Should religion be a choice, at 18 years of age, rather than compulsory?

Question

I mean rather than compulsory at infant age, in the case of everyone needing to split hairs.

One or two of these understand the situation.

Answer 1

I don't think we should force parents to refrain from indoctrinating their children from a young age. But, I think parents should introduce their children to as many belief systems as possible during their youth...that way, when older, the person will be able to make a less biased decision on what religion (if any) s/he wishes to follow.

Answer 2

I think so. Here's what I think works great. Introduce your children to ALL faiths, beliefs as well as agnostic & atheism. Let them make the final decision as to what works best for them and then be supportive when they make the choice. As far as what age, I don't know. At 18 years of age you're considered an adult and as far as I know it's not compulsory that you belong to any religion. I think the world would become a much better place and we would understand where each other is coming from MUCH better than what's happening today. It's in the news daily...........

Answer 3

Religion should be a choice at any age. Of course, infants are influenced by their parents, but once your old enough to make your own decisions then yes it should be a choice, as with just about everything else in your life.

Answer 4

It depends how you quantify religion, either it is a deeply held personal belief or just a tag handed out to you by whatever denomination.com. A deeply held belief is just there and cannot be refuted. A name such as protestant, catholic,jew, etc should be by choice; at such an age as you can make an informed decision whether or not to follow the rules of these organizations. I suspect these church elders would not like this as "religions" like to ghetto-ise. Northern Ireland being a prime example.

Answer 5

I agree. My friend told me he thinks this should be the case - that it's completely unfair and damaging to essentially brainwash children into a set of arbitrary concepts that become so intertwined with one's identity (because of the early age) that questioning any of it becomes tantamount to questioning one's very self. Instead of religion and spirituality then being used as a means to get a real and deep experience of the divine, what happens is that the religion becomes the end -- the beliefs, the concepts, etc. Very unhealthy in my opinion.

Answer 6

In China children aren't even allowed 2 make the choice to be a part of a religion, but in fact it is always your own choice, do you think the children of religious homes should be left home alone as their parents go 2 church etc.

Answer 7

The true Light who lights everyone that comes into the world. The world was made by him.

This isn't religion, it is the Light of life. God. God gives people a choice to love him or hate him & it becomes clear what choices are made at the age of accountability.

Answer 8

Religion is a choice
those religions that baptize their children as infants and say "oh you were baptized as a _____ which means you have to go to church regularly and stay in that religion or you'll burn in hell for eternity" sicken me. religion is a free choice thing, you shouldn't force people when they are vulnerable and than threaten them into staying. that's just not right.
even learning a certain relegion at school seems wrong, no school should shove a relegion down a kids throat, give them choice as to what they want. choose what ever religion thinks makes you happy, and what gets you closer to god.

Answer 9

Everything in every moment is YOUR choice, Love...of course, during the "growing up years" you are made to follow the "rules of the house"...being what the parental guardians expect of you...however, there is a "break free" point where you can seek your own truths, be your own Self..so do that, if that is what you choose to do.

Please keep in mind that spirituality & religion are two entirely different things...religion is restrictive of your beingness and spirituality is not...but to each their own...

Answer 10

I think most faiths expect the parents to teach their children the ways of that faith. This is certainly true in the Judo-Christian tradition. I am thankful for the indoctrination that I received as a child. Train your children as best you know and when they are older they will make their own choices.