Why do most people choose the same religion as their parents?
Perhaps, because they have thought it through and believe it is the right religion for them. Perhaps because they have NOT thought it through, and it’s easier, than upsetting their family or easier than having to make difficult choices. Perhaps because they couldn’t careless, so they say they are the same, and go to church for weddings, funerals etc…but are not really interested. Myself, I did not follow my parents. My fathers family disowned me over night, for not following their religion. Family members who proclaimed themselves as Christians acted very un-Christian. My mothers side of the family, had a fit and said terrible hateful things about my choice…funny, as none of them EVEN bothered to ‘live’ their religion. Some families put pressure on their children to conform.
I rejected my parents’ religion at an early age, but my siblings fear to even question it. I can think quite well, but they cannot. Brainwashing and instilling fear are powerful techniques. It requires great strength of character, objectivity and courage to do that. Not many people have such requirements.
Because they were likely taught from childhood that the religion their parents held was the only “right” or “true” religion and were likely discouraged from questioning that statement. Being brought to religious services and schooling likely reinforced that statement by surrounding them with people who thought like their parents. Growing up without being exposed to people of differing views and being discouraged from asking questions that naturally come to mind essentially keeps these people on the same path so that when they grow up, the religion of their parents becomes the only religion they’ve ever known, so they stick with it out of fear that something bad will happen to them if they do otherwise. Obviously, this is not true for everyone, but in my experience, those who believe the religion their parents gave them usually do so because of these reasons.
