How can anyone truly believe in any religion, when a person's religion is determined by their culture?

Question

People who were raised in Christian societies tend to be Christian, people raised in Muslim societies tend to be Muslim, etc. Doesn't this show that a person's faith is not based on that person's intelligent judgment that his chosen faith makes more sense than other religions, but is simply due to the chance circumstances of where and by whom he was born and raised? Doesn't this show the silliness of religious belief?

I love all the answers saying that at a certain age, people do their own "investigation." Isn't it interesting that the investigation of people raised as Christians generally results in them deciding Christianity is right, the "investigation" of those raised in Muslim socities generally results in the deciding Islam is right, etc. Are these people for real?

Answer 1

Sounds good, but how does your theory explain the spread of religion without force or occupation. It would appear that a least some make a choice based on their internal belief system.

Answer 2

Yes, it does have to do with born and raised, but mostly "INFLUENCES". Say, someone was Catholic had children, teh childrenw would most likely be Catholic, Love. But you need some time to rethink it over. Sweet, there are many Australian muslims, African Christians, English Buddhists, Arabic Catholics, and more in the world. Why ponder over this? Ethnicity does not matter in this world, sweet. Think carefully. People may convert. Their childhood and maybe teenhood would probably be guided by their country or their family, but they could move, or convert to a new religion, love. Religion is not silly. Religion is sweet and pure, but to be spoiled by the world's dirty hands.

Answer 3

Sure, one often considers themselves a certain religion because they were brought up that way.

Then we hit our late teens and twenties...

That's when most of us start really investigating what we believe and try to "find ourselves." We can always run back to what we know...but the question is, are we really an adherent to our faith if we really don't have our hearts in it?

Jesus made it clear that we are only His followers if we worship Him with our heart, soul, mind and might - our everything. He also said that our background had nothing to do with really following Him, as God could raise up stones to become Abraham's descendants (our background, in that case Judaism, has nothing to do with whether or not we obey God).

If you accept your religion only culturally, as many Christians and Jews do, then sure its determined by your background. But if you accept your religion as a way of life, especially in the western world where we question our faith, then I would say that's a lot more to it.

Answer 4

you're not entirely right. their culture and upbringing as well as location does weigh heavily on their beliefs, but there are many people who have converted to other faiths or atheism even when their culture frowns on that. i was raised in an atheist home and converted to paganism when i was very young. many pagans i know were brought up as christian and have chosen a path that makes more sense to them.

Answer 5

It would if that person who is "seeking" doesn't actually seek. If you take for granted that the way you were raised is the true and only way, you could be in for a rude eternity. But if you are sincere, and seek with honesty, you will come to your own conclusion. Don't start with pre-conceived ideas, start with a blank slate. That's how I found what I was looking for.

Answer 6

But it's not determined solely by their culture. If so, there wouldn't be 50,000 LDS missionaries in countries like Thailand and Zimbabwe and Russia...being successful at teaching people from almost every country about Christ. People can overcome the traditions of their fathers to see truth when it is presented to them.

Answer 7

Hmm strange I know so many people brought up in a Christian culture that are not Christian. I also know people raised in a Hindu culture that are not Hindu. As well as in Muslim culture. Hmm you seem to be WRONG

Answer 8

How can a fish see the water it swims in objectively? It is not an easy task but some people manage to see their childhood religion for what it is and some are not capable of seeing this.

Answer 9

Religion comes before culture, however some people seem to be deluded in culture.

Answer 10

ok, right here something to evaluate. Any merchandise that isn't worshiped as a god is in simple terms an merchandise without meaning apart from sentimental fee, techniques, and so on. notwithstanding, you look to imagine that there's achieveable of this merchandise (peacock feather) having some ability. in case you've faith there's a ability appropriate to possessing it even if sturdy or evil, then you truly be counted on that reminiscent of that is an idol and also you should eliminate it because it has taken on a experience of divinity for you. in case you've faith it posses no ability of both sturdy or evil then keep it. that is in simple terms ornamental and relaxing to envision.