by Daniel Reneau

Created on: August 26, 2009   Last Updated: August 27, 2009

I will focus on Christianity throughout this article, do not take offence at what I say; it is aimed at all institutions. Children should have a choice on whether or not they are a Christian. I do not believe in the baptism of babies or young children, because; they do not fully understand the world around them, and can not make an important decision on their own. A person must choose to be a Christian, a person cannot be made a Christian. A person must choose their own destiny, not let other people guide them. A child being forced into Christianity, or another religion for that matter, is wrong.

I see the argument that a child must be brought up in church in order to be a good person. I did not attend a church until I was in my early teens (five or six years ago) and I chose to be baptised. I was never forced to go, my father asked me to go with him so I did. I am not forced to go now, though no one could force me, but I attend when felt compelled to do so. I live a clean life void of drugs and alcohol. Compared to my peers I am doing pretty good. If I was forced to be a Christian I would have rebelled against my parents and possibly turned out bad. I was raised in a household centred on respect, and that respect made it possible for me to do what I do today.

Religionizing a youth predispositions them to act and think in a preset manner. The institution puzzles me often. When I do go to church; it is as though they are trying to convert the converted. Yes, the congregation has sinned, but they are still Christians. A Christian cannot be converted into the same beliefs they already have. Back to the youth, christening does not show faith on the child's part but on their parents superstitious habits. A person should only make a commitment once they understand their faults. If a child dies, without understanding falling on them, and they are not baptized they are in the same boat as all the indigenous tribes around the world that have never heard of Jesus. How can one be condemned if law is not known. Do all of the indigenous peoples of untold centuries all go to Hell when they had nether the ability or possibility of salvation. This logic flows over to our children; how can a child who knows not what they do be condemned? How can a child understand to choose, this is the same child you will not allow to bathe themselves. Let the child grow and let them then choose what they will do with their lives.

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