2006-09-14 05:28:42 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Being a muslim I will quote from the Quran : Let there be no compulsion in religion.
So I believe that it is your choice, Whether you follow a religion or not. So ofcourse one should study different religions and make his choice about whether he wants to accept a religion or not or which religion appeals to him the most. Actually you just can't force beliefs upon a person or make him follow a particular ideology. You just don't belong to a religion because of your name or way of dressing or actions or the way you pray. You belong to a religion when you firmly believe in the Fundamental Beliefs or the Articles of Faith of that religion. When it comes to your beliefs, way of thinking , it can be influenced by someone or something or even changed. This occurs only when your mind accepts it. And hence you belong to a religion once your mind accepts it as right.
So where is the obligation to follow? It's all a matter of choice because man can be forced to do something not forced to believe in something his mind is not accepting.
2006-09-14 10:29:06 · answer #1 · answered by d k 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Religion is a choice. One is born into a Jewish, Christian, or Muslim home and must always honor parents. As an adult they may choose a different religion, being very careful not to cause pain for their parents.
The problem arises when Christians define others. Many Christians seem to believe that anyone born into a Jewish home remains a Jew no matter what religion he practices despite his protests to the contrary. However, Christians born into a Christian home don't even become Christian until some other event happens.
I can't speak for Christians or Muslims, but Judaism is more about our obligations to God than about His obligation us. When converting to Judaism, one must agree to certain obligations, depending on the denomination -- Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, etc.
In case you're wondering, that's what the word "testament" means -- contract/covenant. There are always two parties to a "testament." In the "Old Testament" God's holy people are bound by 613 commandments. As I understand Christianity, Jesus changed that to only 10 commandments, or according to some, to only loving ones neighbor.
2006-09-14 07:40:00 · answer #2 · answered by Hatikvah 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Throughout history in every part of the world religion had been an obligation. From birth you were forced upon pain of death to practice the religion of your parents, whether the worship of the Egyptian pantheon, the Babylonian, the Roman or wherever you lived. Plato was executed for turning his students from their religious obligations.
Ancient Christians were executed not for monotheism per se (Jews were fine by the Romans, as long as they kept it to themselves) but for 'atheism'. In the view of the Roman pagans, Christians did not believe in gods, among whom very importantly was the Emperor himself.
But beginning 500 years ago in one part of the world something remarkable began: religious freedom. At first (After the 30 Years War) you would have been allowed to practice only the religion of your local ruler.
Then later in England that was extended to any sort of Protestantism, even 'Dissenters' who did not practice in the manner of the Official Church of England, which was unheard of in world history.
Here in Colonial America it became possible by the 18th century to hold any set of beliefs or none, and while the constitution originally would have allowed individual states to have a recognized religion (Episcopalian in Virginia perhaps, Catholic on the other side of the Potomac) this was never put into practice. The government was secular from the start.
What has driven this? Christians, who recognizing they cannot all agree, agreed to disagree and leave all in peace to follow the dictates of their hearts. Even if those should amount to none.
Now, in all modern nations, there is no obligation to practice any religion or practice any particular way. With some notable exceptions.
You have Christians to thank for your ability to be an atheist and not be forced to swallow hemlock as was Plato or beheaded like Paul or put in prison like so many others. Secularism and religious freedom are Protestant inventions.
2006-09-14 07:09:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should be a choice, once it become nothing more than an obligation then it means nothing. I choose to serve God, and have never felt obligated to do so.
2006-09-14 05:32:42 · answer #4 · answered by Venus M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I live in a secular nation (France) where every citizen has the choice between "no-religion" and "religion".
My personal choice is "no-religion" and nobody forced me to do that choice.
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There are many religious countries in which citizens are obliged to choose religion, and especially the national religion.
I am glad I am not a citizen of such countries.
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In my view, every human should be free to choose between "no-religion" and "religion".
2006-09-14 05:39:06 · answer #5 · answered by Axel ∇ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It should be a choice made when old enough to understand the concepts. Unfortunately most religions indoctrinate young children at a very early age.
2006-09-14 05:32:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Religion itself is a choice; however once you choose your religion, depending on which one you choose, you may be obligated to practice your faith in specific ways.
2006-09-14 05:31:45 · answer #7 · answered by grisgris0905 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is definitely a choice, but as far as Christianity goes... If you are a Christian you are obligated to spread the gospel.
2006-09-14 05:32:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Idealy it should be a choice but mostly it ends up being an obligation.
2006-09-14 05:32:59 · answer #9 · answered by ash_m_79 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Should be a choice but if your Taliban or born again Christian its your obligation try to force your ideology on everyone.
2006-09-14 05:37:14 · answer #10 · answered by looking4ziza 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋