Which religion should I choose?

Question

I am not really happy with life and I thought I would try a religion. I was raised without any teaching of religion though so don't know where to start. What religion are you? What are the primary teachings and are you happy with your life? There are so many I don't know which to turn to first.

Wow! That's an interesting link Don. I didn't know that anyone thought that yoga was bad. I really need to look into things more and understand what religion is about.

Answer 1

I'm not going to answer your question with some dead end, join my belief banter, or even attempt to stop you going for anothers.
Instead I'm going to answer your question with a question, 'why choose?', why must a person feel the need to be directly connected with a religion and follow it, even if they don't fully believe in what it stands for.
I shall be honest, I was once where you are now. I used to consider myself christian beacuase everyone else seemed to. However as I got older and did some research into religion (which is also my study topic), I found myself forming my own beliefs which didn't coincide with any religions I knew of.
However later it turned out that I shared the same Ideals as theravada buddhism, and it is of course this which I now consider myself to be.
So my advice to you is, think about what your own beliefs are, 'do you believe in a god?', 'if so, one or multiple?', 'do you wish to follow traditions?' or 'do you want rigid or flexible teachings and beliefs?' etc... and then once you have got your beliefs sorted out in your own head, then have a look around at the different religions and see if any of them agree with you, not the other way round. That way you shall find a religion that you truely believe in and shall enjoy following.
Also however remember that if you do not find a religion that matches your beliefs, then you can just believe what you want, maybe even name your own god and follow your own teachings, like a personal religion, It's your choice, good luck.

Answer 2

Only you can answer that question. Do some research on major and minor organized religions and see which ones match up to your personal knowledge, philosophy and are harmonious with what you know to be the facts or what you believe to be the truth. There are no rules that say your religion has to fit an organized outline created by another human being. Other human beings are no more divine than you are.
Even within a religion there are many differing positions to consider. For example, there are numerous Christian Bibles to consider. They can look the same on the surface but one line in one Bible can say the exact opposite thing that another says by the omission or different positioning of one word. It is amazing when you take the time to compare them line for line. Be sure that you go in with your eyes wide open.
Some find that no organized religion is aligned with their own personal experiences, knowledge, truths and philosphies and they can find contentment in just knowing that they are not being hypocritical and in knowing that they are good people. Some can fulfill the need for a sense of community through other organizations that do good works outside of an organized religious environment.
Good luck in finding your religion. Religion is a very personal matter and should be respected as such. We all look for the causes and reasons for all the randomness in this world. For some the answer is religion, organized or not. Others just accept the randomness as just that, and marvel at the wonderous order that is found in the Universe and beyond.

Answer 3

Yes you CAN pick one that fits you. In fact you should! You're in a unique position in that you can come into this without any preconceptions.

You can start somewhere like beliefnet. I don't suggest you just go with whatever comes up, but for one thing, the test will cause you to think about what you really believe. And it'll give you some leads to religions that might work for you. With your results, start researching!

And for whatever it's worth, you might want to avoid any religion that suggests yoga is bad. Don't become a lunatic!

Answer 4

Why don't you go to church read a book is any religion good maybe just the way you are is best all wars in the world terrorism is religious based god is one icon no matter what he is all around and you don't need a church or religion to be religious basic fundamentals help people be non judgemental and fair is the way to go take up a religion and all that goes you start to believe things that are not always right be you religion is best Dave

Answer 5

If you are unhappy with life,chosing a Religion is not really the answer.Life does not change overnight once you embrace any particular faith.
Understandably,you did not have any primary teachings on religion.This is a plus factor in your choice and should not be influenced by anyone.You should make a calculated choice once you have explored the various faiths.You may do this after reading basic literature on the various religion.Go with whatever appeals to you.
You will only notice a change in life once you have embraced and have conviction in the faith.

Answer 6

Perhaps first decide whether ot not you think there is an "ultimate single creator". If your decision gives you a yes, then try to establish a dialogue with that creator. He/she/It may then guide you.
My result from this was Wicca which is one of the most human religions. Christianity was rejected because of the number of low-level intellects who get involved and spend all ouf their time spouting saccharine drivel about sons (and therefore presumably daughters) of god. Mohommedanism was rejected because of its sheer violence and brutality - all sanctioned by the koran, to say nothing of the attempts to rewrite history to get rid of the unpalatable bits. The mormons - just another foolish sect who made Brigham Young and Joseph Smith very wealthy men who died of probable sexual exhaustion. Buhddism - not bad, but not really a religion at all, hinduism - too tied up with multiple trunks and tusks, and finally Judaism - the only other contender. Rational (within its own terms) and thinking and filled with doubt.
Take your pick but avoid cults and fools.

Answer 7

If you choose any religion you will not be happy; because you are just adding more junk to your already unhappy condition.

If, on the other hand, God has called you by dashing a few of your hopes; you may have a chance for eternal life in Christ.

I recommend that you read a book written by a Christian who from 1920 to 1972 served the Lord Jesus in China. So sure was he of his life in Christ; that he spent the last 20 years of that life in prison. The first couple of pages of this book will give you the keys to real life.

No creed but Christ. No law but love. Am I happy. Yes.
Remember, there is plenty of religion to go around but not much in the way of real life, real truth or real joy. I pray that you find all three.

Answer 8

There are some things in life that are beyond rationalism, because they are decisions made by our heart, not our head. You can research religions as much as you like, but unless they strike some chord in your heart, they will be so much theory.

Many cultures have their own way of reaching spirtual enlightenment. I would suggest you try something like this.

Set aside a day, cancel everything else you are planning to do that day. Go to someplace in the countryside, whatever you feel most comfortable with. that may be a field, seaside, hilltop or mountaintop. Take a large bottle of water and something simple to eat.

How ever you want to do this, shout speak or just think, say "God, I am here. I am looking for you. If you exist, please let me know. Speak to my heart and allow me to hear you."

Then just wait. You will get many thoughts in your head. Try to dismiss those that are just a distraction. God will reveal Himself to you, but probably not the way you expect Him to. It may be something there, or somebody you meet, or some realisation or revelation may come to you. I cannot predict how God will answer in your case.

When God speaks to your heart, then you will know which faith to choose, and it will be your choice, not one that has been forced on you or the result of an argument.

Answer 9

I see by your question that you are lost in a world of your own creating. You must release your search for a religion and let it find you. When you find out who you are inside, you will have your religion and then you will be able to find others that think and believe like you. Religion is not an apple that can be plucked from a tree. Don't worry about Jesus or Buddha. Only you can find the path to accepting who you are and accepting the world around you. Rule of thumb that I follow: only accept advice from people who tell you to think for yourself.

Answer 10

You have to do a lot of research. Prepare some tough questions and test the people of knowlege from each religion. If one able to give the right answers, give him more tough questions until you are very convince. Be sincere and God will lead you to Him.

You can always start with the major religion first.