Quote:
Originally posted by aephi alum
There's an interesting thread in the AKA forum about conversion... a few people (myself included) have said that they went through with confirmation into their childhood faith mainly because they were expected to by their families and communities.
So I'm wondering what you think about confirmation ages...
What does your faith do (if applicable) as far as confirmation/coming of age? What does being confirmed mean in terms of rights and responsibilities? At what age are you confirmed? And do you think that age is too young, too old, or just right?
If you're agnostic, atheist, or your faith doesn't have a confirmation - what do you think of confirmation ages in general?
I know this has the potential to get controversial... let's keep it civil 
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I am one of those people who talked about being confirmed because of expectations, not because of any internal change. As a Christian I think it is important for parents to realize that they cannot "make" their children be Christians. Christianity is about an inward change, not an outward declaration. You can make all of the outward declarations in the world, but if there had not been a true, inward change, then it really means nothing in the eyes of God.
I think parents should explain what giving your life to Christ means (if they are Christians) and let the child know it is their decision and what the consequences are. I'm not sure where this is, but I think the Bible says something about children being covered by their parents until they are at the "age of cencent." and at that point they are kinda on their own with salvation.
To answer your question, I attend a Baptist church and my pastor makes certain when a little kid comes down to "give his/her life to Christ" that they are doing it because they want to, not because their parents told them too. IF the kids says I came down because mama told me too he has a little talk with the parent saying I know you want your child to be saved, but this is not the way, etc. It's very loving and gentle. He then tells the child when THEY are ready to come back and if they have any questions about God, etc. to ask. I think that is the best way.
Bottom line, I think children should be taught about God/Jesus/Holy Spirit from the moment they come out of the womb, but they ultimately need to make the decision.