How can you believe that one religion is "truer" than another when you could have easily believed in Allah ( if you were born in Saudi Arabia) or pray to Buddha (if you were born in some parts of Asia) or even Kiranga ( if you were born in Central Africa)?
2007-06-18 16:25:04 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It was.
I am now an Atheist but I was raised christian because I was born in white suburban America. Everyone I knew was christian. I totally agree that this was an accident of birth. If I had been born in Riyadh I would have been raised muslim and everyone I knew would have been muslim. Christianity would have been totally alien to me.
I can't believe any god would judge people based on factors such as this. Then again, I can't believe in a more rational god either.
2007-06-18 16:27:13 · answer #1 · answered by Dave P 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think about this all the time. Of all the religions, is it fair that only some people are born into the right one (whichever it may be, obviously everyone will just say their own, and I have my own thoughts too)? To be fair, I'll use a religion I am not as an example. Let's say, all along and in the end, Judaism was the correct religion. Is it fair that some people's parents were strong Atheists, therefore their children were automatically born with a lesser chance of entering heaven because of the influence of the Atheism in the family? Obviously everyone will think that his/her religion is right unless they are unsure or want to convert. For example, I am a firm believer in my religion, and I KNOW that I will never convert, guaranteed. Well what if my religion was wrong all along (I'm not doubting myself, just using an example)? It wasn't really fair because I was born into the religion and believed strongly about it. So I definitely understand your point, and I hope you understand mine.
2007-06-18 16:36:23 · answer #2 · answered by Omer 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
exactly, great question.
yes, i was brought up a christian, and followed that faith until my late teenage years.
i've travelled to a few places and seen the different ways religion is practised and how it's helped to shape those societies. i've never felt envious of other religions, but then again i am an adult now and have chosen not to follow the one i was given.
i think schools and parents have an obligation NOT to enforce any one religion onto children, or any religion for that matter, but instead they should teach the child about all religions (well ok, mainstream ideas, coz teaching all would take forever, wouldn't it) and then let them make their own choice in later years.
it's unfair to "brainwash" anyone into a doctrine, and even worse when that person is a child who is reliant on their family and society for their protection from such actions.
having one religion or another forced upon someone is, as you say an accident of their birth geography.
2007-06-18 16:35:28 · answer #3 · answered by pugsbaby 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you have a very valid point. I'm an Australian who doesn't practice or believe in organized religion. If I did though I would most likely be some 'brand' of Christian because that is what I am exposed to mostly. Unfortunately I was raised as a heathen and so I think all religions are all as false as each other.
2007-06-18 16:34:22 · answer #4 · answered by Mickmalimus 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Very well put. There is obviously a strong correlation between the social context in which a person is born and the language the person speaks, the religion practiced, the sexual and marriage customs, holidays and form of government.
There is also a correlation with violence. High rates of violence correlate with Scottish ancestry in several countries. Social anthropology is fascinating.
2007-06-18 16:30:04 · answer #5 · answered by valcus43 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is why Christians spread themselves around the world to discount others beliefs. It says in the bible that if you have heard the word of God and been offered the chance to believe in Jesus then if you choose not to you go to hell. Maybe they just want to spread the misery? I mean **** if they never came in and did missionary work then those people could get on with their lives and be judged by what kind of people they were.
2007-06-18 16:30:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it makes a massive difference to what you are brought up to believe and thats the danger. I was surrounded by christians all my life and so thats all I was allowed to believe. I now think for myself though, have made the decision there is nothing from my own research. Some people aren't so lucky
2007-06-18 16:29:53 · answer #7 · answered by soundofsettling 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can tell you that religion is not the most important thing. Having Jesuschrist in your heart is the only way to enter the kingdom of Heaven.That is the only truth there ever was and ever will be. To answer your question, I believe this all happened when God changed the peoples voices when they tried to build the tower of Babel. They all either created their own image(god) or they misunderstood Gods truth and began to change it up to fit their commodities,basically they twisted Gods rules(laws)and changed it to fit their own needs.
2007-06-18 16:38:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
With many people their beliefs start with the family (and culture and geography) they are born into.
At adulthood we are free to seek on our own. Most do.
Some simply throw in the towel and give up. Their lives are driven by the creed "He who dies with the most toys wins."
2007-06-18 16:28:02 · answer #9 · answered by Richard of Fort Bend 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, that is true, but over your lifetime you are bound to change your belief as you learn more. My husband has gone back and forth with Pentecostal to Apostolic and now he is thinking about being a Baptist. But he says that there is a big difference between religion and belief. If you believe that Jesus is God and that he died for your sins, that is your first step to true belief.
2007-06-18 16:30:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋