Though people often change their religion or reject the concept altogether on a conscious level, is it really possible to become entirely free of doctrine you were exposed to (or forced to accept) in early childhood? And if that is your desire, what steps might you take to free yourself from any feelings of obligation to earlier religious influences?
This is my little bit from the short time I was "indoctrinated." I grew up with no religion. 2013-2015ish I was confirmed and practiced as Roman Catholic. For example, with the Eucharist Catholic believe it is literally the blood and body of christ. I went to Church everyday of the week and Sunday. Had one everyday of the week except sunday unless it were holidays. I have seizures. Wine and seizures don't mix.
Then I said to someone, "you know, I wasn't thinking I was drinking
real wine at Communion since Catholics believe it's the blood and body of christ."
That changed my thinking of people who are indoctrinated into this belief. Probably my first thing is to educate yourself. If it's christianity, read the bible. I honestly believe Catholicism is the closest to the bible and christianity one can get; but, then, it also made me re-evaluate what I value and what I do not.
List your values or what you know is important in your life aside from religion. If someone told you (or even god) told you to get rid of this value, how would you
feel? What's in your gut? If you're feeling something uncomfortable, I'd rethink if X is the best for you (you meaning anyone in general).
Another thing in addition to educating oneself and self-reflection, if it's Catholicism, go to Mass a couple of times and participate in it from a different perspective. Yes, Catholics can say the Eucharist is Jesus blood/body all day long but at the end of the day, they are eating bread and drinking alcohol. Maybe finding a different way of seeing the "indoctrinated faith" in a positive manner, will help soothe the guilt when you say "Hey, I like this
and it's not for me."
My Parish (and friends) visit me three times a year. Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost to say hello, give me rosaries, a picture of jesus and mary, and a small chat. A lot of times if you're part of the Legion of Mary or was part of a Catholic group or something, they make friendly check-ups on ya. JW did it yesterday, I believe. I was friends with a a couple before they went out of town.
Honestly tell them, "hey, I understand what you believe and I just [in my words] not feelin' it." Or sometimes I'd just say "I remember when I
did practice, I understand what you mean... " and maybe offer what you believe to (setting appropriate).
I like my baptismal pictures, crucifix I got when I was confirmed, baptism certificate, and the rosery my best friend gave to me as well as the Church bible I got during confirmation. Outside of that, I donated the rest of my bibles. I put the other five roseries away (I'd probably donate them since I don't throw away religious relics). The jesus/mary picture I'd probably throw away. Basically, you are empting your space and external area out so they you can replace it with what you value rather than what you are told to value.
On the flip side,
You can keep a lot of things taught from your previous faith. Rituals aren't bad if you're doing it from the heart. I mean, sometimes I would do the sign of the cross to
remember my baptismal vows because they are vows regardless of where you go. You literally vowed yourself to be a part of the body/people of believers. So, if your last faith had vows-buddhist, muslim, whatever, you can still honors those.
But unless you want to completely forget about your former faith, I think it's healthy to separate yourself from the practice and beliefs but don't isolate yourself so much as making them the enemy.
This is for anyone if it doesn't apply to you too.
