Are we born or brain washed into religion?

Question

Most people follow their parent’s religion without questioning it
Are they brain washed into believing

But if we do not try each and all religions how can you state that "your" following is the correct one?

Answer 1

Yes, they were brainwashed, my earlier memories as a child, my parents would try to read me the bible before bed, give me bible stories and activity coloring book based on the bible events. Then I started to ask questions, they'll didn't like and told me that I would go to heaven and all that, then I realized my own truth, and then I became free, no longer a slave to a god that doesn't exist.

So, yes; from experience, pressure from family members (remember the old saying, do what you are told from your mother or father, they know best) is one of the strongest influence into brainwashing children.

Children are not born into religion, they are taught (brainwashed) to believe in religion from family members.

I was born free, and I'll die free

Answer 2

I used to feel a little like you do and was confused that everyone would claim they followed the same god and yet there was so much conflict between the different practices of belief. 25 years ago Jesus spoke to me personally and I realised just how real He is. My whole life changed and I was' born again' into a life that I had never imagined. My life isn't about religion but about my walk with a very much alive and living Saviour, whom I can't deny because He's been real to me for 25 years. My walk has become a lifestyle. I adore Him and believe every word which was spoken by Him. Perhaps that's the problem with some, they argue about a God they've never taken the time to get to know. Whilst there are some really lovely people within the catholic church, I personally cannot agree with their doctrine. Much of it is either Scripture taken out of context or teachings which do not exist in Scripture. Get yourself a copy of the New International Bible and begin by reading the New Testament. You will find all the answers you are looking for there. God Bless!!

Answer 3

My sons aged 5 and 8 attend a Church of England school. This is not because of any religious belief or practice on our part (I'm an atheist of Jewish ancestry, while my wife is an agnostic/atheist with C-of-E parents), but because we felt it was the best local school. Interestingly, the eight-year-old is becoming very sceptical towards God and religion, even though worship and prayer are emphasised at school. I try and make sure that his atheistic tendencies are his and his alone by giving him the "other side" - "Well, SOME Christians believe..." and letting him judge for himself, but I'm privately rather proud that he can see what grown clergymen can't - that God and religion are man-made myths and no more.

Answer 4

It's not brain wash or not born into, sure you're parents may expect you to follow in their footsteps but once you're an adult you should be able to pick your own religion, and God with give you a chance. My Sunday School teacher grew up Catholic and thought that life was great one day, but in college she went to church with a friend. It was baptist and her parents weren't happy, now she is going to the same church (she moved here) and her parents didn't give her a blessing but she spends a lot of time with them!

Answer 5

It depends on the religion. If it's one of the cults, children are taught their parents beliefs from birth, and are pressured from a very young age, under 10 in some cases, into becoming official members, usually by water baptism, and are then expected to commit themselves for life to the cult, with threats of being ostracised by friends and family if they leave. That is most certainly brainwashing.

Answer 6

Excellent question.

I think the answer is yes to both parts of your question. We look up to our parents as we are growing up and trust in them. Initially we learn everything from our parents before we interact with the rest of society. If our parents tell us a particular religion is the right one, then we are very unlikely as a small child to question that. As we grow up, to be socially acceptable, and to continue to be accepted by our parents and family, we will normally continue to practice the same religion.

Personally, I question everything, and as a result I do not practice the same religion as my parents did.

Answer 7

People become "born again" by their own decision through the prompting of the Holy Spirit. As for their parents religion, I was raised Catholic. My schooling was Catholic schools through the 12th grade. I'm now a pentecostal protestant. I didn't really question my parents beliefs. I just read the Bible and accept it fully.

Answer 8

Well yeah in a way. We follow our parents guidance on religion when we're to young and naive to think for ourselves. It's not really brainwashing unless we are forced to believe in something or else, even when we reach that age of self-awareness when we start to think more for ourselves.

Answer 9

I think a whole family of kids can be raised in one religious faith. But they won't all necessarily stay. I have 5 cousins that grew up in Kingdom Hall; the two oldest left. Once they get older and think for themselves, it becomes a simple choice - either it's their thing or it's not.

Answer 10

No, I grew up amongst the Mormons, my parents are Atheist and I am a Christian. I wasn't raised with religion and Mormons are brain washed, I made a choice.