How have you obtained the knowledge that you have about religions? Both your own and others?

Answer 1

I was raised Catholic, but, in my senior year of high school, we had to study a bit on comparitive religions. Had this hard butt Jesuit teaching who told us that whatever religion we were, we should be a good follower of that faith. That started me on the road to discovery.

I've read a lot...internet wasn't available in those days. I find the subject of religion fascinating. I love to read the ancient manuscripts and wish more of them were translated. Bottom line, although practices, worship, and dogmas may differ, it all boils down to living a moral, ethical life and loving God. Of course, these lessons are taught through elaborate stories, etc.

Answer 2

I look them up in an encyclopedia so I can get an unbiased, unemotional, understanding of what the religion is, how it began, who started it and what has changed with the religion in the last few years. If a religion has changed a lot within the past few years, because of cultural pressure I tend to stay away from it, because I know it is just pandering to the culture for whatever reason. Truth to me is usually outside of culture. You can have a culture reflect some truth, I must say though, but usually, it won't have a standard of truth.

Then, if I am truly curious, I start reading on it. And I start questioning. I may read up on something for about 6 months before I have made a decision. I will go to a few meetings and see what is going on. How does it feel? Is the worship focused on God, or on myself? Are they trying to get me to make decisions emotionally, by the music or preaching? Are they using hypnotic methods of conversion, repeated words, or phrases, keeping the music repeating itself for a long time. Music that seems to be liken to a movie score, heightening anxiety in some places, and bringing relief in other in it's soothing quality? Is there any decency or order in the service, do people respect your personal space, and not assume that they can just touch you and pray for you right there on the spot? I am really adamant about people I don't know, not touching me, or praying for me. I have had to remove a hand that was laid upon me, and say sweetly, "No, thankyou, until I know you, you may not touch me." Those that are offended by this, are not even remotely holy and you wouldn't want them touching you anyway.

So, after searching for years, and being decieved for years. I finally found a faith that up until a few years ago, I had never heard of. My family does not understand it, but that is ok, I don't force it on anyone.

But even though I am solid in what I believe, I still read about other religions and try to figure out what the appeal is. I am facinated at how much truth of my church is out in the world in various forms. Especially Taoism has many spiritual truths in it. I do indeed believe that Christ Jesus is the Eternal Tao, and I am challenged by the amazing commitment people have to their various faiths. It really is inspiring.

Answer 3

Sunday school classes as a kid, regular RE lessons at school, just Christian RE of course, no chance of finding out about any other religion. Church up to teenager, along with teachings from church elders.
This was all Christian stuff. Then later when I 'just knew' none of that stuff could possibly be for real,I read many other 'holy' books from many other religions, all very interesting stuff, which required a lot of answers from my Christian teachers.but pretty obviously all complete BS, (that is the answers I was getting and all the other religions)..
So at the tender age of around 17 I was an atheist, and havent looked back since.

Answer 4

Through independent and course study I have gained knowledge on Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Judiasm. I am a seeker of truth, and an Agnostic.

Answer 5

Most of what I know about my faith (Christian) was revealed to my by the Holy Spirit. The Bible confirmed these beleifs upon reading it. I'd do something not knowing why, a week later I would come to it in the Bible and realize why I was led in a direction. This happened countless times right after I was "born again"

Since it went that way for me, its super easy to believe.

Also I learned a bit through sermons and other believers since I have started attending services.

Thanks for asking, good Q!!

Answer 6

It is more important to know the true and living God than just religion. As a Christian I have the Spirit of God living inside of me to confirm to me that I am a child of God and that God is real. I know God by Him revealing Himself to me in my spirit. This is real knowledge.

Answer 7

Mainly the local library. The internet also, but not as much.

Answer 8

Wikipedia is a good place to start off i guess

Answer 9

Going to a bible based church. Talking with others. Reading the bible. Praying, Praying, Praying. Jesus is the way the truth and the life. I accepted Jesus. There is nothing more that your relation with God through Jesus Christ.

Answer 10

Internet, books and talking with people.