The God Delusion

Dawkins begins this chapter with a historical anecdote from 19th-century Italy about Edgardo Mortara, a six-year-old Jewish boy who was forcibly taken from his family by the papal police after being secretly baptized by a Catholic maid. This case, along with others like it, exemplifies the religious mindset that prioritizes dogma over human decency and parental rights, revealing the harm caused by religious indoctrination.

Dawkins then argues that labeling children with the religion of their parents is a form of mental abuse. He contends that children are too young to hold genuine religious beliefs and that forcing them into a particular faith is unethical. He contrasts physical abuse with psychological abuse, suggesting that instilling fear of hell and other religious doctrines can cause lasting trauma. Dawkins shares anecdotes and personal stories to argue the impact of religious indoctrination on children.

He criticizes the current societal acceptance of religious labels for children, advocating for the view that children should not be identified by their parents’ religion. He suggests that religious education should focus on teaching about religions as cultural and historical phenomena rather than promoting specific beliefs.

Dawkins also discusses cases of educational malpractice where religious beliefs interfere with scientific education.