[SilverTurtle]

I think this is a really interesting topic. I'm very fascinated by religions in general.

I was raised -first- Baptist as a small kid, and then in a Grace Brethren church after about age 8. Both are your basic Christian denominations. There was/is no confirmation age. When a person is ready, they get saved. And as someone else mentioned, baptism is used as an expression of that. Although I was baptized in the baptist church, and then when I joined the GB church I had to be baptized as part of membership. (Which now I think was an odd requirement).

When it comes down to it, I believe in Christ as God's son, etc. However, I really don't accpet any 'church' religions. In fact, I'm very into Taoism & Buddhism as philosophies & draw a lot of parallels between these eastern religions & the teachings of Christ. So I guess none of my religious beliefs would call for confirmation.

I agree that religion is a pretty big decision for most kids, and I imagine the vast majority go through their respective ceremonies simply because that's what they're supposed to be doing at that age.

I can also value some of these ceremonies as "rites of passage" -something that in general is lacking in Western socieities. And some sociologist- type people think is an important step for kids to sort of grow up & 'cross over' into that state. I think if that's the case, 12 & 13 is way too young for our society. But I can respect their purpose in that sense, I guess.