Catholics would say at original sin. The Amish would say age 18 and let you have a bit of fun first. Mormons typically say age 8. American government says 18 to vote and die for your country, but 21 to drink alcohol. Those who leave religions often say they felt coerced through social conditioning and lack of external experience to follow the religion of their youth. What do you think?
[poll id=”137″]
Discuss.
Wheat & Tares 
I do think it varies from person to person. But, from personal experience, I thought at 20 because I lived on my own, etc that meant I was really mentally and emotionally mature – I wasn’t. I definitely think we continue to grow and mature the older we get, but I really think you’ve got to be at least 20 and hopefully have spent some time on your own, with your own experiences.
Maturity does not equal accountability. I know plenty of 20 year olds with no maturity, but they are accountable for their screw UPS. I think a graduated approach is good: 16 to drive, 18 to vote, 21 to drink, etc. people progress differently, but these are good rules of thumb, even if they are somewhat arbitrary.
We have to draw the line somewhere but it seems obvious that “accountability” isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” proposition. Hence why the Savior is the Judge. Any heuristics as to WHEN an individual would be accountable would be likely as numerous as the individuals themselves.
Modern science and studies seem to show that the average “age of reason” is somewhere around 8 years old. That is generally when a child’s internal moral compass is developed enough to be able to choose a good thing even if it is not the “I want this” thing.
Maturity is later in life. I like the D & C scripture where parents need to teach the basics of the gospel to their children, or the sin is on them.
MH – yep – you’re right – I was thinking more about this part I guess: “Those who leave religions often say they felt coerced through social conditioning and lack of external experience to follow the religion of their youth.”
Do I think kids can have accountability at 8…? Yes. Do I think they should be held accountable for making a religious faith choice before 18…? Nope.
I guess I see a huge difference between baptism at 8, and temple covenants at 18+. Of course some kids are not ready to be baptized at 8, and some people leave the church after being endowed. Several of my good friends were baptized, but left the church as teenagers, never having gotten to the point of having a desire to continue their membership.
I try not to judge, since I know I don’t appreciate it. I do think though that as Christ looks at our hearts, He will judge those who never had a testimony, and left, differently than those who did have one and left. I have no way of even trying to figure that out, and so I try to stay out of Christ’s job. (Not that I am perfect, mind you, that would be too much to assume, or ask of anyone.
I was a pretty big bone-head up until my late 20’s. However, I realized that I was making poor choices and eventually was able to overcome my issues.
I voted that it varies from person to person. For me personally though, I would say around age 7-8 I had a pretty good understanding of right and wrong. The first time I remember a witness from the Spirit was around age 12. I think even though we may not make the best choices always, we have a pretty good grasp at a young age of what right and wrong is.