Normal part of growing up?

Question

While I was at school I lived at home with my Mum and Brother. Our family is very pro-choice, anti-war, liberal, atheist. I live in New Zealand, so the atheist part isn't that uncommon.

However, since moving away from home my views have changed a bit. I'm not so 'pro choice' anymore. I mean I still believe every women has a choice, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I also have many Christian friends and my ideas on religion have changed. I'm interested in learning about Christianity, whereas before I didn't want to know about it at all.

Is this a normal part of growing up?

Answer 1

I'd say so.  You can expect to be still figuring out who you "really" are until your late 20s, and when you get close to 40 you'll start re-evaluating it all AGAIN.

Only very DULL people believe at 18 what they believed at 12.  And only a lunatic believes at 40 what they believed at 18.

As a life long seeker, you know how to reach me for ideas on where to look kiddo!

Answer 2

Of course. Your views are always going to be changing as outside parties influence your choices. The more you hear about things, the more they may make sense to you (or not, depending on the situation), and thus the more your views will change.

You can't be expected to always have the opinions you were raised to have, and no parent should expect that. Never look at this as a bad thing, either, unless your choices and the people influencing them are negative for yourself and others.

From the sound of it these are all positive opinion changes. There is nothing wrong with that and it's perfectly normal for young teens, older teens and adults alike.

Answer 3

definitely. Once your on your own you see things in a different light because your parents aren't right over you telling you what to think.

Answer 4

Absolutely, as we grow and we move away from mom and dad we learn more about new people our ideas change, and or way of thinking. I think it's part of growing up, but it also really depends with who you hang out with.

Good luck with your quest of learning about Christianity, have a nice one!

Answer 5

Everyones opinions change, because people are always changing. It's human to question your beliefs :D

Answer 6

Of course. It's perfectly fine.

In growing up, there is always a thought in our mind of who we are. Why are we here? What is right and wrong? What should I believe?

It doesn't mean that your convictions are shaky. It just means that you're being more aware of the world around you.

The best you can do is accept the ideas of others, and take both your old beliefs and the new ones in to consideration. Try learning about both sides: atheism and Christianity for example. And when you're clear about it, choose which one you want.

This is called rational decision making. In growing up, it is normal to be confused, and very practical to hesitate. The best you can do is learn about your choices before making a decision. :)

Answer 7

Yes it's normal. It's called Independence. But don't let your Christian friends like brainwash you or anything or put their beliefs on you.

Answer 8

Yes

Answer 9

I don't think converting to Christianity is a normal part of growing up. Examining your beliefs and eventually changing them is a very normal part of growing up. I hope you find what makes you happy!

Answer 10

i think this is great. i have a friend that came from NZ to the US for college, and she is experiencing some of the same things. the thing is, we all are in college.. away from our one-track-minded families.

broadening your horizons is a great thing- it makes you well-rounded and educated. you shouldn't believe something because it is the only thing you have been taught; you should believe it because you heard both sides and chose it.

good luck, and ask your Christian friends about Christianity- they should lead you in the right path. i hope it brings you as much peace and joy as it has brought me.

Answer 11

yeah love, your views widen abit as you grow up, things change i guess, id love to live in an anti-war family though, pro-choice too. all i got around here is angry conservaties

Answer 12

Yes. You were raised on your parents beliefs, now it is time to find your own.

Answer 13

Yes it is, it's just because you are expriencin diffrent things and are curious. This is not uncommon. hope i helped!!! :o)

Answer 14

yes this is a normal part of growing up.

a li'l help here- http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

thanx

Answer 15

Yes, very much so. As you mature, you learn that your ideas may not always be  right. When I returned from Viet Nam war, I also had become an atheist and wanted to know nothing about religions. As the years passed I became interested in Christianity and the people of the world. Today I am devoted Catholic, a Sacristy of my church, but a scholar of other religions. To my point of view, how can I understand my neighbors, if I cannot understand their beliefs? May your path of learning about religions give you faith and peace of mind. God Bless you!

Answer 16

As our life experiences grow and we are exposed to new ideas we are able to see the world from a broader perspective.Our first views on the "world" are based on those we experience with our family.It is normal to get more curious about new ideas when we "leave the nest".Sometimes we need a taste of independence to realize that life is more complicated than what we once took for fact.Questioning ideas allows for growth,maturity and giving informed responses to the issues that come our way.