it teaches something they cannot prove (I'm a teacher, and my students would kill me if I did). Besides, they make you live according to those unproven beliefs. And some of its members don't bother to live according to their own teachings, and the hierarchy of the Church protects them (I'm talking about child abusers, thieves, priests who supported dictatorships, and torture, in Latin America, and so on).\n\nAnd finally, they have power, and they use it to gain influence on governments, and through governments, on people. Not just the Catholic, but everybody else, too.\n\nAnyway, the Catholic Church is not the only one that acts like this.
286585
youth pastors have resources to assist. If your church does not try contacting youth pastors from other churches
1047408
Well, here are a few ways:\n1. Don't cover his hate-mongering on the daily news.  The whole reason that "church" keeps going is because they get publicity.  Complain to TV stations that cover them.\n\n2. If you are at a funeral or event where they are present, either tell them how much their actions hurt and offend you, or stand in front of them with your backs to them.  You have the right to do this from the 1st amendment, just like they do.\n\n3. Support organizations, such as PFLAG, who work against discrimination, bigotry and homophobia.  Support the same causes yourself.\n\nI tried to limit my answer to things an individual can do, vs. staging a counterdemonstration and other things that require lots of people and money.\nThanks for your thoughtful question.
424062
No.  That's a great idea.\n\nThe best way to visit other religions' ritual observances, however, is as a guest of an adherent of that faith.  This is better because one has a guide to what is appropriate and inappropriate for guests of other faiths (or, in your case, of no faith).  For example, visiting a Roman Catholic Church, it is inappropriate for non-Catholics to receive Communion.  Also, your friend or acquaintance with whom you have come can answer questions your child might have afterwards from an insider's perspective.\n\nMost healthy religious communities that let non-members attend at all (and it is important to check) are very considerate of their guests.  Try reaching out to the leaders of the faith communities and expressing your wish.  Most are very ready to accomodate such a request.\n\nYour reason for wanting to do this is very responsible.  In a world of so much hatred and violence because of religious differences, any action to promote understanding and peaceful coexistence between people with different perspectives on spirituality is a good action, and should be supported.
906301
What kind of "church cover-ups" are you talking about? Other than talking to people in each and every church in the community or country, good luck.
651660
Not be like them, show people that they may self-identify with christianity but they dont represent us. Speak up more and not let the bullies take over is what I would do.
1128543
I joined the Church for the peace it brings me.  I was raised Protestant and have had all the fire and brimstone I will ever need.  Sigh, but for the record--it is still a harsh church for women.
351784
Probably Pentecostal Christans praying over the area. They are only semi-dangerous, as long as you don't dare speak to them.
295447
First of all, i think they could set up reading programs within the church by senior members who care alot about our children. Preach from the pulpit about how the bible is meant to be read not just listened to by hearing the preacher. Young black youths in our country need to better themselves by furthering their edjucation, their are many programs such as the untied negro college fund that will help them further on in life. Even as a church member you can say to your church, we need to help our children grow.
1124872
Very well said!\n\nRemember that the people who bring up "all the killing Christians have done" are not really worried or distressed about all the alleged killing.  \n\nThat's just their excuse for throwing rocks at a Church that teaches certain things that they don't want to hear, or that don't jive with their lifestyles.\n\nIt's the same when they blame overpopulation (which is a myth anyway) and poverty on the Church's ban on contraception.\n\nThese blamers aren't really interested in alleviating poverty -- if they were, they would sign up to sponsor a child in a poor country through the many agencies run by the Catholic Church and other Christian institutions.  \n\nNor are they interested in gaining Church-approved contraception for the world's poor.   They're just interested in getting Church-approved contraception for themselves!!!
184978
I don't know where u live, but i count the kids every year, we had a 150 kids this year. And we live in a medium size neighborhood. When we frist lived here there was alot more, but we still get alot. \nI think parents are mopre portected now but I don't think it stops them from letting their children do anything. \nPeople are losing moral values like not going to church, but I think there is still many children who attended church with there familys.
1057603
Religion into sexual violence and oppressing kids. Look at the history of christianity
618513
Fortunately, I've never dealt with someone actively molesting a child in a religious organization/setting.  On the other hand, as a youth leader of an organization for teens, I actively watched and made decisions to help identify and protect the young people entrusted to me by their parents.  It's always best to try to avoid getting into the situations before they happen rather than dealing with the consequences afterwards.
1163121
The church I attend is more like a family in that we make it a point to be involved in each others lives.  We "deal with" the good, bad, and ugly (so to speak).  My wife and a good friend started a clothing ministry which provides clothing to the needy.  We are also working with recent African refugees that escaped the killings in their country and are now lost in this one.\n\nI personally am always looking for ways to help others.\n\nBy the way, this church "family" has a lot of us who are going on a motorcycle ride after church today as it is "Biker Weekend" here.\n\nCome visit if you're ever in town.
1108954
In our church, kids are allowed to bring toys/crayons or books for the younger ones.. just like the other churches..\nwe love children and we give them special time to sing in the church or do their part everytime... they are part of the church.\nAsk the elders, they are the ones that you can talk to or the ones that assist things about childrens. they would offer you and the kids something to do or listen to what you wanted to say in your church..we also have separate room where parents can be with children and listen to the sermon when child gets bored, where they can see in the glass window..\nwe all have part of looking after those kids whether they are not our children as we look at each other as families and these kids are God's children..\nGOD bless....