If religion is presented to teens in the right way, it should become a set of rules to help govern the moral decisions they will face throughout life. It is generally better for a person to have their religious beliefs defined at a point in life when they are most open to accept them For most people, this occurs before they reach their twentieth birthday. While it can happen later, it may lack intensity of the experience that will be felt as a teen.
Some would raise the argument that religion should not be forced on those who are too young or ignorant to be able to critically evaluate it. However, religious experience when it is first encountered is more about feelings than reason. Teens who build religion into their life have plenty of time ahead of them to apply critical thought to their belief system. As young and middle adults, a critical look at religion may be a good thing, but it is not always necessary this early in life.
If this religious training comes through the parents or as a result of their efforts, it can be a way for teens to bond with their parents. As the religious belief system develops, the absolutes that it entails can help build trust between parents and teens. Anything that strengthens the family ties is a good thing.
Religion helps teens to make the hard decisions that confront them. Most religions have strong teachings regarding sexual morality and human relationships. This teaching gives clear direction in the areas of sexual experimentation, parental authority, and illegal activities. These are all points of temptation for many teens trying to be accepted into peer groups.
Having a common religious orientation can furnish teens with social acceptance without having to bow to social pressure to violate their moral beliefs. Teens struggle with acceptance and self-esteem. Almost all religious teaching builds teens up in these areas. This means that young people do not have to worry about what others think about them. They will often discover that it is not necessary to wear only the designer clothes or hang out with cool kids to find social acceptance. This is big to your teen.
Religion also gives teens something to look forward to beyond a life of work and worry. This religious training should paint a clear picture of spiritual matters that transcend their earthly needs. Religion is more about the inside than the outside of the child. It gives him or her a way to find inner peace to build strength to face daily struggles.
Overall, religion is intended to make anyone, including a teen, a better person. Religion should cause people to be trustworthy, kind, and thoughtful. Giving this base to any life is necessary for correct personal development and fulfillment.
