Isn't it confusing how a person's religion is based?

Question

A majority of the major religions out there say that they are the right one and the others are wrong. There is a term for it I can't think of right now which basically means the faith declares itself to be THE religion, not just A religion.
But when you look at how people find their religion and such from studies and statistics, in an overwhelming majority, like 99% of cases, the religion which a person believes is the one that is impressed upon them by their culture and family.
Ie. Christianity says that only those who believe in Jesus Christ etc. will make it to heaven but some kid who grows up in Saudi Arabia or other Islamic country has no choice yet is doomed? vice versa. I just wonder how, if a person's religion is really just what was stamped onto them by their upbringing in almost all cases, they can justify their unwavering belief in it? If born to a different family three houses down, their viewpoint could be totally different? How is this to be considered? Thank you.

Answer 1

No, it's not just what you were taught as a child, since so very many people rebel against that when they get older. It's certainly influenced by what you were taught as a child, but whether for good or ill is debatable.

I was brought up Christian, and now I am a witch. My mother was a Methodist Sunday school teacher, which may mean I got too heavy a dose as a child. Still, I was proud of my mother and how many of her students went on to become ministers, even after I was no longer practicing the same religion. And to give her credit, she did her best to be tolerant.

Answer 2

You are right about that. I am not sure if a majority of the major religions say they are the one. Most if not all would say that. Then you get people who take religious tolerance to a point where all are treated as equally true. All cannot be right.

It does not matter on your culture which faith you adopt. If you live in India, you will most likely be a Hindu for example. If you live in the U.S. it does not mean that you will become a Christian either.

Christianity stands out from the other world religions. It is based on history. Most other religions are based upon mysticism, not history. Yes, they will go somewhere else. Sad but true.

This is a good point. You may believe in something, but you should be able to explain why. Reading into apologetics explains a lot about beliefs. In the Church, I have wondered why people believe what they believe...We all have freewill. We can believe what we want, but those choices can have consequences.

Keeping the Fire Alive
Joel

Answer 3

This is the way i look at the situation you describe.

To believers, their religion makes perfect sense to them, otherwise they would not believe - and isn't that all that matters?
Belief is not something that you are forced into - you either believe in something or you don't - it's something you just know - you may not even be able to explain why you believe.

The only ones who are confused are the onlookers.

As each of us is different, courtesy of our own unique life experiences - it is impossible for any 2 people to see and interpret anything exactly the same way.

The life situation and so the reasons each of us have for being involved in our belief system (whether individual or organized) are as individual as each one of us is.
These reasons or circumstances may not always be seen by everyone as being logical, legitimate or fair.

But we each have our own life to live, regardless of circumstances - and no one can do that for us - and if being part of any particular belief system helps us do that - great!

Basically, everyone interprets and lives life differently.
Why would we want it any other way?

Answer 4

I read an article once that pointed out that religious differences aren't just about differences on mere issues, but on very deep differences in the people's perceptions of fundamental reality.

I think the effect that you are speaking of happens because one's culture and family shapes one's perception of fundamental reality. It's not an easy thing to change. Even if one gains knowledge it takes a deeper shift to change perception of basic reality. Not everyone is willing to do this, because it can lead you where you've never gone before and may be uncertain of how things work.

I know. It's happened to me.

Answer 5

EXACTLY!!

When I started studying different religions I realized that I was only Christian because that's what my family believed. Those beliefs weren't any better than the other people in the world's beliefs.

So I became an atheist. If all religions are equal then they all must be worthless.

Answer 6

I assure you that God is not so dumb that He forgot about all those people who grew up in the jungles or Arabia and else where. He has all that figured out.
Worry about yourself. You have intelligence, internet access, and you have heard the gospel I am sure. That says that you are without excuse if you miss the boat. As a matter of fact, that what God says about all people-when they stand at judgment, they will be without excuse. Translated- that means everyone will have a chance. God is always fair.

Answer 7

I feel a believe in christianity because it makes sense god could have made everything. And how everything in the world works in circles like plant getts eaten be an herbivore who is eaten by a cranivore who dies and brings the plant back. its not a concisidence that the earth is made so people canlive on it. I believe that god exists and wants his children to live in peace and if everyone followed the bible the world would be peaceful. And the reason god doesnt make us follow his rules is because he wants us a poeple to make our own decision not be forced he wants true belief not forced belief

Answer 8

Ah, I undergo in strategies those years properly. whilst i replaced into 13 I had already made the selection that i did no longer desire to be Catholic to any extent further. such as you, i replaced into greater agnostic than atheist. yet no person had to hearken to approximately it. it is frustrating once you're incredibly no longer allowed to talk in faith classification for worry of being ganged up on. you're able to be able to ought to pass interior the path of the motions for now, whether you do not have self belief it. it is not relaxing, besides the incontrovertible fact that it is ideal till you're in a distinctive environment. the variety you desire to handle it is thoroughly as much as you. i does not classify you as a susceptible agnostic. you're 13 yrs previous and in a Catholic college. a school everyday around that faith isn't a perfect place to be voicing your opinion for the sake of faculty being as painless as possible. Of each and all of the school years, i think of center college is the toughest. and you'd be outta there quickly. you have my admire as a results of fact i replaced into in precisely the comparable place as you whilst i replaced into 13. I did talk out: to my mom and father, instructors, different pupils, an distinctive kinfolk. oftentimes I in simple terms stirred up resentment and brought about fights. it is a frustrating call to appreciate whilst to talk up and whilst to in elementary terms go away it on my own. hang in there somewhat longer and notice approximately going to a non-religious intense college.

Answer 9

One major point you made is that people follow that which they are taught and not many QUESTION it. GOD in heaven doesn't have USE for people who can't be RESPONSIBLE for ETERNAL LIFE. That in ITSELF takes PERSONAL responsibility to LEARN for yourself the TRUTH. For that to happen each person has to DISCERN it from the WORLD and what it calls TRUTHS. Jesus said that we can not EXPECT anything from this world or God unless we make the effort ourselves, but many are too lazy to do that and depend on what others tell them will get them to heaven. Doesn't work this way, and many who believed they were going to heaven are now in damnation for they took the easy way out..........

Answer 10

I don't know how to answer this, But I understand. I am just happy I didn't have anything too forced on me. did grow up going to church, but I eventually chose for myself that I didn't agree. If only more people could realize they have a choice.