Freedom of Religion

Recently, while talking with a few friends, the topic of religion was brought up. Specifically the way in which Christianity is being taught to kids. We were all Christian/Catholic and some of us were even in the same sunday school class when we were kids. It was interesting to hear what everyone’s beliefs and practices were now.

For the most part everyone said that while they went to sunday school every week when they were kids, but now the only time they went to church was on easter or christmas. I began to wonder why this was.

I remember when I was younger I dreaded waking up at seven in the morning to go to sunday school. I think part of the reason why I disliked it so much was because it was forced on me. I had no choice in whether or not I was going to sunday school, and certainly had no choice in the matter of being baptized. I never got any explanation as to why I had to go, I just had to go. During an interview for a paper I was writing for an American Studies course, the man I was interviewing had a similar experience. He said, “I went to church every sunday, but I would never really listen”. I think this lack of interest is pretty common for kids, and yet parents still make them go.

On those most boring sunday mornings, I would sit there while they told me exactly what I had to believe. There was no room for varying levels of belief or different points view. I distinctly remember learning from an actual textbook. I can’t recall a single time I was ever asked what I believed.

This reminds me of the intro to the song Let It Alone by rap group Collective Efforts. The person speaking in the intro says, “There shouldn’t be a rush to faith. Either you got faith or you don’t have faith. At the very moment I realize I don’t have it I am questing for it… even when I’m questioning what it is”. This quote illustrates a lot of what I’m trying to say and actually to some extent, explains my own experience with religion. I don’t think that kids should have to be “rushed” into faith. I don’t think most kids can get much out of religion and spirituality when they are so young. I think it would be better to introduce them to religion later, when they are more independent thinkers. The second part of the quote talking about lacking faith and trying to find faith even when he’s not sure what exactly he believes, is especially important. I think that people should be able to discover religion for themselves. People will get much more out of whatever religion they belong to when they voluntarily seek it out based on their own beliefs and values, not their parents.

Often, in our society we don’t question what is commonplace, but maybe in this instance, we should. Although it may seem radical and controversial to say that it might be more beneficial for people to be introduced to religion once they are of age to make decisions for themselves it seems like a fair way to go about it. Not only that, but I would argue that people would be far more spiritual if they were allowed the opportunity to chose their own path. Personally, when I was in 8th grade I decided I wanted to be a part of a more open and accepting branch of Christianity. So I chose to switch, and I became a much more spiritual person because of it.

I know the topic of religion is delicate, but do you think my claim; kids should be allowed to find their own pathway to religion when they are ready, is reasonable? We are all entitled to the freedom of religion but how free are we really when our parents chose what religion we belong to? Also, I mainly focused on my experience with a particular branch of Christianity so it would be great to hear any personal stories or experiences with religion from you guys. Lastly, since religion is such a touchy subject I just want to say that I hope I did not offend anyone and regardless of what religion you are a part of, or if you are atheist, it’s all good.