Do some people choose their religion based on the Persuasion of others rather than actual beliefs?

Question

It seems like everyone I know who is a Believer became that way because there was one specific person who "opened their eyes" or "showed them the light". Usually this person is a very friendly, charismatic type who they admire and highly respect.

The people I know who aren't believers have never had a person like this in their lives. Maybe it's not the actual religious tenets that people buy into, rather it's the salesman making the pitch that they wish to please?

B.F.Skinner showed how far some people will go to "fit in" or please others. Could religion just be a means of acceptance for some?

Answer 1

I fear that most believers of most religions are based on persuasion rather than actual belief. Most practitioners I know of 3 different religions, do not actually believe in what they are worshipping, they are just following the crowd and going through the motions to fit in. I, for one, observe the world around my and choose my own belief regardless of what one religion tells me I should. I still believe in God, and Christ, but I also incorporate the beliefs of other religions and science. This makes me rather unpopular with specific religions, thus proving that religion is all about fitting in.

Answer 2

For some, I'd agree this is true. Perhaps moreso for those who have strong peer pressure in their schools and from family members. But likewise, their is also peer pressure NOT to be religious. It probably evens out in the end.

But I really feel that for adults, the number of religious folks who cave into peer pressure is small. Especially in the US where being an individual is so important. In other countries, the story may be very different though.

Answer 3

Don't most people choose their way of life based on the lives of people around them? Religious or not, aren't the majority of people following someone else? Who is unique? Who lives only by their own beliefs and no one else's? Who's mind is so isolated that they can say that their thoughts are totally unique from anyone else's? Who reads only books they wrote for themselves? All knowledge is handed down, don't think that you are any different.

Answer 4

if you're weak,.. of course a "salesman" of faith can get you easily.

But as I always say: whatever question you have in your heart... it's normal... but do never give up. Look for the answer.

Just... try also to be "rational" a little...
too many people just "talk and talk and talk"... about faith.

You have to LIVE your faith...show it in "normal", "everyday" action...

and just: try to be positive.
There are alrady too many things in the world that could bring negativity in our lives... let's try to understand WHAT is importan and WHAT it's not!

Answer 5

As a Wayist, I chose my path on my own.

However, persuasion does work rather nicely.

My 360° blog speaks of what "The Way" is.

Answer 6

Some people are like that, but they are standing on a sandy foundation and will fall. You have to have inner spiritual convictions to truly be for God, and stand on a rock.