Parents have a duty to guide children's beliefs

Nica Lalli's view on how parents should refrain from guiding their children's religious beliefs is a growing trend. Even so, I disagree with Lalli on several fronts. The commentary writer claims she is a neutral observer. But by stepping out of the faith debate, she is making a statement: Lalli is teaching her children to be atheists ("Am I raising 'atheist children'?," The Forum, Monday).

While I sincerely respect Lalli's right to raise her children as she sees fit, I do have major problems with being a mere facilitator in my own children's lives. Belief cannot be compelled, but it is irresponsible to try to be neutral and not guide a child's belief system. I wonder whether Lalli applies her philosophy to other issues in our society such as sex, drugs and alcohol, to name a few. Carried out consistently, such a philosophy leads to antinomianism, or no ...