The choice to believe in a religion is a right that every grown child should know they have *.

When parents raise a child, they teach them right from wrong, responsibility, and respect, amongst others, molding the child’s character and building their foundation of values. A child’s faith, however, is a personal choice that the child should make when they’re old enough to do so.

In many religions, it is customary to perform a ritual act (such as baptism) in which a newborn is admitted as a member. This is where my thoughts differ from common belief. Rather than being given the choice to leave a religion, they should have the choice to enter. A child should be guided by their parents and be given the opportunity to experience and learn about their faith. However, choosing a faith is a decision the child should make rather than being raised blindly as such.

Religious beliefs are a personal matter and, as such, the choice to believe or not should be yours and no one else’s.

* I usually avoid religious topics because I believe it’s a personal matter of which I have no right to impose my beliefs upon. Please understand that these are my thoughts and not expressed as fact. I fully respect everyone’s personal choices.