Do you believe that people should be forced into a single religion, or allowed to choose what faith they wish to practice?
Let's word this another way. I never felt comfortable or right in the Lutheran faith, the religion my parents tried to force me into at an early age. When I was old enough to understand religion, I decided to follow the Druidic religion. People say I'm wrong for not staying as a Lutheran and that I should switch back or be condemned. Would you force someone like me into a religion I don't wish to be a part of, or would you be happy to let me find my own path?
Personally, I feel the act of finding the religion one does or doesn't belong to is part of finding one's self. I'm not saying people should be banned from spreading information about their faith, but should refrain from the "You're going to hell for your faith," comments.
So what do you think? Religion: accept it through force, or the right to choose?
2007-01-29 10:06:32 · 16 answers · asked by lavos1412 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
This was brought about when I was eating lunch today near the University. Some guy sat down and shoved a pamphlet at me while I was enjoying my fried chicken. He asked me if I was saved. I said "through the Druid faith, yes." He said that if I didn't switch faiths that I'd be cast into flames. I shrugged and said "as long as I'm allowed to enjoy my meal in peace," and slid his booklet back to him. So I guess I'm tired of people preaching to me, rather than teaching. I'd rather get the "This is how our religion works" talks than the "Join or burn" comments. People should be allowed to make their own choices when it comes to religion.
2007-01-29 10:12:00 · update #1
YEP YEP!!
100% true. I was Christian because I was born into a Christian family, it wasn't exactly forced onto me, but now i've found my own path everyone respects me for it.... and i feel so much better believing what i want.
You're exactly right, religion is a personal thing, something to find yourself....You shouldn't believe to "fit in" or because you were forced 2. Believe whats in your heart and what is best for you
Congrats on finding your own
2007-01-29 10:12:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Religion should definitely not be accepted by force! The idea, at least in Christian traditions, so far as I understand them, is that God created free will. It stands to reason that God would not have allowed mankind free will if he was against personal choice. If a person cannot choose, if there is no other option given--is the action that results genuine? Of course not.
If my children believed that they had to love me or I would kill them out of spite, then, the "love" I experience from them isn't really love it is fear/survival masquerading as love.
To my mind, it makes natural sense that any Creator or higher power would want nothing but that which is genuine, true and real.
I'm a former Lutheran, too. I've been trying Catholicism, but, I've run into some road blocks of judgemental overbearing people there, too. It makes me question and detracts from the good people I have met. That is the thing about religion, so many good people yet the bad ones (of ANY group--you know, the ones in each group that beat you over the head with their dogmas and their alleged righteousness over everyone else) stick out like sore thumbs--repulsing anyone who comes close.
Every group has them--even the atheists have them! Imagine that! Evangelical atheists! But, it is true. They are in every group.
I don't think a loving God would want you to choose him out of fear but out of respect. Just like a good parent wants your respect more than your fear. Good luck finding your way.
Kind of a weird analogy but, have you ever seen A Clockwork Orange? The lead character is a criminal reformed by more-or-less brainwashing. He gets sick whenever he thinks of violence. Then, eventually, the brainwashing wears off and he doesn't get sick anymore. The change wasn't genuine. It was forced by self-interest in physical comfort vs. doing the violent action. So, in the end the lead character ends up the same scummy thug he was to begin with.
Forced change isn't real change. Real change has to evolve and become rooted in that person--become a part of their being after many periods of personal growth.
Sure, anyone can convert at the tip of a sword, but, in that person's heart...they're still the same. Brainwashing religion isn't any different. It is fake, not real.
2007-01-29 18:33:24 · answer #2 · answered by Charlie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course people should be allowed to choose their own faith (or lack of). Forcing someone into a religion is foolish and certainly doesn't mean that they believe (or could live by) its tenets.
People of some religions feel the need to force their beliefs onto everyone. While I respect the fact that they believe so deeply, I think they need to respect other's views as well.
The real truth is that no one knows which (if any) religion is the 'right' one. Choose that which is best for you.
2007-01-29 18:25:19 · answer #3 · answered by crista 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Religion should always be by choice. God created us with free will so that we might desire to love him, not be forced into it. I have my beliefs about the "true religion" which actually isn't a religion at all. But anyway, i encourage people to share my love for my God...not force them with comments like "ur goin to hell cause u don't believe one thing or another". That only causes people to not want a religion at all! My advice to you is to pray to the real God for the truth. Trust me...he wont give you propaganda.
2007-01-29 18:17:24 · answer #4 · answered by Milly 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There's only two kinds of religion: impure and pure.
http://www.godshew.org/RevelatorySermons7.htm
Impure religion is like a popsicle with 1000s of flavors.
Many are the bewitched who 'chose' a favorite flavor.
Many others 'believe' all paths eventually lead to God.
But a God plural "paths" lead to is Law: sin and death.
So the objective isn't to "believe", but rather to "know".
Ye shall know the truth & the truth shall make you free.
Knowing the truth makes you free of believing the lies.
Knowing his grace makes you free of believing the laws.
The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ with you all. Amen.
2007-01-29 19:03:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No one should be forced to accept any religion. Everyone must choose their own path in life.
2007-01-29 18:15:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, noone should be forced to take a religion on. And those who do force people to convert to any religion should be ashamed of themselves and tortured! Okay, sorry kinda getting too ahead of myself...
2007-01-29 18:11:55 · answer #7 · answered by princessofpop1983 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think that people should be a part of whatever religion they want to be a part of by their own choice and not by force as it's something that they have to believe in and it's their life and should be their choice as you said that religion is a part of a person's life therefore it should be their choice
2007-01-29 18:18:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hey, choose whatever religion, superstition or whatever you like, that's a completely personal affair, and those that want to know have too much time on their hands
2007-01-29 18:13:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, the Qur'an teaches, quote "Let there be no compulsion in religion", so I would go by that.
People should never be forced to join a religion.
2007-01-29 18:10:06 · answer #10 · answered by darth_maul_8065 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋