Do You Approve Of Convertting From One Religion To Another?

Question

I've seen many of my friends converting to a new religion, and then start to bad-mouth their previous religion. This really irks me. So what do you feel about converting?

Answer 1

If the person bad-mouthed their old religion, that means that they really didn't want to convert. They have to make their old religion seem bad so they can feel justified in leaving it. People who convert for a relationship or marriage often do this.

Converting has always seemed a little silly to me. When you convert, it means that your old religion was false. Why else not believe it anymore? It's like saying that you wasted your whole previous life believing in something that wasn't true. Myself, I converted from Mormonism to Paganism, and it's because I found Mormonism to be untrue. And yes, I wasted half my life in it. But that's me. :D

Answer 2

Converting from one religion to another is not a problem with me but what isn't alright with me is the fact that those who do convert to another and bad mouth the previous religion is not a christian thing to do no matter how one feels about it.
A good christian does good not bad and to bad mouth a religion because one doesn't like it any more to some one who does like that certain religion is just not nice and shouldn't be done at all.
Converting is up to the individual and no one else and not to be judged by others either. It's what's in your heart that shows you which way to go and yes, it also irks the heck out of me to hear those who have changed religions and only had bad things to say about it just because they didn't like the way it was for them.
Shame on those who can't keep their mouths shut.

Answer 3

As far as converting, I can understand why some people convert. I am a former christian who just got tired of the bigotry and hypocrites. These so called Christians were fond of looking down their nose at people who they thought were "beneath" them. I started questioning and researching other religions. I was drawn to the Old Religion the most and now, years later I have something Christianity didn't give me.....peace and a sense of feeling complete. I believe that a person has the right to choose their own spiritual path, without any recriminations from others.

As far as bad-mouthing my previous religion. I try not to, but when someone tells me I'm evil, I'm wrong and confused about my beliefs because I ask a question about another religion or starts quoting miles of scripture at me instead of just simply answering the question then yeah, I get kind of ill-tempered. I hate to admit it but I do.

Answer 4

I think that each person's spiritual path is their own to choose, and it can be a tough decision full of twists and turns. If they no longer feel in their heart that the path they have been following is right for them, and they see a new path that feels better to them, then by all means, convert! As far as badmouthing their old religion, sometimes people can have such negative experiences with a certain group that it leaves a very bad taste in their mouths and they become bitter and want to lash out at the religion. As long as they are not hurting anyone or trying to make people feel bad, and are just stating their opinion, I think it's understandable in some cases.

Answer 5

If you are convicted that the beliefs of one religion are not as accurate as another religion then you should convert.

Not converting would be like, after learning 1 + 1 doesn't = 5 saying, " well I've always be lived it equaled 5 so I'm going to continue to believe that."

Answer 6

Generally I wouldn't approve of converting from one religion to another. But neither would I stop anyone from converting from one religion to another. People have the right to decide on what they want to believe in. My disapproval should only take the form of trying to persuade with reason and argument why he/she should not make the switch. No arm-twisting or any kind of manipulation should be present.

Answer 7

My opinion, religion isn't about being right when other people are wrong. The whole idea of religion is to give you a purpose in life, a comfort that theres something more and that its not futile just because you die. People seem to think its a popularity contest with the losers burning in hell. I find it hard to believe such an omnipotent God gives a damn whether you call him God, Allah, Buddha or any other name you have, the point is that you believe in him the way that makes you feel the best.

Answer 8

I don't have a problem with people converting from one religion to another - I've done it myself.

I think the urge to badmouth the religion you left goes away over time (or at least it should), as you realize that your new spiritual path is supposed to allow you to be happier and at peace, and that the past doesn't matter. It may be the right path for someone else - it just wasn't the right path for you.

Answer 9

I think it is fine to convert. I was brought up in a certain religion, but as I grew up, I found things about that religion that I don't agree with. I would feel like a hypocrite to follow something that wasn't what I felt. When people are young, they don't choose their own religion, it is chosen for them. As you grow older and get your own mind, you may also have your own beliefs.

Answer 10

I guess you have to follow your heart and do what's best for you. I know a lot of people who were not religious who became Christian (which isn't really converting) and 1 girl who was Christian and converted to Islam... but that's about it. I don't think they should bad-mouth their old religion.