Q&A for How to Find the Right Religion for You

Some neopagan religions and some African and Native American religions have elements of pantheism. Some forms of Christianity and Sikhism have elements of pantheism - the belief that God is in everyone and everything. Some forms of Hinduism are described by Western religious scholars as pantheistic, but most Hindus in these groups would not use that label themselves.

No one can force you to stay with your old religion. If you want to convert you are able to. If you are trapped in a cult, contact the authorities. You can of course identify privately however you wish, but if you truly believe in your new religion, you should make it official.

Yes, of course. You should find your own religious identity.

Pick up a book that compares and contrasts different religions and see if you can gain some clarity. The Bible promises that if you seek the Truth (God) with all your heart, you will find It (Him). You'll know what you believe when you encounter a Truth that resonates with the reality of the world as you understand it and with what feels True on the inside of you.

You should attend the churches and see which one is best. If you still don't know, try reading a bit more on the religions and contacting the leaders of the churches to ask questions.

None. Having a proof of existence makes the very concept of religion unneccessary.

It may be difficult to find a place of worship that will fit you belief system, but other than that, it is fine. Do not let others force you into believing what they believe.

There is not a "right" religion for everyone. Many religions share roots -- Christianity and Islam both stem from Judaism, for example -- and every religion has similar tenets. You can even believe in God without going to church. If your religious beliefs stem from multiple sources, then you could consider foregoing church and organized religion entirely.

There is no set age for you to decide what religion you believe in. Take your time.

All Christian denominations contain the same core principles that make them Christian, but look at the small differences and variations. You may find one you particularly agree with. You could also just be Christian with no specific denomination.

It’s always good to follow your heart and stay true to yourself, but it also makes sense to pick a religion which mirrors your beliefs. If you pick one that you like but don’t really believe in, you’re not really a part of that religion.

Hindus believe in multiple gods, but they believe that these gods are all just reflections of the one true reality, Brahman. Buddhism technically believes in multiple gods, but the focus of the religion is not on them, and they, too, are trapped in the endless cycle of reincarnation. Not every Buddhist believes in these gods. This is called “transpolytheism.”

Probably. Just listen to your heart. If you can’t find such a religion, that’s all right, too. If you’re not satisfied with any existing religions, why not make your own that combines your own values and beliefs? (See Start a Religion .) It could be that you’ll discover that religion is simply not for you after all.

Religions are complex. Sometimes it can be hard to find a belief system that lines up with what you already believe.

It’s important to be your true self, but if you feel this would make your mom upset, it’s best to avoid the topic of religion. Your time will come. Many young people distance themselves from their parents' religion as they approach adulthood.

You can become a unitarian universalist or a satanist. Research about them and see what fits.

Are you practicing in secret because your parents and/or community might disapprove? Could you talk to your parents openly about your religious beliefs at all? If you live in a place where your freedom of religion is limited, due to politics, family tradition, etc., you might have to continue practicing privately, unfortunately.

Try to separate each one and identify what you like and don't like within each one. Remember that it may take time to find a religion that "clicks" with you, and that it won't happen all at once. You could even try practicing the religion if that helps you. It also will help to do research on each one individually and find which ones have beliefs that line up with yours.

Make a list of what you disagree with in the religion you want to leave and when you feel ready, you should talk to them about how you feel(with points ready). You can try to have a decent and honest conversation with them. Or if that doesn't feel like a viable option, you can keep it to yourself until you move out. Remember, no one can force you to be in any religion. And it's okay for people to have different views on things.