Has anyone done in depth research on the religion they practice before they started practicing it?

Answer 1

I made sure to do the indepth stuff shortly after starting. I think it's a shame when I hear of those that practice a belief system, but they haven't even read the source material. How can you honestly represent what you don't even know?

Answer 2

I did. I feel that if I'm going to spend time on something I want to know that its true. I became one of Jehovah's Witnesses because of all the religions the world has to offer, its the only one that is based on the Bible's teachings and its the only one that is reasonable and logical in explaining why we're here, what we're supposed to do while we're here and where we're heading. All the teachings are backed up by Scripture and its people are the only ones I've seen who try to live in a manner that is beneficial to ALL people.

I researched the various religions of the world, checking their beliefs and ruling out those that were unreasonable or illogical. Those that remained were Judaism and Christianity. Since Chistianity is based on Judaism, I started there and found that they were waiting for a Messiah. Then realized after much examination of Jesus' life and works that he was the Messiah they were searching for. Once I had narrowed it down to Christianity, I looked at the teachings of the various branches of Christianity. Many have teachings and traditions from paganism, so I discounted those since, according the the base-religion of Judaism God did not want his people mixing their beliefs with those of the surrounding nations. This led me to eliminate any religion that believes that God is a trinity since Judaism is a monothesitic faith and does not believe in a trinitarian God. The Bible says that God does not change, therefore it doesn't make sense for God to be one in the Hebrew Scriptures but three in the Greek scriptures. The deciding factor was Jesus' own words at John 13:35, which says: "By this all will know that you are my disciples, IF YOU HAVE LOVE AMONG YOURSELVES."

Nowhere else on earth will you find people more loving and concerned with others. In fact, Jehovah's Witnesses go door to door BECAUSE they are concerned about others and want them to have the opportunity to make changes to their lives in order to bring themselves in harmony with God's will before he brings destruction on those who refuse to do so. Think about how many hours JWs VOLUNTEER to knock on doors of unresponsive, often rude and inconsiderate people who ridicule them. This fulfills two more prophecies that Jesus gave regarding those that were his true followers: 1) the world would hate them because it hated Jesus first, and 2) the good news of God's kingdom WILL be preached as a witness for all the nations and THEN the end will come.

So to sum up ... YES, someone has done in depth research on the religion they practice before they started practicing it. :)

Answer 3

Absolutely. It was important to me that my religion stuck closely to what the Bible teaches. There are many false teachings in religions. Many do not even know what the Bible really teaches.
There are also many lies told about my religion. However, through research, I have found the lies to be just that...Lies. I am a very logical person and I wanted a religion that makes sense. One that explains what our purpose in life is. Why we are here. Why there is so much suffering in the world today. I found it.
http://watchtower.org/library/jt/index.htm

Answer 4

have taken some religious belief practices from many different sources including Oriental, Jewish, Christian, Native American and other Ancient Ways, along with others and have combined what I feel is the best from each into my own personal form of Christian based belief system which works for me. what works for me would seriously doubt work for others because of my personal idiosyncrasies. and yes I did some serious research before combining these various belief systems.

Answer 5

All of Jehovah's Witnesses have to study the bible before they can be baptized.

I personally studied 8 months, and it was by attending an Easter Service in a different church that finally convinced me that the Jehovah's Witnesses taught the truth.

Answer 6

I have looked into and read the books and histories of most of the major religions today. and some of the religions past. That is why I'm an atheist.

Answer 7

No one does any research. We simply follow what other elders in the family do. Question of research will arise if he ever doubts the practices in his religion.

Answer 8

I do not practice religion, I worship my savior who sacrificed himself for me. If you have a bible, have been born again, and ask God, He will direct you in your worship. Tons of Christians who are persecuted have no system to follow, they are constantly in hiding, yet they worship God. They had no time to research anything, God spoke to their Heart the repented, accepted Him and began to follow. When God finds you, there is no more need to research.

Answer 9

i was raised as a catholic, but as i learned more about it, and grew old enough to think for myself, i stopped being a catholic. now, im still searching for a religion that is right for me.

and maybe i will find out that the search itself is enough to give meaning to my life. "only time will tell and tell time accurately." (ty rob dobbs).

Answer 10

Yes...I went to a First Baptist Christian school when I was younger. Strangely enough, coming to this site, and reading what Christians say, is what made me question whether or not Jesus was who he said he was..