The Impact of Religious Indoctrination on Choice and Belief

Religious indoctrination, often characterized as brainwashing, deeply influences individuals’ beliefs and choices regarding religion. Many are born into religious beliefs inherited from family or society, creating a framework that can be difficult to question or deviate from. This makes us feel like what we believe is absolutely true, making us feel like we have to follow all the rules and teachings of our religion.

Humans have been creating religions for a long time because they want to understand and control the world around them. When things seem uncertain or scary, having a religion can provide explanations and guidelines for how to live. These beliefs often start when we’re young and shape how we see the world and our place in it. Humans are inherently self-centered, often seeking reassurance of their significance beyond mortality. This desire to feel important leads people to choose religious beliefs that make them feel good about themselves, even if it means ignoring scientific proof and relying on faith instead.

Children particularly, are heavily influenced by their family’s religious beliefs and practices. Raised within a specific religious tradition, they are taught to follow and adhere to its teachings without much opportunity for critical evaluation or choice. This continues the pattern of religious teaching, making sure that the same beliefs are passed down from parents to children, keeping them going from one generation to the next.

From my own experience, I was born into a Buddhist family but went to a Catholic school from elementary through high school. This means I learned about both Buddhism and Christianity while growing up. Even though I was raised Buddhist, being around Christianity made me consider converting to it. At one point, I felt that being a Christian might be better due to the environment I was living in, even though some of the teachings didn’t make sense to me. This demonstrates how the teachings and practices of religions can profoundly influence our beliefs.

Religious indoctrination can harm individuals, especially children who are easily influenced, by effectively brainwashing them. They may adopt beliefs without questioning, hindering their ability to think independently. It’s crucial to encourage critical thinking and autonomy, especially among young minds, to prevent unquestioning adherence to inherited beliefs.