I come from a non-religious family who say I'm crazy, because I've always been an atheist. Now I want to join a religion, but what do I do next?
What are the rules for joining? Can I be a muslim or christian or hindu or jew or what? I don't want anything too wacky, no disrespect to voodoos and whatever. I don't know, what are you guys and how did you choose?
2007-01-30 04:04:51 · 6 answers · asked by The Smuggler 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Does it really matter? You seem to have the mentality for it, pick an ancient book, kill a chicken and roll around on the floor speaking in tongue and there will be a magic sky daddy looking down on you with joy because you are so special. Y!A looks to be getting back on track, so I'm sure there will be plenty of people here to convert you soon.
2007-01-30 04:27:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Always start with a prayer to God, ask Him to lead you where He wants you to be, If you don't feel like you get an answer look around your neighborhood and find a church they are all over the place, you will know if you are in the right place by the way it feels to you. Buy a Bible and study to develop a sense of you what you might believe from it. Then you can study other religions but again always be in prayer to God first if you are quiet and wait on Him He will lead you where He wants you. I will say a prayer for you.
2007-01-30 12:46:11 · answer #2 · answered by Mary B 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Peace and blessings be upon you!
I'm NOT going to tell you to become a Muslim (I'm Muslim myself) since this question requires thinking on YOUR part.
But I'd like to say that the Quran, which is the Holy Book that Muslims are to turn to for guidance, says:
"There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah (God) hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah (God) is Hearer, Knower" (Quran, 2:256).
I hope you'll take a few mins of your precious time to read the rest.
As I said, you get the finaly say no matter which religioneveryone else suggests to you. You're to research the truth (and nothing BUT the truth) about those religions (Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, etc. etc.), and then decide which is the Truth; you'll know the Truth once you see it, trust me. And do know that the Truth of God makese sense; meaning, ALL His guidelines/rules make sooo much sense when you realize that He knows you very well so He tells you what to do and what not to do--for YOUR benefit only.
Ignore what your family (or anyone else) says about you or your beliefs. You can't please everyone; if you really wanna become a True being, you've to understand that your ultimate goal should be to please God because, in the end, that's ALL that matters.
Islam, my personal religion with which I'm more than satisfied, happy, and in peace, teaches us the easiest and most beautiful ways of pleasing our Creator (God, or Allah in Arabic). Muslims, the followers of Islam, believe that you should get what you deserve, that you're responsible for your deeds/actions. The only difference is, we Muslims believe that God is MOST Forgiving and He forgives VERY easily. When you're forgiven, consider yourself a pure newborn human since ALLLLL your previous sins are washed away COMPLETELY.
The Quran teaches us that rewards are most often satisfying and great when you work hard; that ALL you have to do in order to gain Salvation is to be good to others; take care of yourself and of others; be kind especially to your parents, elderlies, and children; greet others with the most beautiful greeting you can come up with; move a stick or stone or rock from the pathway so that no one trips on it; smile at others, even if you're angry at them, because you don't know how your smile will affect the person seeing your smile...and do all these things and other good deeds only to attain God's mercy.... That's what a true Muslim is all about. When you understand Islam further, you'll realize that Someone created you, and that Someone is God. And you'll also realize that, because He's your creator and bestowed infinite blesings upon you (just look around you, that's all), you must thank Him and worship Him in return.... And you'll also understand that because He created you, He knows EVERYTHING about you... what's good for you and what's bad for you, included. So there are no "rules" for you but mere "guidelines" set for you to live your life happily, successfully, and peacefully.
As for the "rules for joining"... unlike most other religions, Islam doesn't have certain rituals or baptism by religious groups or individuals. All you need to do is to declare the Testimony, which is, "I testify that there is no one worthy of being worshipped except God, and Muhammad is His (Last) prophet."
Once you establish this testimony, this pure belief in your heart, then you can proceed onto the rest of the pillars of Islam.
One VERY important thing: "Islam" is an Arabic word that means "Submission to the Will of God" (it also literally means "peace"-- ever heard someone saying "Salam"? It means peace.) "Muslim" in Arabic means "someone who submits to the Will of God".
Also, if you doubt the Quran in any way, check its scientific teachings. It coincides PERFECTLY with science, and you'll see in it what we Muslims call scientific miralces. The Quran was revealed in the 7th century, but it has sooo much scientific knowledge that even non-Muslim scientists are not understanding how it can be (since back then, no one had today's scientific knowledge). I can explain further if you wish to know.
Hmm..... Now that you know what Islam is all about, the choice is all yours, buddy! :D And if you still have questions, don't hesitate to IM/Email me any time.
Peace and blessings be upon you, and May you be guided to the Right Path!
2007-01-30 13:12:00 · answer #3 · answered by ♡♥ sHaNu ♥♡ 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The Bible teach's that those who seek the truth will find him. The truth is revealed to those who seek and the ones who love the truth will find him. I would say step one is realizing your need for God. Step two seeking this truth with all of your heart through his word and in prayer and meditation...the Bible teachs that these receive the gift of faith through faith comes revealtion of God where a man comes to a personal relationship with him. We are all sinners in need of a righteous God. John 3:16 tells us For God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him will not perish but have everlasting life.
2007-01-30 17:38:45 · answer #4 · answered by djmantx 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Read and Study
As a Christian we believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
And it is only through faith and not deeds that you recieve salvation. Start with a nondenominational church and go from there.
2007-01-30 12:26:23 · answer #5 · answered by TULSA 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I agree with Today. You should be a Christian.
2007-01-30 12:37:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋