" They will lack that social and civil dimention which is learnt practically not theoretically, by associating with other people. That is where a safe group comes in."
Rp I struggled with these same thoughts. I have 2 kids as well that I wasworried about.
Howver I have learned to let my kids start associating with kids in the neighboorhood, at school and various other places. It has proved to be the best experience. At a church or group there tends to be forced association. Tey make friends with like minded people who have very limited windows of the outside world.
My daughters current best friend is a young caucasian girl who's family is Pentecostal. They don't discuss religion... they just play.
Neiter of them wants to do drugs.
Yet she has another friend who has never been to church. She also is a wonderful kid and they discuss all sorts of things that I assumed kids did not care about.
Variety is the spice of life and leads to well-rounded children. Puting your kids in a group of people with similar thoughts will leave them with a limited window and outlook on life and in turn they will be completely stunted like many of us here are today. Personally I hope my children are not going to be Bble thumpers. I ant them to try and better themselves through education and understanding church and the bible are things that seperate as opposed to unite.
Do yourself a favor and read the bible cover to cover without trying to make excuses for the actions of GOD and his people. Withut the constant need of having a future life of bliss and focus on the one now. My daughter was a huge link to me understanding this. When I told her I wasno longer going to be a Jehovahs Witess she was glad because she thought he was mean... an 8 year old at the time using her common sense brought me to mine
In regards to " That is where a safe group comes in."
Religious groups are the least safe places for children if you actually think about that