You are a Christian because you were born to Christian parents. You are a Hindu becuase you were born to Hindu parents. You are Muslim because you were born to Muslim parents. Does it become Homo Sapiens to be so dictated by such accidnts of birth?
2006-08-31 06:15:16 · 22 answers · asked by xavier w 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
I would say that at first, one's religion is most influenced by one's parents primarily, then by other relatives. School becomes a major influence, despite attempts to secularize public schools (which I actually support). However, ultimately one's religion is based on the sum of our experiences and knowledge, although I think the influence of childhood remains very strong.
I was born into a nominally Christian home. My parents weren't regular church attendees, but the basic morality was there. I think that made me inclined towards a religious viewpoint but it did not solidify into any particular faith, even though I felt that I was a strong Christian in my undergraduate days at university.
Nevertheless, I suspect that the lack of indoctrination kept my mind open for other possibilities. After experiencing various Christian sects, I became a Baha'i in graduate school. Even later, I changed again, becoming a Buddhist. At this point in my life, I'm not concerned if I find something else in the future.
So I will partially agree with the question in that a lot of our upbringing determines the type of mentality that we have, whether it's an open mind or one where decisions are made and not subject to review. However, I see it more as a template and not a full-fledged adoption of a belief system.
2006-08-31 06:46:29 · answer #1 · answered by Ѕємι~Мαđ ŠçїєŋŧιѕТ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not say that your faith/religion are an accident of birth. I would say that yes it does have a bearing on what you will taught early in your life but that has little or nothing to do with what you do with the rest of your life. An open minded individual should explore what else is out there and therby make his/her own decisions about such things. This, however, does raise a good arguement.
2006-08-31 07:10:24 · answer #2 · answered by jared c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was born to very un-Christian parents, yet I was drawn to religion and spirituality at a very young age. After studying all of the world's major religions, I returned to Christianity and my parents are still anti-Christian. So to answer your question, no my faith is not an accident of birth, but rather a concious decision made after hearing the knock and opening the door.
2006-09-03 18:47:59 · answer #3 · answered by morticiasl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I probably was conceived 'accidentally' by my parents but we are all here for a reason other than the life our parents gave us, to live and live our lifes for us for others for us all
We are all here to participate, I'm just participating
The accident-if an accident then maybe the numerous times I was saved was deliberate
Starting at 3 weeks old-the first time I was saved and baptised to live to learn to live some more to be saved many times too
If my parents were christian, then I never saw it-true faith is from the heart-my faith from my heart not what I was taught
2006-08-31 06:25:21 · answer #4 · answered by WW 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, ones religion is pretty much an accident of birth...
That does not change the fact that man has intelligence and freedom of choice..
I was born into a Pretestant family and I am now an Athiest...
My own free will decision...
2006-08-31 06:22:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are no accidents. We, as Soul, choose our birth families, and our religion, often based on karma, or the next lesson we need to learn, sometimes based on love. Many become conscious Souls while still in this body and many consciously choose another religion which represents the next step in Soul's unfoldment. When Soul is sufficiently unfolded It meets the Master who will lead Soul home to God. When the student is ready, the Master appears. The Master is gathering up the Souls that are ready now, please feel free to E-mail me if you are ready to meet the Master.
2006-08-31 07:08:09 · answer #6 · answered by shine_radiantstar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've gotten a lot of really good experiences that have come to me because of my religion. I don't think it was an accident, I think it's just how it is. Is it an accident then that everybody born in America was born in America and not Russia, China, or elsewhere?
2006-08-31 06:21:45 · answer #7 · answered by the Politics of Pikachu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people are unable to choose there religion but I was fortunate enough that my parents didn't baptize me. The said it was my choice to choose which ever religion to believe in. I am very thankful I have learned allot about different religions and I am still searching for one that suits me. I'm having a great journey.
2006-08-31 06:30:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok, that has got to be one of the stupidest things i've ever heard. for one thing, ppl are capable of changing religion over there life. for instance, i was born to christian parents, and i'm an agnostic. a friend of mine was born to muslim parents, he's atheist.
2006-08-31 13:04:19 · answer #9 · answered by bahamadude91 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you believe something just because that's what belief was passed on then you are a robot.
God gave us free will. We can believe what we want. Most of us trust our parents so it's easy to understand why we believe the same things.
But just because your parents believed something doesn't mean we the kids are pre-disposed to that line of thought.
2006-08-31 06:22:45 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋