I went to a Catholic Elementary and Highschool (really common and publically funded in Canada), we had confirmation in grade 8, but I skipped it.
It is common in Australia too, but they are generally "private" (subsidized though) schools. I went public all the way, some of my siblings did a mix.
I also skipped something called the first confession and have never done one of those.
Tell me your sins, and I will tell you how much you need to pay me for you to be saved.
Much of it is confusing for me (spirits and souls and faiths - how they believe, not what they believe)
Most don't think too much about it, but if they could put themselves as an alien looking in, they would find it strange. I think people want an authority, something outside themselves to work for - and they choose something that can't threaten their sense of right, the afterlife.
No, your 6-year-old kid has not accepted Jesus as the true lord and saviour, they accepted those gold trinkets and that cash and want to keep you happy.
Trusted to make a decision on a way of life that is meant to serve for eternity - can't be trusted to drink, drive or vote - or cross the road unaided.
Labelling people and small slights which are probably unintentional and just a little insensitive is called microaggressions.
People look for them everywhere, reasons for why they can't instead of just doing.
After all these years I have found one thing - adults are far inferior at insults than 5 year olds. :D
!ENGAGE 25