Get E-Mail Updates

God's Politics Blog

A Child's Prayer and a Parent's Predicament

by Edward Gilbreath 11-04-2009 | 2:01pm
Print
16 Comments | Login or Register to post comments

A Facebook friend sent me a link to a wonderful YouTube video. The clip, which apparently has now gone viral with over 366,000 views so far, captures 3-year-old Hannah as she recites a freestyle prayer before bedtime. Her exhausted dad rests on the bed beside her while her mom records the proceedings and offers a running supply of "Amens" and "Hallelujahs" and "That's right, Hannahs" from behind the camera.

Related Reading

Take Action on This Issue

War No More

Ten years. Thousands of lives. Billions of dollars.

The video starts off as one of those sweet little things that you see on YouTube (you know, like the little girl quoting a mashed-up version of the Twenty-Third Psalm or the little boy awaking from an anesthesia-induced fog following a visit to the dentist). But after a couple minutes, you realize that Hannah is not your ordinary precocious 3-year-old; this little girl is an evangelist-in-the-making who is literally preaching her bedtime prayer. Clearly, the child is speaking out of an anointing of the Holy Spirit -- and I'm not one to casually throw around statements like that. This child is on fire!

Check out the video below.

After watching the clip, I was truly moved. But then I clicked through to YouTube and noticed some of the viewers' comments. Most of the viewers were as awestruck as I was. Here's a few of their comments:

WOW! The Bible says train up a child; I applaud this mom and dad and say" Well done.

Jesus asked us to come to Him with childlike faith. Hannah is a great example of this! You can tell she believes everything she's saying with her WHOLE heart! We should all be like that. Keep praising Jesus, Hannah! Don't ever let age take away your PASSION!!

God's word and praise from the mouth of a baby! Praise God for Hannah!

This is amazing!! It's always great to see the results of parents raising their children up with the Lord in their life. we need more kids around like this and then maybe things like Columbine wouldn't happen. Keep up the good work with your daughter!!

But then I began to notice a string of comments from viewers who were disturbed by Hannah's prayer. They felt her behavior was evidence of brainwashing and of her parents pushing their religion on an impressionable young child. At least one compared it to abuse. Some examples:

I passionately oppose religious brainwashing on children

16 Comments | Login or Register to post comments
Sojourners relies on the support of readers like you to sustain our message and ministry.

Related Stories

Resources

Like what you're reading? Get Sojourners E-Mail updates!

by: moosmeister

11-05-2009 @ 8:02pm

Wow. Its really easy to see both sides of the aisle in this one. This young girl is clearly a sharp kid- she seems to have an uncanny ability to articulate the viewpoint that she has been taught, especially at that age. That said, it doesn't appear to me to be "authentic"- she appears to be mimicking something she has learned (and the emotions that go along with it) rather than something that she truly feels inside. I sometimes see this in my own four year old as he mimicks, copies, and learns from my wife and I. Its textbook childhood development.

The real test for these parents will be in the coming years when the words she is articulating now become engrained in her conscience. In other words- will the words that she is saying now be something that she truly understands and transforms into daily practice as she grows older?

For those who tend towards the "repelled" side of things, I say have some patience and see where this child goes in the coming years- its too soon to tell whether this is "programming" or simple mimicking.

For those who think that this is is wonderful- a good way to bring up a Christian child, I'd offer words of caution as well- its easy to recite a prayer and not internalize it. Lots of us have done it in church on Sunday morning as our minds become distracted from the service. Its easy to say words, even as adults, and not mean them. Three year olds live in concrete, fixed worlds without much transcendence. My hope would be that this little girl is able to transcend the words she is saying now into meaningful action as she grows up. Moreover- that she actually believes and understands the full meaning of the words she is reciting, and lives them out.

by: moosmeister

11-05-2009 @ 8:02pm

Wow. Its really easy to see both sides of the aisle in this one. This young girl is clearly a sharp kid- she seems to have an uncanny ability to articulate the viewpoint that she has been taught, especially at that age. That said, it doesn't appear to me to be "authentic"- she appears to be mimicking something she has learned (and the emotions that go along with it) rather than something that she truly feels inside. I sometimes see this in my own four year old as he mimicks, copies, and learns from my wife and I. Its textbook childhood development.

The real test for these parents will be in the coming years when the words she is articulating now become engrained in her conscience. In other words- will the words that she is saying now be something that she truly understands and transforms into daily practice as she grows older?

For those who tend towards the "repelled" side of things, I say have some patience and see where this child goes in the coming years- its too soon to tell whether this is "programming" or simple mimicking.

For those who think that this is is wonderful- a good way to bring up a Christian child, I'd offer words of caution as well- its easy to recite a prayer and not internalize it. Lots of us have done it in church on Sunday morning as our minds become distracted from the service. Its easy to say words, even as adults, and not mean them. Three year olds live in concrete, fixed worlds without much transcendence. My hope would be that this little girl is able to transcend the words she is saying now into meaningful action as she grows up. Moreover- that she actually believes and understands the full meaning of the words she is reciting, and lives them out.

by: Dolfan

11-06-2009 @ 2:59pm

I think it's great that this child is praying like this at that age and hope she carries this with her throughout her life. As for the people on you tube who think this is brainwashing or abuse, this is one of the most nonsensical statements I have heard in a while. Once in college I heard a student in class (a Christian too supposedly) say that they would not teach their child about any religion but let them make up their own mind when they are an adult. Huh??

When you have dinner, will you let your child choose between good nutrious food and something containing poison? Will you let them choose to walk across the freeway? No, because you want to protect them physically and emotionally. It follows you also want to protect them spiritually. If you are a Christian, then obviously you believe Christianity to be the truth, so you naturally would want to pass that spiritual heritage onto your children.

People who say it's abuse have no idea what abuse really is and is an insult to those who really have been abused. People who say it's brainwashing don't stop to think that all parents instill their own values into their children. Parents who are Jews, Muslims or atheists are going to raise their children the way they believe is correct, so why is it so hard to believe that Christians will also?

I told my daughter about Jesus the very day she was born. Even though she did not understand at the time, I wanted her early years to be filled with all that is Godly. Now she is five years old and can pray, sing Bible songs and recite scriptures on her own. I'm very proud of her and the spiritual progress she has made.

by: Dolfan

11-06-2009 @ 2:59pm

I think it's great that this child is praying like this at that age and hope she carries this with her throughout her life. As for the people on you tube who think this is brainwashing or abuse, this is one of the most nonsensical statements I have heard in a while. Once in college I heard a student in class (a Christian too supposedly) say that they would not teach their child about any religion but let them make up their own mind when they are an adult. Huh??

When you have dinner, will you let your child choose between good nutrious food and something containing poison? Will you let them choose to walk across the freeway? No, because you want to protect them physically and emotionally. It follows you also want to protect them spiritually. If you are a Christian, then obviously you believe Christianity to be the truth, so you naturally would want to pass that spiritual heritage onto your children.

People who say it's abuse have no idea what abuse really is and is an insult to those who really have been abused. People who say it's brainwashing don't stop to think that all parents instill their own values into their children. Parents who are Jews, Muslims or atheists are going to raise their children the way they believe is correct, so why is it so hard to believe that Christians will also?

I told my daughter about Jesus the very day she was born. Even though she did not understand at the time, I wanted her early years to be filled with all that is Godly. Now she is five years old and can pray, sing Bible songs and recite scriptures on her own. I'm very proud of her and the spiritual progress she has made.

by: Dolfan

11-06-2009 @ 4:59pm

I think it's great that this child is praying like this at that age and hope she carries this with her throughout her life. As for the people on you tube who think this is brainwashing or abuse, this is one of the most nonsensical statements I have heard in a while. Once in college I heard a student in class (a Christian too supposedly) say that they would not teach their child about any religion but let them make up their own mind when they are an adult. Huh??

When you have dinner, will you let your child choose between good nutrious food and something containing poison? Will you let them choose to walk across the freeway? No, because you want to protect them physically and emotionally. It follows you also want to protect them spiritually. If you are a Christian, then obviously you believe Christianity to be the truth, so you naturally would want to pass that spiritual heritage onto your children.

People who say it's abuse have no idea what abuse really is and is an insult to those who really have been abused. People who say it's brainwashing don't stop to think that all parents instill their own values into their children. Parents who are Jews, Muslims or atheists are going to raise their children the way they believe is correct, so why is it so hard to believe that Christians will also?

I told my daughter about Jesus the very day she was born. Even though she did not understand at the time, I wanted her early years to be filled with all that is Godly. Now she is five years old and can pray, sing Bible songs and recite scriptures on her own. I'm very proud of her and the spiritual progress she has made.

by: Bless_da_Lord

11-04-2009 @ 12:44pm

Thank you for your insightful commentary, Edward. You are right! Parenting is such a HUGE responsibility. If we claim to love the Lord, we should be showing unconditional love to our children and we should be sharing the Gospel in our own families. We must not feel shameful about this. Would people have gotten upset or thought this little girl was being abused/brainwashed if she were reciting Shakespeare? Something to ponder.

I couldn't agree with this more:
"I sincerely have to salute parents who are able to instill an enthusiastic faith and passion for God into their children. This, I believe, is one of the most important jobs in the world."

PROVERBS: Train up a child in the way [s]he should go,
Even when [s]he is old [s]he will not depart from it.

by: Bless_da_Lord

11-04-2009 @ 12:44pm

Thank you for your insightful commentary, Edward. You are right! Parenting is such a HUGE responsibility. If we claim to love the Lord, we should be showing unconditional love to our children and we should be sharing the Gospel in our own families. We must not feel shameful about this. Would people have gotten upset or thought this little girl was being abused/brainwashed if she were reciting Shakespeare? Something to ponder.

I couldn't agree with this more:
"I sincerely have to salute parents who are able to instill an enthusiastic faith and passion for God into their children. This, I believe, is one of the most important jobs in the world."

PROVERBS: Train up a child in the way [s]he should go,
Even when [s]he is old [s]he will not depart from it.

by: BlueDeacon

11-04-2009 @ 4:35pm

Train up a child in the way [s]he should go,
Even when [s]he is old [s]he will not depart from it.

That really means, however, "Don't force your kid into your mold."

by: BlueDeacon

11-04-2009 @ 4:35pm

Train up a child in the way [s]he should go,
Even when [s]he is old [s]he will not depart from it.

That really means, however, "Don't force your kid into your mold."

by: calledme

11-04-2009 @ 5:49pm

I've been parenting for 30 years -- my span the age line from 30 to 6. The kids have all had church as a part of their lives; the older ones are doing their own thing and the younger ones are still deciding. It's been important to me that, before entering the world as young adults and before deciding what beliefs they choose as the foundations for their lives, they at least be informed about the faith that underlies everything that we, as parents, are committed to. Then they have a starting place. I have found that God calls them in their own right and I can't make them choose whether or not to take the call.

At the same time, I can't teach or lead them to Christian faith without working for my whole life to grow and deepen my own relationship with Christ. To at least some extent I'm responsible for what they carry into adulthood through the example I've set. The older I get, the more I find myself saying, "I'm sorry" when I know I've screwed up, and praising God and them when they find "a lost coin" and celebrating themselves.

Others may disagree, but there is no hatred or arrogance in the faith we follow. If they at least learn to reject those, then something good has worked itself into their lives -- hopefully, permanently.

by: calledme

11-04-2009 @ 5:49pm

I've been parenting for 30 years -- my span the age line from 30 to 6. The kids have all had church as a part of their lives; the older ones are doing their own thing and the younger ones are still deciding. It's been important to me that, before entering the world as young adults and before deciding what beliefs they choose as the foundations for their lives, they at least be informed about the faith that underlies everything that we, as parents, are committed to. Then they have a starting place. I have found that God calls them in their own right and I can't make them choose whether or not to take the call.

At the same time, I can't teach or lead them to Christian faith without working for my whole life to grow and deepen my own relationship with Christ. To at least some extent I'm responsible for what they carry into adulthood through the example I've set. The older I get, the more I find myself saying, "I'm sorry" when I know I've screwed up, and praising God and them when they find "a lost coin" and celebrating themselves.

Others may disagree, but there is no hatred or arrogance in the faith we follow. If they at least learn to reject those, then something good has worked itself into their lives -- hopefully, permanently.

by: Bless_da_Lord

11-04-2009 @ 6:15pm

Well said, calledme!

by: Bless_da_Lord

11-04-2009 @ 6:15pm

Well said, calledme!

by: Dolfan

11-06-2009 @ 4:59pm

I think it's great that this child is praying like this at that age and hope she carries this with her throughout her life. As for the people on you tube who think this is brainwashing or abuse, this is one of the most nonsensical statements I have heard in a while. Once in college I heard a student in class (a Christian too supposedly) say that they would not teach their child about any religion but let them make up their own mind when they are an adult. Huh??

When you have dinner, will you let your child choose between good nutrious food and something containing poison? Will you let them choose to walk across the freeway? No, because you want to protect them physically and emotionally. It follows you also want to protect them spiritually. If you are a Christian, then obviously you believe Christianity to be the truth, so you naturally would want to pass that spiritual heritage onto your children.

People who say it's abuse have no idea what abuse really is and is an insult to those who really have been abused. People who say it's brainwashing don't stop to think that all parents instill their own values into their children. Parents who are Jews, Muslims or atheists are going to raise their children the way they believe is correct, so why is it so hard to believe that Christians will also?

I told my daughter about Jesus the very day she was born. Even though she did not understand at the time, I wanted her early years to be filled with all that is Godly. Now she is five years old and can pray, sing Bible songs and recite scriptures on her own. I'm very proud of her and the spiritual progress she has made.

by: Rdiaz02

11-05-2009 @ 2:30pm

Brother Edward, I would ask those that consider this brain-washing to then use the same reasoning with children who are too little to spell their own names but can accurate pronounce and use profanity. Are parents brain-washing these children? And to call it child abuse trivializes the real scars of an abused child. And comparing it to the training of the Taliban...come-on. This child is praying that she stop biting her nails and that her grandfather feel better. In a society that promotes so many negative things, the prayer of a child should not be what causes us outrage and dismay.

by: Rdiaz02

11-05-2009 @ 2:30pm

Brother Edward, I would ask those that consider this brain-washing to then use the same reasoning with children who are too little to spell their own names but can accurate pronounce and use profanity. Are parents brain-washing these children? And to call it child abuse trivializes the real scars of an abused child. And comparing it to the training of the Taliban...come-on. This child is praying that she stop biting her nails and that her grandfather feel better. In a society that promotes so many negative things, the prayer of a child should not be what causes us outrage and dismay.

Comments sorted by highest rated. After voting you must refresh your page to see the sort order change.

by: Bless_da_Lord

11-04-2009 @ 12:44pm

Thank you for your insightful commentary, Edward. You are right! Parenting is such a HUGE responsibility. If we claim to love the Lord, we should be showing unconditional love to our children and we should be sharing the Gospel in our own families. We must not feel shameful about this. Would people have gotten upset or thought this little girl was being abused/brainwashed if she were reciting Shakespeare? Something to ponder.

I couldn't agree with this more:
"I sincerely have to salute parents who are able to instill an enthusiastic faith and passion for God into their children. This, I believe, is one of the most important jobs in the world."

PROVERBS: Train up a child in the way [s]he should go,
Even when [s]he is old [s]he will not depart from it.

by: Bless_da_Lord

11-04-2009 @ 12:44pm

Thank you for your insightful commentary, Edward. You are right! Parenting is such a HUGE responsibility. If we claim to love the Lord, we should be showing unconditional love to our children and we should be sharing the Gospel in our own families. We must not feel shameful about this. Would people have gotten upset or thought this little girl was being abused/brainwashed if she were reciting Shakespeare? Something to ponder.

I couldn't agree with this more:
"I sincerely have to salute parents who are able to instill an enthusiastic faith and passion for God into their children. This, I believe, is one of the most important jobs in the world."

PROVERBS: Train up a child in the way [s]he should go,
Even when [s]he is old [s]he will not depart from it.

by: BlueDeacon

11-04-2009 @ 4:35pm

Train up a child in the way [s]he should go,
Even when [s]he is old [s]he will not depart from it.

That really means, however, "Don't force your kid into your mold."

by: BlueDeacon

11-04-2009 @ 4:35pm

Train up a child in the way [s]he should go,
Even when [s]he is old [s]he will not depart from it.

That really means, however, "Don't force your kid into your mold."

by: calledme

11-04-2009 @ 5:49pm

I've been parenting for 30 years -- my span the age line from 30 to 6. The kids have all had church as a part of their lives; the older ones are doing their own thing and the younger ones are still deciding. It's been important to me that, before entering the world as young adults and before deciding what beliefs they choose as the foundations for their lives, they at least be informed about the faith that underlies everything that we, as parents, are committed to. Then they have a starting place. I have found that God calls them in their own right and I can't make them choose whether or not to take the call.

At the same time, I can't teach or lead them to Christian faith without working for my whole life to grow and deepen my own relationship with Christ. To at least some extent I'm responsible for what they carry into adulthood through the example I've set. The older I get, the more I find myself saying, "I'm sorry" when I know I've screwed up, and praising God and them when they find "a lost coin" and celebrating themselves.

Others may disagree, but there is no hatred or arrogance in the faith we follow. If they at least learn to reject those, then something good has worked itself into their lives -- hopefully, permanently.

by: calledme

11-04-2009 @ 5:49pm

I've been parenting for 30 years -- my span the age line from 30 to 6. The kids have all had church as a part of their lives; the older ones are doing their own thing and the younger ones are still deciding. It's been important to me that, before entering the world as young adults and before deciding what beliefs they choose as the foundations for their lives, they at least be informed about the faith that underlies everything that we, as parents, are committed to. Then they have a starting place. I have found that God calls them in their own right and I can't make them choose whether or not to take the call.

At the same time, I can't teach or lead them to Christian faith without working for my whole life to grow and deepen my own relationship with Christ. To at least some extent I'm responsible for what they carry into adulthood through the example I've set. The older I get, the more I find myself saying, "I'm sorry" when I know I've screwed up, and praising God and them when they find "a lost coin" and celebrating themselves.

Others may disagree, but there is no hatred or arrogance in the faith we follow. If they at least learn to reject those, then something good has worked itself into their lives -- hopefully, permanently.

by: Bless_da_Lord

11-04-2009 @ 6:15pm

Well said, calledme!

by: Bless_da_Lord

11-04-2009 @ 6:15pm

Well said, calledme!

by: Rdiaz02

11-05-2009 @ 2:30pm

Brother Edward, I would ask those that consider this brain-washing to then use the same reasoning with children who are too little to spell their own names but can accurate pronounce and use profanity. Are parents brain-washing these children? And to call it child abuse trivializes the real scars of an abused child. And comparing it to the training of the Taliban...come-on. This child is praying that she stop biting her nails and that her grandfather feel better. In a society that promotes so many negative things, the prayer of a child should not be what causes us outrage and dismay.

by: Rdiaz02

11-05-2009 @ 2:30pm

Brother Edward, I would ask those that consider this brain-washing to then use the same reasoning with children who are too little to spell their own names but can accurate pronounce and use profanity. Are parents brain-washing these children? And to call it child abuse trivializes the real scars of an abused child. And comparing it to the training of the Taliban...come-on. This child is praying that she stop biting her nails and that her grandfather feel better. In a society that promotes so many negative things, the prayer of a child should not be what causes us outrage and dismay.

by: moosmeister

11-05-2009 @ 8:02pm

Wow. Its really easy to see both sides of the aisle in this one. This young girl is clearly a sharp kid- she seems to have an uncanny ability to articulate the viewpoint that she has been taught, especially at that age. That said, it doesn't appear to me to be "authentic"- she appears to be mimicking something she has learned (and the emotions that go along with it) rather than something that she truly feels inside. I sometimes see this in my own four year old as he mimicks, copies, and learns from my wife and I. Its textbook childhood development.

The real test for these parents will be in the coming years when the words she is articulating now become engrained in her conscience. In other words- will the words that she is saying now be something that she truly understands and transforms into daily practice as she grows older?

For those who tend towards the "repelled" side of things, I say have some patience and see where this child goes in the coming years- its too soon to tell whether this is "programming" or simple mimicking.

For those who think that this is is wonderful- a good way to bring up a Christian child, I'd offer words of caution as well- its easy to recite a prayer and not internalize it. Lots of us have done it in church on Sunday morning as our minds become distracted from the service. Its easy to say words, even as adults, and not mean them. Three year olds live in concrete, fixed worlds without much transcendence. My hope would be that this little girl is able to transcend the words she is saying now into meaningful action as she grows up. Moreover- that she actually believes and understands the full meaning of the words she is reciting, and lives them out.

by: moosmeister

11-05-2009 @ 8:02pm

Wow. Its really easy to see both sides of the aisle in this one. This young girl is clearly a sharp kid- she seems to have an uncanny ability to articulate the viewpoint that she has been taught, especially at that age. That said, it doesn't appear to me to be "authentic"- she appears to be mimicking something she has learned (and the emotions that go along with it) rather than something that she truly feels inside. I sometimes see this in my own four year old as he mimicks, copies, and learns from my wife and I. Its textbook childhood development.

The real test for these parents will be in the coming years when the words she is articulating now become engrained in her conscience. In other words- will the words that she is saying now be something that she truly understands and transforms into daily practice as she grows older?

For those who tend towards the "repelled" side of things, I say have some patience and see where this child goes in the coming years- its too soon to tell whether this is "programming" or simple mimicking.

For those who think that this is is wonderful- a good way to bring up a Christian child, I'd offer words of caution as well- its easy to recite a prayer and not internalize it. Lots of us have done it in church on Sunday morning as our minds become distracted from the service. Its easy to say words, even as adults, and not mean them. Three year olds live in concrete, fixed worlds without much transcendence. My hope would be that this little girl is able to transcend the words she is saying now into meaningful action as she grows up. Moreover- that she actually believes and understands the full meaning of the words she is reciting, and lives them out.

by: Dolfan

11-06-2009 @ 2:59pm

I think it's great that this child is praying like this at that age and hope she carries this with her throughout her life. As for the people on you tube who think this is brainwashing or abuse, this is one of the most nonsensical statements I have heard in a while. Once in college I heard a student in class (a Christian too supposedly) say that they would not teach their child about any religion but let them make up their own mind when they are an adult. Huh??

When you have dinner, will you let your child choose between good nutrious food and something containing poison? Will you let them choose to walk across the freeway? No, because you want to protect them physically and emotionally. It follows you also want to protect them spiritually. If you are a Christian, then obviously you believe Christianity to be the truth, so you naturally would want to pass that spiritual heritage onto your children.

People who say it's abuse have no idea what abuse really is and is an insult to those who really have been abused. People who say it's brainwashing don't stop to think that all parents instill their own values into their children. Parents who are Jews, Muslims or atheists are going to raise their children the way they believe is correct, so why is it so hard to believe that Christians will also?

I told my daughter about Jesus the very day she was born. Even though she did not understand at the time, I wanted her early years to be filled with all that is Godly. Now she is five years old and can pray, sing Bible songs and recite scriptures on her own. I'm very proud of her and the spiritual progress she has made.

by: Dolfan

11-06-2009 @ 2:59pm

I think it's great that this child is praying like this at that age and hope she carries this with her throughout her life. As for the people on you tube who think this is brainwashing or abuse, this is one of the most nonsensical statements I have heard in a while. Once in college I heard a student in class (a Christian too supposedly) say that they would not teach their child about any religion but let them make up their own mind when they are an adult. Huh??

When you have dinner, will you let your child choose between good nutrious food and something containing poison? Will you let them choose to walk across the freeway? No, because you want to protect them physically and emotionally. It follows you also want to protect them spiritually. If you are a Christian, then obviously you believe Christianity to be the truth, so you naturally would want to pass that spiritual heritage onto your children.

People who say it's abuse have no idea what abuse really is and is an insult to those who really have been abused. People who say it's brainwashing don't stop to think that all parents instill their own values into their children. Parents who are Jews, Muslims or atheists are going to raise their children the way they believe is correct, so why is it so hard to believe that Christians will also?

I told my daughter about Jesus the very day she was born. Even though she did not understand at the time, I wanted her early years to be filled with all that is Godly. Now she is five years old and can pray, sing Bible songs and recite scriptures on her own. I'm very proud of her and the spiritual progress she has made.

by: Dolfan

11-06-2009 @ 4:59pm

I think it's great that this child is praying like this at that age and hope she carries this with her throughout her life. As for the people on you tube who think this is brainwashing or abuse, this is one of the most nonsensical statements I have heard in a while. Once in college I heard a student in class (a Christian too supposedly) say that they would not teach their child about any religion but let them make up their own mind when they are an adult. Huh??

When you have dinner, will you let your child choose between good nutrious food and something containing poison? Will you let them choose to walk across the freeway? No, because you want to protect them physically and emotionally. It follows you also want to protect them spiritually. If you are a Christian, then obviously you believe Christianity to be the truth, so you naturally would want to pass that spiritual heritage onto your children.

People who say it's abuse have no idea what abuse really is and is an insult to those who really have been abused. People who say it's brainwashing don't stop to think that all parents instill their own values into their children. Parents who are Jews, Muslims or atheists are going to raise their children the way they believe is correct, so why is it so hard to believe that Christians will also?

I told my daughter about Jesus the very day she was born. Even though she did not understand at the time, I wanted her early years to be filled with all that is Godly. Now she is five years old and can pray, sing Bible songs and recite scriptures on her own. I'm very proud of her and the spiritual progress she has made.

by: Dolfan

11-06-2009 @ 4:59pm

I think it's great that this child is praying like this at that age and hope she carries this with her throughout her life. As for the people on you tube who think this is brainwashing or abuse, this is one of the most nonsensical statements I have heard in a while. Once in college I heard a student in class (a Christian too supposedly) say that they would not teach their child about any religion but let them make up their own mind when they are an adult. Huh??

When you have dinner, will you let your child choose between good nutrious food and something containing poison? Will you let them choose to walk across the freeway? No, because you want to protect them physically and emotionally. It follows you also want to protect them spiritually. If you are a Christian, then obviously you believe Christianity to be the truth, so you naturally would want to pass that spiritual heritage onto your children.

People who say it's abuse have no idea what abuse really is and is an insult to those who really have been abused. People who say it's brainwashing don't stop to think that all parents instill their own values into their children. Parents who are Jews, Muslims or atheists are going to raise their children the way they believe is correct, so why is it so hard to believe that Christians will also?

I told my daughter about Jesus the very day she was born. Even though she did not understand at the time, I wanted her early years to be filled with all that is Godly. Now she is five years old and can pray, sing Bible songs and recite scriptures on her own. I'm very proud of her and the spiritual progress she has made.