I've been an atheist all my life but now I'm ready to believe...?

Question

but I can't choose which faith to believe in. I must choose between Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, or Judaism, or something else.

Which should I choose, and why?

Answer 1

hahahaha, you are a fool...religion is not like picking out candy at the store, its about finding truth in life, you just dont pick one.....

Answer 2

Hey, I hope my answer doesn't just blend in with all the rest.
First of all, I think it's obvious that each person will try to convince you that the religion they follow is the best. The problem is, there's no easy way here. YOU are the one who has to research the subject. The answers people give you shouldn't be able to convince you one way or another. If you're really ready to live a certain life and follow certain rules, go out and talk to people who understand. Read books. There are a lot of ways to research this topic. But you have to be honest with yourself. And you have to really look deep beneath the surface of each religion.
Personally, I'm Jewish. (Most people on here are Christian I believe). I follow my religion and believe in it completely. I have no doubts whatsoever. But Judaism isn't really interested in "converting" people. Judaism doesn't want new followers. For that reason, becoming a Jew (assuming you're not Jewish) is a very difficult process. It takes a long time, a lot of effort and a lot of money too.
So like I said, go out and do some research.

If you have any questions about Judaism, please feel free to contact me at [e-mail]

Good luck :)

Answer 3

The question would be: why are you ready to believe? Are you getting old and suddenly don't like the idea of non-existence or being reduced to a rotting pile of flesh in the ground? Do you have some distant memory of warm fuzzy feelings when you went to church with your mommy? If either of the above, I would just try each one and choose the one that makes you happiest. Personally, I would choose Islam as I like the idea of an eternally erect penis and 70 virgins. One thing I don't understand, though...after the first night, they wouldn't be virgins anymore, so would I get to turn them in for new ones? If so, what happens to the ones that are no longer virgins, and where do all the new virgins come from? Are they like sex robots or something?

Anyways, the other religions don't offer anything close. I mean, sitting on a cloud praising god day and night? Thats the reward in the bible?? Buddhism is even worse...your self merges with the oneness and you cease to exist altogether (ecept as part of the reunified whole of th universe (Buddhism is just poetic atheism, really). Hindu would be my second choice, though you should know that their gods are just super aliens that evolved a trillion years before us...not sure I trust super aliens...

Answer 4

I am a Christian, so I would say Christianity.
I have 4 reasons for this:

Firstly, Christianity is the only religion that is about having a living relationship with God, rather than following rules.

Secondly, experience. I, like a large number of other priveliged people, have experienced the power of the Holy Spirit. Your life is completely changed if you wish to meet God and tell him so. And I'm not the kind of person who feels things because I want to feel them.

Thirdly, logic. The Christian faith is very logical. Every time I have seen something in the bible that confused by or seemed unfair or contradictory, with carful analysis and God's help I could uncover the probem. Everytime I do this I find that my faith is strengthened by taking an unbaised approach and ariving at the same conclusion every time. Also, the Bible is extremely accurate. It talks about mountains in the sea years before they are discovered. And by the way, miracles are not illogical. If a God is a supernatural being, it is sensible that He should have supernatual powers.

Finally, prophetic evidence. The prophesies in the bible are not vague. They are clear and easy to understand. Furthermore, 80% of them have come true. The other 20% refers to the end of the world. In an analysis made by a respectable professor (his name eludes me at present), it was calculated that the chances of only four chosen prophsies coming true were 1/2 000 000 000 000 000 000. Impressive stats.

From these, I reafirm to myself that I am indeed following the correct faith. And how lucky is that, as it is the one where most if offered: "If you live in me I will live in you", "Do not fear, I have redeamed you. I have called you by name, you are Mine. I will be with you when you pass through the waters..."

If you want to know more, please email me on [e-mail]

Regards
Steven

Answer 5

Yes, shopping for religions can be such a chore these days. And would you believe it: Consumer's Report hasn't put out anything on them in years?! It's all sooo confusing too, and way too many choices. J

Just in Christianity alone there are dozens to pick from; big vs. small, country music vs. Bach, simple attire vs. pounds of rosaries & crosses. The list goes on and on.

If I were you, I'd start with something "light," say, some sort of Unitarian Universalist Ethical Whatchamacallits. Then, depending on how much you're into the "hell" thing, try Episcopalian, Catholic, and Lutheran, in that order.

I meant to ask if you're in academia or the sciences. If you are, avoid all religions that have churches with numbers - like "The First Blankety Church of Leftover-Shoe." Obviously they have no concept of cardinality, as I've found at least 250 "First Baptist" churches in a single state. (Of course that was Texas and no more need be said.)

One word of caution: Some of the Eastern religions actually require a general mode of behavior that's not in keeping with our free-enterprise way of life here in the good old U.S.A. Many Christian groups merely require that you have faith in Jesus, which means you can pursue any and all legal activities that enrich your purse as well as your soul. As they say. It’s not your acts; it's your faith. How can you go wrong with THAT deal?

Well, good luck.

PS I should mention there are some very competent SCs (Soul Consultants) here in the New York area who can help you find the best God-match money can buy.

Answer 6

I am shocked by your question as you state: "I must choose". No one must choose anything. The key to finding spirituality and peace of mind is the ability to research, interpret, analyze, and learn different religions. I am a Muslim not because my parents have told me to be so, but because I have studied all other religions and decided the ideas of Islam fits me best. However, this might not be the case for you. My advice is to study all these religions and different schools of taught. Then decide which "religion" or idea fits into your TRUE beliefs. You cannot just wake up one day and decide to "adopt" a religion. Another piece of advice is besides just listening to people about their religions, you should dig deep into the original beliefs and ideas of each of these religions ( read the Torah, Bible, Quran, etc.) Only after you have studied all the religions you can decide which one suits you or maybe none of them suit you.

"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind"

Answer 7

If you are serious and really want my opinion, I am a Christian,Why? what do I base it on?

Well, The Jewish faith proclaims that there is a Messiah (a Savior) coming based on their scriptures....this "Messiah" is a very detailed person...His coming was foretold thousands of years before his birth. The time of his birth, His ancestors, so many different aspects are foretold.

I don't expect you to take my word for it....but I promise, if you have an open mind and research it...you will find PROOF...beyond question that Jesus is the messiah.

http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/e...
http://www.messiahrevealed.org/...

These links contain some proof but...don't take my or their word for anything...read the Bible for yourself. And if I had questions I would read "The Case for Christ" I'll even buy you a Bible and a copy of "The Case For Christ" if you'd like


Hope this Helps

Josh K.

Answer 8

Because you are not undergoing conversion to a particular religion as yet, your readiness to embrace a belief system probably stems from a growing awareness of your mortality. You have made something of yourself and created precious value that you wish to endure beyond your lifetime. Atheism is not a satisfactory intellectual framework for this type of concerns.
If critical thinking is something you do not wish to compromise, start on your quest with the writings of world-class scientists, preferably modern physicists who believe in a supreme intelligence or God. I would recommend that you start with Freeman Dyson's book “Infinity in All Directions”.
You may end up, as I did, as a free thinker with a belief in a universal intelligence. Like me, you will read and learn from Buddhism to Taoism, and see the richness and limitations of all religions. Hopefully, you will enjoy the search as a great adventure and not wish to get bogged down in dogma and intellectually restrictive beliefs.

Answer 9

You've had it right all your life. If there really was a God and he really interacted with humans don't you think there would only be ONE RELIGION?

Instead, as you have stated in your question, there are many. This is because God is a construct of the human imagination.

By the way the most prevalent religion as far as the sheer number of cultures that subscribe to it is Animism...you know the American Indian religion. Animism has been found in cultures worldwide throughout recorded history.

So if you HAVE to choose a religion I would go with Animism since all those cultures throughout history can't be wrong...right?

Answer 10

Choose to believe in Jesus Christ. He is the only way to get to Heaven.

John 14:6 (New King James Version)
New King James Version (NKJV)
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.


6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.



It is something you are ulitmately going to have to choose on your own, but I would suggest reading the Book of John in the Bible. Maybe visiting a Chruch and asking some questions. If you want to actually talk about it email me and I will give you my im.

Answer 11

First off, Congratulations on believing in a God!

Pick Islam. As a Muslim, you believe in Moses, Jesus AND Muhammad as the last prophet. God also says in the Qur'an that many messengers have been sent to many nations (some never mentioned). Some Muslims theorize one of these messengers could've possibly been the Buddha himself, especially since he never preached anything against the principles of Islam.

Doesn't it make sense that the Creator of this universe has guided you to believing in him, so the next logical step would be do follow his message and embark on the path of Islam. Islam has been in existence since Adam and will be until the last day of this world. Best of luck, May Allah (God) guide you.