Does a Person Have the Right to Change Religions?

 Yes, the Bible shows that people have the right to change their religion. It records many who chose not to follow the form of religion practiced by their relatives and who, of their own free will, decided to worship the true God. Abraham, Ruth, some of the people of Athens, and the apostle Paul are just a few examples. (Joshua 24:2; Ruth1:14-16; Acts 17:22, 20-24; Galatians 1:14, 23) In addition, the Bible even acknowledges a person's right to make the unwise decision to abandon the worship approved by God. - 1 JOHN 2:19.

The right to change religion is supported by the universal Declaration of Human Rights, which the United Nations has called "the foundation of international human rights law." That document states that everyone has the "freedom to change his religion or belief" and "to seek, receive or impart information and ideas," including religious ideas.  Of course, these rights carry with them the obligation to respect the rights of others both to maintain their beliefs and to reject ideas they disagree with. 

Next time: Does Religion Conversation Dishonor Family Traditions or Customs?

From the jw:org publications