many parents teach their kids as infants what to believe in, which even with good intentions is still brainwashing. Is there an age you believe that a person is old enough to decide on their own what they believe, if so how old? (Doesn't have to be an exact age, an approximate age/maturity level would suffice)
2007-02-12 05:59:27 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Late teens.
I'm against indoctrinating young children with any religion. I think they should be encouraged to think for themselves and make up their own minds.
2007-02-12 06:03:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In Catholicism, the "age of discretion" is usually around 7. How many "discrete" 7 year olds do you know?
In my case, I was confirmed at age 13. And by that point, I had definitely decided that the whole thing was bunk, but I went through with it out of deference to my family, because it seemed like less trouble than arguing about it. A mistake on my part, certainly, but I WAS "discrete" enough by then to make a serious judgement call, even if I didn't back it up with my actions.
Ideally, I don't think parents should raise their kids in religion at all. The only reason religion has such power is because you're brainwashed into accepting it from early childhood.
2007-02-12 14:07:22 · answer #2 · answered by jonjon418 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its pretty hard to teach infants religion...their ability to perceive the concepts is quite limited. Children should have exposure to different ideas and parents should tell them there are more than one side to any issue. I do not think there is an arbitrary age. My grandson asked to be baptized at five...and we discouraged him and told him to wait a bit longer.
By the way, we rarely go to church, we do not preach at home, all we have ever done is answer questions openly...the child is extremely gifted and I refuse to go into that with anyone other than a Biblical Scholar.
Probably you have to judge the sincerity and the dedication of the child if their decision is to choose religion.
They can change their minds you know, lol. And no, there is no brainwashing. Study brainwashing and propoganda a little more...read Animal Farm.
GBY
2007-02-12 14:08:36 · answer #3 · answered by Dust in the Wind 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My parents did not raise me any religion - they decided I would choose on my own when I was old enough to decide.
If someone invited me to church...they did not stop me, they let me decide if I wanted to go.
In the end, there was no age...they left me to my own decision.
In my twenties, I found my path.
Considering how everyone is different, and my own experience, there is no age I believe a person is old enough to decide on thier own religion.
You either teach children a religion/faith - or you don't and let them figure it out for themselves (at what age they choose is up to them).
~ Eric Putkonen
2007-02-12 14:11:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think around 14-16 yrs of age is good. I had Catholicism jammed down my throat for all of my youth and teenage years and was miserable. I converted to Buddhism as an adult and will let my children choose for themselves. I will let them be exposed to different religions. They have already been exposed to Catholicism, Mormonism, Buddhism, Wiccan and Atheism and they seem well adjusted and happy so far.
2007-02-12 14:09:59 · answer #5 · answered by alessa_sunderland 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i feel that they should be taught or research as many if not all of the different religions and make that decision when they are old and mature enought to understand what it is they are getting themselves into and what fits there values and ideals as i would not try to brainwash or force my kids into any decisions as they need to make this decision for themselves
2007-02-12 14:12:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
14-15
at the age of 7-12 children are under the great influence from parents and they will certainly choose what their parents say
2007-02-12 14:02:55 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Children should be taught religion as it will become the fundamental basis of their morality and world-view. I do agree, however, that Biblical literalism and fundamentalism is harmful for children to learn. But 15 would be an appropriate age for children to choose their own religion as this is the age of maturity and adulthood.
2007-02-12 14:04:31 · answer #8 · answered by aroundworldsports 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There is no set age, different people have different growth curves.
Some as young as 5 years old receive Christ. The main issue is that it is sincere faith and not parent or peers induced faith.
2007-02-12 14:04:51 · answer #9 · answered by Charles H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say 14. At that point there's no use dragging a kid to church every weekend if they can defend their ground in a debate. What parents hope to accomplish by dragging a kid to church at that age against his/her will, I don't know.
2007-02-12 14:03:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋