Religion often feels like the air we breathe when we are born into it. As children, we absorb prayers, rituals, songs, and beliefs almost without question. They become part of our identity, shaping how we see the world; learned from those we trust and love the most. The psychology of religion shows that early exposure makes faith feel natural, even automatic.
But what happens when someone changes religions in adulthood? The mind has to adjust to new ideas, new rituals, and sometimes a completely different worldview. This shift can be smooth for some, but for others, it feels like learning a new language late in life.
🌍 Children Assimilate, Adults Adapt
Children raised in a religion don’t see it as foreign—it’s simply life. They learn stories, songs, and traditions as naturally as they learn their native language. This is called assimilation. Young minds are like sponges, soaking up beliefs without question because they are presented as fundamental truths. God, angels, heaven, sin – these aren’t just ideas; they’re facts that explain how the universe works and what our purpose is. It creates a deep, emotional, and social comfort.
Adults, however, often find new religions strange at first. The symbols, prayers, and cultural practices may feel unfamiliar, even intimidating. Because by adulthood, our brains have built strong pathways based on our early experiences. A new religion isn’t just new information; it often challenges the very foundation of how we see reality.
That’s why changing religions later in life can be both exciting and challenging. It requires not only learning new practices but also unlearning old ones.
🔄 Letting Go of Old Spiritual Systems
The human psyche struggles to let go of old spiritual systems because they are tied to memory, family, and identity. Even when we no longer believe in them, they can linger in our subconscious.
I moved from Pentecostal spirituality to Yoruba traditional religion in my 40s. Driven to change due to the lack of affect from the old systems, the transition was mostly smooth for me, but I noticed how Espiritista teachings from the Latina community felt foreign; I did not have much to associate with it. Concepts like spiritual quadrants and egbe were demonized in Christianity, even though they were an unspoken natural part of my youth.
This shows how deeply old systems can shape our perception—even when we embrace something new.
🙏 Why the Human Psyche Needs a God
Psychologists often say that humans have a natural need for meaning and connection. Religion provides both. A belief in God—or in divine forces—helps people cope with uncertainty, loss, and the mysteries of life. It gives structure to morality and community. Even when someone changes religions, the need for a higher power often remains. The need for group fellowship definitely remains.
This need is not weakness—it is part of being human. Whether through Pentecostal Christianity, Yoruba traditions, or Espiritismo, people seek connection to something greater than themselves.
🌟 Faith as a Lifelong Journey
Religion is more than rituals—it’s psychology, culture, and identity. When I changed religions, I spoke to my closest family and advised them that the old me was leaving. It was important for me to officially put the past to rest as I embarked on my new journey.
Being born into a faith makes it feel natural, while changing faiths later requires adaptation. Children assimilate easily, while adults must work harder to adjust. Even though some new concepts are “foreign” at first, our openness allowed for a smooth transition. This highlights the importance of keeping an open mind, even when our upbringing has set a strong foundation for our beliefs.
Our spiritual journey can continue to grow and evolve throughout our lives, sometimes leading us to unexpected, yet deeply fulfilling, paths and evolutions. Yet no matter the path, the human psyche continues to seek meaning, and belonging.
psychology of religion, Yoruba traditional religion, Pentecostal spirituality
