Are Your Kids in the Good News Club?

I have gone to churches in several states, was raised in church and am still going to church - and I'm not familiar with it. However, it could be from a demonination I don't know.

I'm curious if your past church experience has involved actual brainwashing?

My son is in a kid's program where they teach the Bible...there is no brainwashing involved. The teachers just present a story, maybe w/arts and crafts, visual aids and a snack, and the kids are free to take from it what they want. He is not badgered, beaten, yelled at, bullied or forced to learn or repeat anything. But he is drawn to the teacher's love and the Bible's truth and it makes him a well rounded giving human and friend.

Does your child go to public school? I would have a HUGE issue if my child brought home something like that from public school. If you are not a religious family, then it sounds like this is not for you. Let him join cub scouts or something.

My church sponsors a couple of these at some local schools (after school). It is legit - not brainwashing. It is a way to let kids hear God's word. They do some Bible stories / reading, some activities. They don't make the kids feel bad for not attending church somewhere. That's not the purpose. And it's not the purpose to "recruit" kids for our church. It is just a way for kids to hear about God. You might let him go and see if he likes it. He might really enjoy it.

It's an evangelizing organization - so I guess it depends upon your definition of brain washing (it fits mine). I would be furious they were advertising in school/ during school time, but apparently the Supreme Court has ruled they have the right to meet in public schools after school hours on the same footing as other community organizations.

I think it's great that you are flexible with him. Let him join and see how it goes. If it isn't a good thing you will find out soon enough. Perhaps you might learn something from it that you enjoy. :)

Ok.
If you want your kids to go to Sunday school, send them to Sunday school.
The Good News Clubs make a big deal about large percentages of kids who do not attend Sunday school - this is how they want to recruit - by targeting 5-12 year olds to attend a 1 hour a week Bible study/reading.
YOU can read the Bible to your kids for 1 or more hours a week if you want to.
How would you feel if the club were for an hour of Torah or Koran or the holy books of Buddhism or Hinduism, etc reading every week?
There might be people passing out flyers in some places for these but I haven't seen anything other than Christian flyers in my area.
I see local schools who lease space for church meetings on week ends.
I've had survey calls from marketing companies who specifically ask if they can speak to my minor child (I can listen in if I want to - as if that makes it ok) - not only have I said 'No', I've said 'HELL, NO!".
I see schools handing out advertising to certain clubs like this one and I've got to wonder how eroded the separation between church and state has become.
I'm very careful when it comes to anyone or any organization targeting my child, and as he gets older I teach him how to recognize when he's being targeted - 9 times out of 10 it has EVERYTHING to do with how to part you from your money and less ethical people would have no qualms about stealing your identity.