Everyone says they have the true religion. But what determines what religion you are. I think it has more to do with where you are born and who your parents are. If I was born in the middle east I would prob. be Muslim. So if it is so random what can it really matter?
2007-03-07 22:54:38 · 12 answers · asked by Tammy 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
you're quite right, your religion is predominantly determined by whatever's predominant in the region where you live.
some seemingly different religions actually worship the same god, such as christianity and judaism ... the difference being that jews don't recognise christ as the messiah.
it could be argued that the fact there are so many religions is proof enough that none of them are true and right, to say that "mine" is better than "yours" other is a little egotistical.
what people fail to accept or understand is that religions are constructed by men, not by gods. men draft the writings and determine the teachings, men dictate the values and penalties.
these men will say they're acting on instruction from a higher power, but why do we believe them just because they came from so long ago? if someone approached you in the street and said that you should adopt a life of poverty because they'd been told to tell you by a higher power would you believe them? not likely ... you'd think they were nuts.
the fact is that all religion stems from an original naivete and lack of understanding far back in our history ... we didn't understand science or how things worked, and so attributed these marvellous things to some all powerful deity.
look at how we laugh at sun worshipping tribes who think our sun is "god" when we know it's just a star - sure it gives light and life, but it's just a star, not a controlling, sentient entity ... other 'god' worshippers are no different.
religions were created by men as control mechanisms for the masses. a religion is really just a set of rules and a framework for good living, with the threat of punishment from an all powerful being. imagine living in a bygone age without a true understanding of the universe, and genuinely believing that if you misbehaved you'd be struck down by an unseen omnipotent being ... you'd have no frame of reference for how ridiculous that concept was, and thus you'd be utterly terrified. therefore people followed these rules, and the leaders of these religions essentially ruled through fear without actually having to be tyrants ... whilst conveniently telling their flock it was god's wish that they donate to the religion for the greater good, thus making these men very rich.
look at the catholic faith for a good example, it has ruled by fear and intimidation through it's whole existence, remember the spanish inquisition? heretics have been known to be burned at the stake ... does that fit with what you think a benevolent god would want? think about it.
look also at the edifices of the catholic religion, there are many huge and impressive gold and jewel encrusted cathedrals and monuments in countries where poverty and disease are rife ... to see these buildings while the poor starve and suffer is diabolical, utterly disgusting, and nothing short of reprehensible.
the catholic spanish invaded south america, converted them to their religion, and stole all their gold ... in the name of spain and the catholic faith. shocking.
eh, sorry about the rant, but yes religion is pretty much dictated by where you live and what your parents believe ... and it's mostly nonsense contrived by men with questionable intentions hundreds or thousands of years ago.
that's not to say religion is necessarily a bad thing, implemented correctly it is a good framework to teach people good values, to help each other, and so on ... but you don't need religion to be a good person.
i think people should think for themselves.
2007-03-07 23:18:52 · answer #1 · answered by brightspark 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hindu's, Christians, Jews and Muslims are more the same then they are different. It is only the radicals in each of these religions that preach that their way is the only way. Many people believe that their way is the only way. I don't think that is true. I think even God doesn't care much about that either.
One can say that, for example, the American Indians, Indians of South America had no religion. Or worshiped false Gods.
I do not believe that to be true. If they worshiped the Sun, then they were acknowledging that an Almighty force was there.
Same with the Moon, stars, etc.
Personally, I think the idea of so-called pagan gods are not relevant in the eyes of God. What is relevant is that whatever religion one is, that an Almighty being is there, and if that being, to them is a statue, a monument, the Sun, the Moon, still that is showing a one and only God Almighty. The most religious of us all, even the Pope can not say what God looks like. Even if one worships "Mother Nature", isn't that a creation of God and Godly?
So to answer your question: No it doesn't matter what religion anyone is, I don't think.
2007-03-08 07:25:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tammy, it really doesn't matter at all what religion a person is. As you've said, place of birth is a random event and determines for the most part what religion it is that you will likely embrace. In some parts of the world, this same "luck of the draw" may predispose one to practice no religion at all. For others, it's a personal choice made after much thought and contemplation.
What matters in this life is that you be a good person, do the best you can, try to leave the world a little better than you found it, and harm no one.
2007-03-08 07:02:03 · answer #3 · answered by iamnoone 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sure does. People believe in a particular religion because they believe it to be true. The problem is that there is only one truth. The religion that people believe, that corresponds with the reality of truth (whether you believe it or not) is the true religion. If people didn't think their religion was true, they wouldn't fight about it. The reason they fight, is because they believe the other person is believing a lie. Unfortunately, some take that personally and try to badger instead of persuade. That causes fights.
2007-03-08 07:02:45 · answer #4 · answered by Cheryl Durham, Ph.D. 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No it doesnt... everyone is different, and the religion is just a beliefe it doesnt change who u r. It might a little but u r still who u r. A person is who he is from the inside not from the religion :)
2007-03-08 07:00:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it matters which religion you are. I think what matters is how you live your life. I think if you live your life to the best of your ability and you do as much good as you possibly can,then I think you have just as good a chance at heaven as anyone else.
2007-03-08 07:16:46 · answer #6 · answered by LeeAnna32 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I felt Jesus come into my heart when I gave it to Him.That is the difference.I do not believe in so called religion.But i know what I experienced
2007-03-08 07:02:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
True Religion, is what is right for YOU.
2007-03-08 07:00:44 · answer #8 · answered by Kerilyn 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you must have missed all those religious wars we have had over the past 2000 years.
2007-03-08 07:11:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion isn't as important as your relationship with Jesus Christ.
2007-03-08 06:59:04 · answer #10 · answered by lilmama 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋