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Religous Choice

rocktonrockton Member Posts: 551 ✭✭✭
edited February 2004 in General Discussion
Are most people Catholic, Methodist etc because they have studied all religions or because they were brought up in that faith?

Can it be said most faiths are based on who raised whom is which church and not on actual exploration of what each faith?

One last question. If people are so solid in their faith why can they not discuss it as an adult and not get angry. Is it because most of us really do not know what out faith really is all about.

Thanks

Rockton
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Comments

  • dcon12dcon12 Member Posts: 32,040 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The majority of people stay in the faith that they are raised. Very few question the teachings of thier religion. I have studied with several different religions and found that most have the same core beliefs with some minor differences that would be hard to distingish.
    As to why people get upset when talking religion, It has been going on forever. It is because people do not like to be told that they are/could be wrong. Even if you do not disagree with someone, if they say something that you were taught to not be, you will defend what you were taught not what you believe. Just my opinion, Don.

    "Right is Right, even is everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it"
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  • HAIRYHAIRY Member Posts: 23,606
    edited November -1
    Agree with Dcon12 that we follow our environment. We are predominately Christian and not Muslim because we are exposed to Christianity and not Islam. Just imagine: if you were born in the Middle East, you might be Muslim! [;)]

    It takes a lot of will power to examine one's core beliefs and, IMO, most people have no desire to do so nor the willingess to accept the possibility their belief pattern is flawed. It is much easier to go with the crowd than be the voice that cries out "The emperor has no clothes."[;)]



    There is always one more imbecile than you counted on.
    Hypocrisy is the homage paid by vice to virtue.
    Don't assume malice for what stupidity can explain.
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  • powdersmokepowdersmoke Member Posts: 3,241
    edited November -1
    Agreed.

    fa4d9fb5.jpg

    When you wrestle a 'gator, there ain't no good end!!

    "Molon Labe!" Spartan General-King Leonidas
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  • anderskandersk Member Posts: 3,627 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    "Religious choice?" Most people just stay what they were born into. Is that good or bad? I don't know.[:)]

    I don't think religion is the answer ... it is more of a problem. The Bible teaches a RELATIONSHIP ... a living relationship with the God of GRACE. Ya can't beat that!!![:D]

    The Bible teaches one faith, one baptism and one Lord. It also teaches one way to get to heaven ... Jesus is the way, the truth and the life! Is that being narrow? Nope, God is just trying to make it easy for us to make it Home! He wants to spend the rest of eternity with us! Amazing you say! Yup ... Amazing GRACE!
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  • SuspensionSuspension Member Posts: 4,783
    edited November -1
    I was raised Methodist, but now I attend Church of the Nazzarine. I attend because I enjoy the preacher and his teachings.
    I do feel most people continue the religion their are brought up with.
    Your last question??? What would you like to discuss? I can openly discuss my faith.

    NRA Life Member ---"A pocket knife, a clean hankey, and a pistol... things I can use." - Ted Nugent
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  • RocklobsterRocklobster Member Posts: 7,060 ✭
    edited November -1
    I was born and raised Methodist, changed to Lutheran somewhere along the way. Spent about 10 years as a biker/doper/drunk/fatladymonger. Then I met this old Irish marine who had doctorates in Theology and ancient Hebrew and Greek, had been studying the Bible for over 50 years (at that time) reading from (copies of) the manuscripts from which it was translated. I learned that many (MANY, not all) clergymen tend to embellish the Bible with their own opinions. I soon became a non-denominational Bible student; I ended up spending several hours per day with my Bible and Strong's in front of me, instead of one hour per week in a pew.That's where I am now, except that now it's only a couple hours per day.

    Still a biker, but I had the doper/drunk/fatladymonger washed out a long time ago.

    ("fatlady" is what the auto-censor allows. It was not my original word!)[:)]
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  • anderskandersk Member Posts: 3,627 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Rocklobster .... sounds like we have a similar journey! Bibles open and hearts open ... the only way to go![:D]
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  • searcher5searcher5 Member Posts: 13,511 ✭
    edited November -1
    If I have to put down religious preference on some form or the other,optional of course, I put down Baptist because that is the way I was raised. I would not argue religion with anyone. I am not that convinced that my own views are right, let alone say anyone elses are wrong.

    Proud member of the NRA

    When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion.
    Abraham Lincoln

    If I had only known, I would have been a locksmith.
    Albert Einstein
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  • h4ckthish4ckthis Member Posts: 66 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    HAIRYquote:It takes a lot of will power to examine one's core beliefs and, IMO, most people have no desire to do so nor the willingess to accept the possibility their belief pattern is flawed.
    Sadly, I think you're correct. Several years ago, I was really challenged by someone about my faith.

    I was forced to take a long, hard look at what I believe and why I believe it. It was a difficult time, and in all honesty, there were times when I was afraid of what I would find if I read any oppossing view points.

    What all my research lead me to was an even deeper, more solid understanding of what I belive and why I believe it. I realized my faith is not "blind", but based on logic and reason, and most importantly, it is true!




    "That a well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defence of a free state..."
    Article 13
    Virginia Bill of Rights
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  • bmbuzlrbmbuzlr Member Posts: 667 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Religion of any kind is social control for the weak minded.

    "What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The Tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure." Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith,1787.

    "They that can give up essential Liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither Liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759

    If God didn't want us to eat animals, then he wouldn't have made them out of meat.
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  • justmejustme Member Posts: 75 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I agree most people follow what they are taught from childhood. Many at a point in their lives will stop and examine the truth of what they have heard from the pulpit. The truth of the matter is it is not a matter of your truth or my truth...it is G-ds truth that matters.
    Man has been given his truth, but we tend to be selective about it. We only want the parts that are comfortable. One either believes the entire truth of G-ds word or we don`t. Man has spent thousands of years trying to figure out how to get into heaven without it interfering with his life too much. Ones degree of commitment is entirely between him and his creator.
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  • daddodaddo Member Posts: 3,408
    edited November -1
    I think God is glad we have religions that bring us closer to him and Jesus as Lord And Savior, but doesn't like the way we fight amongst each other over it.
    I was born into the Babtist religion, but after hearing the so-called rightious folks condem other folks of a different religion and seeing how many people are killed and murdered over it, I dropped religion to just become a beleiver and a Christian.
    Only man can take something so wonderfully given and turn it in to judging, hating and destructive!
    I let my kids deside for themselves what religion to become and will only put my foot in the door if the word "cult" comes into the picture.
    I read the bible and go to any church as long as I can learn the truth about something.
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  • RocklobsterRocklobster Member Posts: 7,060 ✭
    edited November -1
    The thing that I have a difficult time analyzing is why non-believers so often are not only non-religious, but anti-religious. They don't believe in God- instead they believe in man. Ok, fine, that's their belief. From what I know about God and what I know about man, if there's no God, then man's an awfully poor substitute! But if you're so secure in your belief, why take such joy in nervously attacking and ridiculing someone else's?


    And, hey- h4ckthis, I'm with you, man! I had a traumatic experience that put me through a test that really made me look at myself!
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  • SkyWatcherSkyWatcher Member Posts: 1,571 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I am an ANTI-ANTIDISESTABLISHMENTARIAN CATHLOBAPTIST WITH QASI-TRADITIONALIST LEANINGS. [:D] Or, in other words, I like to hear myself think...talk...er...think?

    Bottom line, I have very strong convictions and opinions (to the consternation of the illuminated bunch in Rome) but I'll discuss religion with you all without getting angry and saying bad things about you and/or your family...if'n you want.

    To whom much is given, much is expected.
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  • 96harley96harley Member Posts: 3,992 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Pilgrim Holiness, Weslyan Methodist, Evangelical Methodist, Southern Baptist, and Nazarene. Currently I serve God through the Evangelical Methodist Church. On March 21st I have been invited to a Baptist church to give my testimony and sing some special music. Jesus Christ is the foremost, the foundation, and the key. He gives us freedom. Religion can enslave us.

    God is not going to ask, "What did you do with religion?" Instead he will ask, "What did you do with my Son?"

    "Save the Whalers, they need jobs too."
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  • dheffleydheffley Member Posts: 25,000 ✭
    edited November -1
    I was raised in one faith, but now follow another. The reason is, after reading the bible for myself, I felt like my faith was not following the word of God. I'm not sure many folks decide for themselves.

    How you doin'!wolf_evil_smile_md_wht.gif
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  • duckyducky Member Posts: 1,501 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I choose not to follow any specific denomination. My folks were both raised Catholic, my mother being hispanic descent, and father of Irish descent. When I was young though, I don't know how or why, but my folks decided to try the Mormon church, and we stuck with it for a few years before it became blatantly obvious that there was something wrong with the church. It was quite a bit more cult'ish than I had seen at any other demoninational church I had been to in my youth, and they treated their members like animals for breaking even the simplest of rules (sunday morning cup'o coffee, etc). After having been to many churches of many denominations, I choose to worship the Lord in a simple, live good, follow the Bible sort of fashion. While I am far from being without sin, I think I'm doing OK to stay on the right moral path.
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  • dakotashooter2dakotashooter2 Member Posts: 6,186
    edited November -1
    I feel that as in politics the hierarchy of the church (all denominations) is or soon becomes corrupt. More concerned about political correctness and maintaining membership than following the word of God. In many cases the teachings of your favorite denomination are being manipulated to fit the needs of the people rather than the will of god. I do not condemn those that do not believe. God will take care of that. I choose to believe. Some may see that as weakness but I see it as strength. I have yet to see where having faith in god does any harm and have seen many cases where it does good.
    On a side note isn't it curious that in this day of non-believers that a religous movie is making such an impact?
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  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I am atheist. That is I do not buy into theism. I do not believe the typically depicted Christian god exists, nor do I think Jesus was his only begotten son. form where I sit, most of that is myth. Jesus was certainly real and a powerful and charasmatic figure. But virtually all religious leaders/phrophets in that time were said to have been born of virgins. SOP and part of the mythology to my mind. I have not the slightest problem with whatever any one wants to believe, Christian or other. I do have a problem with muscular Christianity, the "Kill a commie for Christ" flavor. Kinda seems like they have missed the point.

    It often seems to me, that for many christians that my view is threatening, and many want to "save" or convert me, as if my lack of belief in their god somehow shakes their own belief.

    Now, haveing said that, I will also say, I am neither un religious nor un spiritual, I just don't believe gods can be characterized or known.

    He Dog
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  • RocklobsterRocklobster Member Posts: 7,060 ✭
    edited November -1
    The reason folks want to "save" you is because we're charged by our Operation Manual (the Bible) to "plant a seed" as Jesus said. If it lands on a rock, it won't grow. If it lands on fertile ground, it will. (metaphorically speaking) Where many people get confused is that they get carried away and go on and on and become somewhat of an annoyance.
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  • kaliforniankalifornian Member Posts: 475 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I agree with the most of the previous. People tend to go with what they are used to. For some, this leads to a sincere, heartfelt set of beliefs backed by faith, and for others, it's a habbit and a way to belong. Those that just go along with it without applying continous introspection are often insecure in their faith and get angry when discussing it if they feel challenged because they don't have true serenity and they lack the information needed to counter a perceived assault on their beliefs.

    Being raised "too" religiously can also drive people away. My grandparents and extended family are "religious" to a fault, in that they take their interpretations of religion and place these beliefs over the importance of their children and family. (ie don't spare the rod or belt or any other instrument that comes to hand, man/woman valuation issues, etc etc)

    I grew up being told by relatives that I'm going to hell because I didn't worship like they did, and to this day I get the occassional "Too bad you're going to hell because you're an otherwise pretty good grandson" Christmas cards (not joking). This, combined with my analytical and questioning nature, drove me away from organized religion and led me to be an agnostic. I'll live my life according to my definitions of good and evil and if God doesn't like it (assuming one exists) than I'm sure he can find a way to stop me.

    I think any religion that brings people together and instills constructive morals and ethics can be good, but blind acceptance that the word of a mortal man comes from the will of god can be dangerous. I also will never accept that there is only one single highly specific and ritualized way to avoid an eternity of torment.

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    http://ynot4free.com
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  • Queen of SwordsQueen of Swords Member Posts: 14,355
    edited November -1
    I was raised in a VERY Catholic home,went to parochial school for the first 9 years of my education. Still, I remember when I was in 4th grade, pigtails and plaid skirt, asking Sister Immaculate about why it shold be that we get to go to heaven, but nobody else does. I mean, if what she was telling me is true, I'm going to heaven, but Ghandi has to go to limbo, because he wasn't baptized? I held onto the Catholic traditions, even though my heart just wasn't in it, as my political and social views didn't quite jive with the stuff I was getting from the pulpit every Sunday, partly because the tradition brought me some comfort. I was always interested in religions, and in the meantime studied, among other paths, Hinduism, Shinto(sp?), Budhism, several denominations of Christianity, and paganism.
    What have I come up with?
    Sad truth is, I haven't come up with anything that I can say with any sort of conviction is 'the way'. I've seen religeon at it's best, when it gives comfort and hope, and at it's worse, when people use it as a buffer to excuse their own predjudices and deplorable behavior. It's a pretty universal theme, no sect is immune. What I am impressed by is individual achievements. Responsibility. Character. DOing the right thing because it's the right thing to do, no having to persuaded to do so, or because you fear some awful punishment. It's what is in your heart that matters, because that is what guides your behavior, not what church you attend, or what region of the world you were born in, or what you call yourself. Don't tak about it! Show me how spiritually guided your actions are. Do some good!


    "Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it that the former does not submit to hereditary predjudices, but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence." - Albert E.

    On my tombstone:"Keep you eyes on the road, your hands upon the wheel..."the Lizard King
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  • thunderboltthunderbolt Member Posts: 6,041 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Robert sincerely believed he could fly. He jumped off a cliff. Now Robert is sincerely dead ( and in hell if he didn't accept Jesus before he died.) There is no other way to God than through Jesus Christ. Look at it this way, if any other method could reconcile a sinner to God, why would Christ have been crucified?
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  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    And to think, Christianity is only the third ranked religion in the world in terms of believers. Most of the world does not by Christ as the only way. Kinda seems like the game is rigged.

    He Dog
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  • Queen of SwordsQueen of Swords Member Posts: 14,355
    edited November -1
    Robert had mental health issues, or was on hallucinogens, or was a sincere idiot for thinking he could fly....
    PERSONAL RESPONSIBILTY....that is the key...

    "Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it that the former does not submit to hereditary predjudices, but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence." - Albert E.

    On my tombstone:"Keep you eyes on the road, your hands upon the wheel..."the Lizard King
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  • KIMBER MANKIMBER MAN Member Posts: 64 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    i agree with andersk. very well said!

    "HONOR IS BETTER THAN HONORS"
    "KEEP THE SKEER ON"
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