The Impact of Religious Upbringing on Current Beliefs: A Personal Perspective

It is natural for humans to be atheists at birth. The process of becoming religious, in the sense of believing in a god, is entirely a learned condition. Many parents exert significant influence over their children's spiritual beliefs through a form of child abuse called religious indoctrination. Children are often forced to adopt their parents' beliefs, regardless of the content or impact. As a result, many people in North America grow up with Christian beliefs, while those in the Middle East may have Islamic beliefs impressed upon them.

The notion of being sinless is a concept propagated by religion, and it often brings with it a great amount of mental distress. Every human carries the burden of sin, which can have severe consequences for their emotional state as well as their interactions with others. Clearly, this is not a natural state of being. Instead, it is a learned belief system that can be questioned and altered. By embracing logic, justice, and fairness as the foundation for one's principles, one can navigate the world without the need for external religious beliefs.

Religion is not an innate part of a child's nature; it is a choice shaped by upbringing and environment. While very few are born with religious beliefs, the surroundings and social influences play a significant role in determining an individual's spiritual path. This includes the choice to have no religious affiliation at all. Parents often indoctrinate children with their own mythical beliefs, perpetuating the idea of eternal life, just like themselves. The impact of this indoctrination is particularly pronounced in the Islamic world, where religious teachings replace the previously gruesome practices of the Christian church, such as torture and murder of nonbelievers.

My parents taught me to be independent and to have good values and morals, which involved critical thinking and empathy towards others. On the other hand, religion often promotes exclusivity and judgment. While it can be challenging, changing one's beliefs is possible. However, this process is only half of the work. The other half involves finding personal meaning and values in life, which can provide a solid foundation for navigating tough times and guiding one's behavior.

Reevaluating current beliefs is a crucial step, especially when faced with discrepancies between religious teachings and scientific evidence. Scripture should be examined thoroughly, and claims should be compared with what science has discovered. Many adolescents start to notice these inconsistencies, leading them to question their religious upbringing. It is not just about rejecting old beliefs but also about establishing a new set of values and principles that can provide individual meaning and purpose.

Believing in logic, justice, and fairness can transform one's approach to life. However, there might be times when one needs to be a bit mischievous, as suggested by the song in the musical Matilda. Finding the balance between rationality and a touch of naughtiness is essential for personal growth and finding one's true path.