At what age does Freedom of religon apply?

Question

I'm in a religon I no longer believe in and It's driving me nuts. My family is forcing it down my throat. Please tell me there's away get away from it before I turn 18....

Answer 1

Religion is about faith and belief in your heart. How can your parents force you to believe in something you dont believe in your heart? I think they try to scare you into believing what they believe by threatening you will go to hell or whatever. Tell them they are contradicting their own beliefs by judging you and not accepting you for who you are. Jesus didnt threaten people who had different beliefs to his own, no, he loved them unconditionally. If they cant do that, then their religion is doing them no good.

Answer 2

no one can force you to believe anything that you don't believe in. I formed my own independent beliefs, and chose a faith that corresponded with them- and I am 17 years old (so I can really relate to your situation). nobody can tell you what you have to be, don't listen to people who tell you that just because you are a minor you have no freedom to believe as you wish. And don't fall into trap of thinking that you are a certain religion just because that's what your family is. Religion is not dna, it cannot be inherited genetically.

Honesty with your family is the best thing, but if you think that they would be really upset, I wouldn't blame you for wanting to hide it. In any case, religion should not be forced on anyone. As far as the law is concerned, it does not apply on a personal level, and cannot dictate what you believe or what you should believe. That's up to you 100%.

I would like to hear about your own personal beliefs, and how they conflict with those of your family. And how old are you? As someone (looking for...) put it underneath, you can probably decide upon these matters maturely if you have attained puberty.

And remember that their is no sin in attaining knowledge. Allow your parents to teach you, but you don't have to agree with it in your heart. Be sure to get a well-rounded understanding of other religions and philosophies as well, and don't just be exposed to one. And be careful, 'cuz there is a lot of propaganda and false information out there. You have a freedom to learn, and a freedom to either accept or reject what you have learned. Don't take this for granted. :)

Answer 3

In the public sphere, it always applies regardless of age (though for minors it usually refers to the parents wishes regarding religious matters - see Wisconsin v. Yoder). Where the family is concerned, you're stuck until you become an adult, I'm afraid. The only way you'd "get out of it" would be if the religion your parents practiced was in someway endangering you (like Christian Scientists refusing medical treatment for a sick child), but that would involve sticky court cases and custody battles and such.

Assuming (and hoping) that this isn't the case, the best advice I can give would be to stick it out the best you can. Whether you decide to "come out" to them about your beliefs is best left up to you, as for some people it can be liberating and rewarding, but may backfire terribly for others. Good luck.

Answer 4

The Freedoms outlined in the First Amendment to the Constitution apply to all citizens of the United States. You can believe in whatever you want. You have the choice to go to church or not. Your parents also feed and clothe you, so that kind of entitles them to try and instill in you their beliefs. So you are kind of screwed. Sorry. If you want to get emancipated through legal avenues, it's possible. If i were you I would consider church as a quiet time to reflect on your own beliefs.

Answer 5

Religions are concepts developed by humans for the guidance of moral conducts of society. Technically you can choose to practice whatever religions within your heart by age seven. But until you become an adult according to your society rules, you have not much choosing to do. And I have just said that you can practice the morality that you think is cool.

Answer 6

I think Phaedra is on the right track. It seems that if your parents' religion is endangering you then you can go to court. You might be able to call the ALCU for support. I'm sorry but the law is clearly on their side. The only way to get around is if you prove that they are mistreating you through their religion.

Answer 7

freedom of religion differs on the country that is your birth.
in the united states, freedom of religion is really at birth.. but it certainly can't be enforced at that time.

to be honest, it's not a legal issue, it's a moral issue-- and one that can only be made with a clean and honest heart-- and between you and God (assuming that you believe in the one true God). You have to settle it with you and God, and who cares about your family? It doesn't matter what they say, they won't be the ones going to heaven or hell for you.

Answer 8

As God gave you free will I don't see how anyone can be forcing religion on you. Yeah, your parents can take you to Church with them and ask you to pray with them, but do you have to believe what they do in your heart? No.

Please be patient with your parents--they love you more than you will ever know until you have your own children. Trust me.

Answer 9

In theroy, at all ages. But when you are under 18, you're parents have the right to teach you, or not teach you want they so choose, as long as its not abusive. So, as a child, wich legally you are, your stuck.

Answer 10

*Shrugs* Same here. As it happens, I can't really tell many people until I manage to get away for good. I guess you'll just have to go along with the charade.