How can one claim a certain religion when they don't believe EVERYTHING that religion teaches???

Question

This is an honest question. I simply do not understand how someone can claim a certain faith when they don't believe or agree with everything that the faith teaches.

NOTE: Anyone being rude towards anyone's beliefs will be reported by me personally.

Let me just say, I do believe EVERYTHING my faith teaches and it is all extremely logical.

Answer 1

This is true of dogmatic religions, but there are always "gray areas". For example, Roman Catholics teach 1) things you *must* believe (canon) 2) things you are *permitted* to believe.

Other denominations, such as Baptists, teach that *each person* must develop his *own interpretation* of the bible and, therefore, his *own personal set of beliefs*. Some sects, for example the Southern Baptists, *do* have a very short list of things that all Southern Baptists are expected to believe (Trinity, for example). Look at "Bible Freedom" here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptist#Distinctive_Beliefs

Of course, someone *claiming* a religion does not mean that their religion claims *them*! When I was RC, I knew of several people who considered themselves RC but did not follow requirements (such as 7 holy days of obligation, yearly confession, Lenten observances). I believe that the RCC considers these disobedient or "slack" RCs to still be members of the RCC but "strayed" or "fallen" (by the wayside). In some other sects that do not keep "membership rolls" - sects in which adherence to teachings is required, but no "excommunication" of "disfellowship" is placed on those who do not adhere - the church might not agree with the individual on the validity of his "membership".

I guess your question is *really* a question of integrity. Are you a member of your sect because you believe what they teach, or is there some more worldly reason?

Of course, there *is* another side of this issue: those who believe their sect is in error on one (or a very few) particular point only. For example, those who believe the RCC is wrong to deny woman the position of priest, or wrong to deny married couples the use of prophylactics. All are required by the RCC to obey the teachings of the church, but they *are* permitted to attempt to persuade the church to change its policy in these matters. Thus, in *this* case you can maintain your religious integrity while dis-believing one or more teachings of your sect.

Interestingly, Martin Luther had a "conversion" of the RCC in mind, and at no time planned to develop a sect *separate* from the RCC. Of course, his main problem was with the pope, so there was no compromise position for their two beliefs.

I hope this helps.

Jim, http://www.jimpettis.com/wheel/

Answer 2

The simple but hard answer is they don't have to be so careful when they are dealing with a false religion anyway.

Most people believe in religions only claiming to be Christian but by their actions prove it to be false. Some of the beliefs are not from the Bible but pagan origin. Some of these beliefs don't agree with each other and are laughable on their own. 1+1+1=1???

Only the religion following the Bible's views ONLY can be considered the true religion. Those beliefs make sense as they are from a logical, organized God.

Answer 3

Well you don't have to believe everthing your religion teaches, but you do have to believe in the core belief structure of your religion or why are you in that religion

First religion is a faith based institution. Logic is reason or something that can be proven scientifically or rationally.
Faith is not scientically or rationally based, it's a thought that one can believe or have faith in something that isn't provable or logical. Faith is having trust in a supernatural being or in eastern religions a force which can't be proved by logic or science. Paul said Faith is a hope which we can't see.

Answer 4

I agree with this statement. ONe may have some beliefs that vary a little, that arent doctrinal issues, but when one doesnt believe what the church teaches as doctrine, I dont understnad why they keep going. they speak up and its divisive. I will always speak up for truth, thats reaquired of God. but when one goes to a church and doesnt agree, it is constant hassling trying to get them to see it your way. Either find a new church, or start your own with others who belief as you do.
I have gone to several churches and it amazed me to see how many absolutely didnt belive in much of what the church taught and they were always upset. Its like me going to a lds church and not believing they have truth, if I believe that, why would i go there? Thats their belifs and they cant change for me.
I think this is a good question, as I have seen this a lot over the years. I agree with the teachings of my church also. I am full gospel. there are occasional varying beliefs on how to present something tho, and we talk about it and pray and seek the Lord. We will l have varying opinions on some things, but not on the things Jesus said. absolutely not. thanks. great thought question, I love these.

Answer 5

One can generally accept a religion on general terms. The finer points of the law may not be agreed upon by everyone. I am not taking about breaking the law, but just not completely agreeing or accepting it.

I believe this is usually caused by a lack of understanding. As a person grows, they will usually grow in understanding and acceptance.

Answer 6

I can only speak for my own religion and I can tell you this - no matter where you are in the world you can ask one of Jehovah's Witnesses what they believe and each one of them will tell you exactly the same thing and it's all based upon what the Bible says. They will point you to the same scriptures in the Bible and make the same points concerning those scriptures. That's one of the identifying marks of the true religion - unity in thought.
The scripture that others use to try to prove the Trinity, is useful to show that we are also in union with Christ and God. John 17:21 -  in order that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, that they also may be in union with us, in order that the world may believe that you sent me forth.
And 1 Corinthians 1:10 -  Now I exhort YOU, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that YOU should all speak in agreement, and that there should not be divisions among YOU, but that YOU may be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.

So we are told by Christ to have the same line of thought, or believe the same things, that's what Jehovah's people do.

Answer 7

They can, but it might be better if they just stay open-minded and not claim any religion. Every religion has its merits and its glaring flaws. Take what you think makes sense and discard the rest, but whatever you do, don't lose yourself in the process. There's way too much 'out there' for just one to be THE true religion. IMHO.

Answer 8

This is very true. I can't speak for other religions, but I know a lot of Christians who pick and choose scriptures in the Bible to believe, and many to disregard. That is why I think fundamentalism is a GOOD thing, not a bad thing.

Answer 9

That really depends on how "everything" is properly interpreted according to doctrine of the church. Different denominations have different doctrines, but it is important to believe in the basic teachings of the church. (The meat, not the milk.)

Answer 10

Methodists have an approach where even when we all dont agree 100% we still worship together.. the only thing that i dont buy is the eternal hell thing...Hell is the grave..