about a different religion? and how did it effect you?
2007-01-07 14:34:27 · 12 answers · asked by sam 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I have read numerous books... the effect is the truth starts to illuminate your mind as you see "how" and where it is hidden in ALL.
There is nothing that will remain hidden or uncovered if you look long enough.
2007-01-07 14:40:35 · answer #1 · answered by James 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have read, studied and research many books on religion. And I am currently attending a Christian College.
My conclusion is: Christianity is the one true religion. The simple truth is that Christianity is the only true religion. Jesus said that He alone was the way to the Father (John 14:6), that He alone revealed the Father (Matt. 11:27; Luke 10:22). Christians do not go around saying Christianity is the only way because they are arrogant, narrow-minded, stupid, and judgmental. They do so because they believe what Jesus said. They believe in Jesus, who claimed to be God (John 8:58; Exodus 3:14), who forgave sins (Mark 2:5; Luke 5:20; 7:48), and who rose from the dead (Luke 24:24-29; John 2:19f). Jesus said that He was the only way. Jesus is unique. He was either telling the truth, He was crazy, or He was a liar. But since everyone agrees that Jesus was a good man, how then could He be both good and crazy, or good and a liar? He had to be telling the truth. He is the only way.
Christianity is not just a religion; it is a relationship with God. It is a trusting in Jesus and what He did on the cross (1 Cor. 15:1-4), not on what you can do for yourself (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Buddha didn't rise from the dead, nor did Confucius or Zoroaster. Muhammad didn't fulfill detailed prophecy. Alexander the Great didn't raise the dead or heal the sick. And though there is far less reliable information written about them, they are believed in.
The scripture is right when it says in 1 Pet. 2:7-8, "This precious value, then, is for you who believe. But for those who disbelieve, 'The stone which the builders rejected, this became the very corner stone,' and, 'A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense'; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed." (NASB).
The effect is a closer relationship with Jesus and I am saved.
Praise God.
2007-01-07 14:43:56 · answer #2 · answered by Jo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have, and it did not effect my opinions at all. The reason? Like most religious people, I was dogmatic about my own religious beliefs and read those other books through the eyes of that dogma.
When the book said something I agreed with, or more correctly that agreed with what I already believed, I said, "Yeah, that author knows what he's talking about!" When it said something that didn't line up with my own beliefs, I thought the writer was ignorant at best, heretical at worst. That is the way most people, particularly religious people (regardless of their religion), read books that challenge their beliefs.
Then as I got older, I thought "You know, maybe I don't actually have all the answers, maybe I should actually LISTEN to other viewpoints and evaluate them for myself, honestly, and not shaded by my own preconceived notions." And you kinow what? I found a world of truth out there that I never knew existed.
I hope that helps, and encourages you to challenge your own beliefs and honestly evaluate what others have to say. All the truth in the world is not in a particular holy book, nor in the teachings of a single faith.
Best of luck to you on your journey!
2007-01-07 14:45:15 · answer #3 · answered by Don P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like emmapeel66, reading works from other religions only confirmed to me how similar they are. When I teach World Literature, I make sure to include readings from *many* different cultures--we touch on the Old Testament *and* prayers of Sumerian priestesses and Egyptian Pharaohs. We read part of the New Testament *and* the Koran. People are people.
2007-01-07 16:34:07 · answer #4 · answered by Vaughn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I've read several. It made me realize that the world's religions have a lot more in common than many people realize or perhaps want to admit. It also convinced me that religion is a societal thing with each religion tailored to each particular society.
2007-01-07 14:37:12 · answer #5 · answered by Purdey EP 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I read books on other religions frequently and gain from each one. In some cases it helps me clarify my own beliefs and in others raises more questions for further research.
Knowledge comes from a variety of sources.
2007-01-07 14:39:01 · answer #6 · answered by o_s_c_c 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I read the Bible; wasn't impressed. So I researched other religions. After much reading, I decided that organized religion is just too complicated. Now, I'm just happy being me.
2007-01-07 14:37:21 · answer #7 · answered by jill45690 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have, and I still believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven John 14:6. Jesus' claims about Divinity and his countless miracles to support those claims (resurrection) are no match for any other religious figure in history. The bible is unique in its prophecy and compelation even though it was written by 40 writers, took 1600 years to complete, in 3 languages, 3 continents, yet it flows smoothly throughout, cause I believe it was inspired by God.
2007-01-07 14:36:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Done it a few times. Makes me think - has made me question things, changed my views but has never made me change my religion. I think it is good to question and grow.
2007-01-07 14:38:19 · answer #9 · answered by kiki 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've read many religious books - that's partly why I'm an atheist
2007-01-07 14:37:32 · answer #10 · answered by Dr. Brooke 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋