anyway. if you seriously think that kids of that age have ability to
form an *indepent*
opinion about things like religion, and take a stand for it... i guess
the kids here
are a *lot* more mature than we used to be -- it took me about 30 years to
reach that level.
best,
mishka
It may not be a totally independent opinion, but it doesn't mean they cannot
take a strong stand for it because they believe it is right. The
'spiritual capacity' of young children is actually quite strong and likely,
having been guided by their parents they have been able to internalize those
same feelings and commitments. *Overall* intellectual maturity has less to
do with it than does the fact that they have received the training at a
tender age.
A non-religious example... parents may teach their children that smoking and
drug abuse is undesirable and/or harmful. The child has no prior experience
with either, yet can offer steadfast resistance to pressure from others to
engage in that activity. Both because they believe it is wrong, and because
they want to please their parents.
Tom C.
