I see people say "I was born a Muslim" (or Christian, etc...) I can see how you coule be born a Jew, but...

Question

How can you be born a religion? Isn't a religion a personal choice for each of us? We can't be born Christians, because we're born Sinners....
Jewish people can be born Jewis by heritage, so that is a little different.

Answer 1

Religion should be a personal choice for each of us. But when people are born into families that are religious, and where that particular religious choice is seen as the only possibility, then tthat child is brought up with this particular religious perception shaping every experience they have, and it becomes part of their psychological makeup. They cannot conceive of another religion being true, and it is often as if it was an inbred or genetic identifier vice a choice. Since most people can't remember anything before the age of four, it is of course inaccurate to say "I was born a ..." Rather, they should say, "I was raised a ..." It's more accurate.

Answer 2

Dear Graceful, how about to go back to school?
Jewish people can be born Jewis by heritage, so that is a little different. This is half part true but still not the truth. One can convert into the Mosaic faith. It is just the Orthodox Jews who believe that the mother must be Jewish and then the children can be true Jewish too.

Answer 3

You can't be born a religion and even down to people saying that they are born Jewish, that is not true for everyone; their ancestors were of Jewish heritage not the religion so they are considered Jewish, but there are some who say they are Jewish but the heritage is not in their background. It is a common misconception and I don't understand why it is because common sense tells you that religion or what you choose to be is not hereditary. It is kind of like saying that I was born a robber or a drug addict. It is just not possible; it is a choice that you make. SO when people say that they are born this and that, don't trust it. Just because their parents are something doesn't mean that they are because there are a lot of people whose parents are believers and they aren't and vice versa.

Answer 4

It is an imprecise expression. Generally, people mean that they were raised in that religion. Following a religion is a choice, at least for adults, but it is not always a conscious one. I think people tend to keep the basic beliefs of their childhood unless they have compelling reason to change or are especially rebellious by nature.

A person can't be born Christian but he can believe in the God of the Christians from a very early age. I don't know how it works exactly, but a child can believe in the trinity and the sacrifice of Christ before he recognizes his sinful nature and accepts salvation in Christ for himself.

At least that's my semi-pagan agnostic take on things.

Answer 5

Actually, Jews are seen as an ethinc group only in 2 places: The United States and Israel.
But, to answer your question, lots of people are born under a certain denomination and later choose to convert. That is, I could easily say, I was born catholic, but converted to buddhism. That does not mean I changed ethnicity, but just religion.
Most people who come from religious families are 'born' into a religion. That is, a religion is imposed on them, and they accept it. with time, however, many change this

Answer 6

You are incorrect about being born a Jew.

The vast majority of Jews have no relation to the ancient province of Judea and cannot rightfully claim they were citizens of same.

With rare exceptions, if a person does not follow Judaism, he is not a Jew. And was not born a Jew since one has to make that choice and choosing to become a Christian or Muslim negates the claim of being a Jew.

Answer 7

It means they were born in a Muslim or Christian or Jewish family and their religion is the same until they are mature enough to decide for themselves.
I was born in a Muslim family, but today I just believe in God and I don't consider my self a Muslim.

Answer 8

Yeah! You're right from one point! That no one can be born with religion! Religion is one's personal choice!

But still, BIRTH would have certain impact on your religious choice. You know better of a religion that your father and mother follows than any other. Coz, you are exposed to it. You can say I am 'x religion' by birth! That's right, because you are named and you are grown up with that religion! Though religion is your personal choice that was not, untill you think of it! So, one can be born with a religion! :-)

Have I answered you?

Answer 9

i think ur right when u say religion is a personal choice. and i dont think anyone is 'born' a religion. If u go by Islam everyone is born in the state of fitrah, innocence until he/she gets mature to understand faith. - blind faith is no faith at all, its just lip service.

Christians believe and preach born sinners theory - for me, its not fair. Christianity puts the complete blame on Eve for the fall of man and for the ‘original sin’. It holds Eve responsible for sin’. It holds Eve responsible for sins of humanity. There is not a single passage in the Qur’an that only points to Eve. However there is one verse in the Qur’an which specifically puts the blame on Adam (Pbuh). However theres no concept of original sin.

“Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands clear from error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.” (Quran 2:256)

Answer 10

I was born in a Christian *home*, but once I was old enough to understand that I was a sinner and what God did for me, then I became a Christian. I do however believe that children who are too young to understand are not yet held accountable for what they do. The Bible says: "To him(her) that knows what is right and does not do it, it is sin".