how do i choose a religion?

Question

i was talking with a friend this weekend and he said i'd go to hell if i don't believe in god. i never thought much about it, but i don't want to go to hell. i looked online last night but there are too many religions to choose from. how do i know what is the right one?

Answer 1

First, know that the Bible does not teach a doctrine of hellfire.
Second, if fear of such is your only motivation, then would you honestly say that your "belief" is real?

If you truly want to serve God, it should be motivated by love. True worship is built on a foundation of love. Love for God, love for ones fellow humans, love for truth. A humble person who is willing to learn from sources that he has perhaps dismissed as unworthy in the past (for example the Bible), who is honest at heart and hungry for accurate knowledge and wisdom will be able to find God because "he is not far off from each one of us" (Acts 17:27)

Answer 2

You can choose only after going through/knowing about different religions.
Since am a Hindu, Ill just give some intro to it.
its too vast and interesting, i dont know if you will choose it..
any way all the best.
Hinduism is actually called Sanatana Dharma(Eternal law) and is among the oldest of the world's faiths. Even though there are numerous beliefs within Hinduism, they are all mostly based on the Vedas which is believed to have been revealed to the Sages & Seers by God and is the the oldest text still been used.It is also very much a living tradition.

The first fundamental principle of Hindu Dharma is that "the Reality is one without a second." This reality is beyond description by human mind. Hence it is indicated by a single world, "Brahman". "Infinite, eternal, changeless existence is the All; from that All, All comes forth; to that All, all returns," that is what the Chandogya Upanishad(one among the numerous sacred texts of Hinduism) tells us.

Hinduism is the only faith to have boldly and confidently proclaimed that "Truth is one, the wise call it by various names." (Rig Veda).

Hinduism may not be called only as a religion in the sense other religions are known. It has no founder. It is much more than a religion. It is a total way of life.

Hindu also understands more than any other religionist in
the world, the concept of a harmonious global society that should unite, prosper and live in peace. "lOkAsamastA sukhinO bhavantu" and ‘vasudhaiva kuTumbakaM’ which means let every thing and every one in this world be peaceful and happy and this world as one big family.

Hinduism lays emphasis on direct Experience of the Divine
rather than on authority.

The most sacred of Hindu texts - The Vedas, the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas, and the Upanishads. The Bagavad Gita rendered by Avatar of God, Sir Lord Krishna has the gist of these sacred texts.

Hindus believe that God is everything and everthing is God thus it is obtuse to confuse Hinduism's images with idolatry, and their multiplicity with polytheism. They believe that what every you follow with utmost devotion will lead you to the final goal which is the Realisation of the Ultimate reality and Truth.

Answer 3

There are many religions that you could choose - and your friend would probably STILL be telling you that you're going to hell. My experience has been that most of the people who tell you that you'll go to hell if you don't believe in God - are Christians. And most of them that I've encountered don't think that believing in God is enough. They think you have to believe in God in the very same way that they do. And - it involves accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior and knowing that he died for your sins.

But - you should know that there are LOTS of churches that are not Christian churches.

You can take a test -

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/76/story_7665_1.html

and it will tell you which religion is aligned the best with your beliefs.

In my opinion - nobody should choose a religion based on fear. It sounds like your friend is trying to scare you into going to church - and that's not a very nice thing to do. My guess would be that he chose his religion based on fear. I don't think that is healthy.

I chose a religion that doesn't believe in hell. (Religious Science) That solved the problem for me!!

And in my opinion - NOBODY needs to go to church or believe in God. God is LOVE. If you are a good, loving person - all is well. Nobody is going to hell. That's just silly.

Namaste!!

Answer 4

ok.. I'm a muslim but i do not say you must.. just consider it.. Choose what you want. first categorize whether its

1: Polytheism
2: Monotheism

Then, after you choose, get facts about it. After that, talk to the religious leaders of that religion. Then, Pick whether its Abrahamic religions or others. (ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS ARE) by age

1: Judaism
2: Christianity
3: Islam

I recommend choosing either one of these. After that, pick. Judaism is very old. So prepare to meet some traditions that you think is weird. Christianity is what your friends would ask you to choose. Islam is said to be the perfect religion. That it perfects Christianity and Judaism That it is actually a very old religion that has only been rekindled 1400 years ago.

Answer 5

Albert:

What many people don't understand is Christianity is NOT a religion-it's a person-Christ Jesus.

Has any leader of a religious belief made a claim like this:

John 14:5-7 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society



Jesus the Way to the Father
5Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."

Before you make any choice, could you visit this site?

God Bless!

http://www.notreligion.com

Answer 6

Do you want to find the true religion, or one that will tell you the things you want to hear? Do you want a religion that will follow the Bible in all things it says? Do you want a religion that shows unity in everything it does and says? Find the religion that does these things, and you will have found the true religion.

True religion will follow five things:

1. Use, respect and obey God's Word - the Bible. Not just parts of it that fit what they want to hear, but all of it. (2 Tim. 3:16)
2. They would see that God's kingdom is the only solution to the problems that mankind faces. Realize that God's government does NOT rule through the earthly governments now in place. (Dan. 2:44)
3. They would be no part of this world as Jesus commanded them to be. The people of this religion would not allow themselves to be squeezed into the world's mold. (Romans 12:2)
4. They would be known by God's name - Jehovah, who is most high over all the earth. God's name was originally in the Bible over 7,000 times until a man decided to take it out. (Ps. 83:18)
5. They (the adherents to this true religion) would have love among themselves. Love bonds true Christians. They would love each other regardless of race or ethnic backgrounds. It would be a true world-wide brotherhood.(John 13:34, 35)

When you have found the religion that goes by these five things, and not just some of them, but ALL of them, then you have found the one true religion.

Answer 7

Why choose a religion why not choose a relationship?
What we as Christians have is not a religion it is a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
The way you get that personal relationship is to confess that you are a sinner---all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Believe that Jesus died for your sins and that God raised Him from the dead. Ask Jesus to come into your heart, and save your soul. For with heart man believes and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent not His son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved. Please get a Bible and study it and receive Jesus as Lord. Remember Christianity isn't a religion but a relationship with Jesus, God the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Answer 8

Believing in God is not all about religion. THis only pertains to your personal relationship with Him. Not even your good works will save you from going to hell, this sounds very complicated for you maybe, but accepting Jesus Christ as your personal savior is already one step to heaven. and the rest is your participation and close link in the ministry where you will serve, so this is not only about believing but also more in actions. I can't tell which religion is good for you here, because as I ahve said, this is more of a personal relationship with the Lord our God.

Answer 9

You want a religion that teaches what TRULY is in the Bible...You want someone to prove to you that what they believe is the truth and is found in the bible... Anyone can make things up but they must have the backing of the Bible. Ask them questions and ask them to answer them using the bible. Dont feel as if it is shameful to ask questions about God... he even said keep knocking and it shall be open, keep seeking and you shall find...

Answer 10

If a friend told you, and u belived it immediately, then i think u should choose Christainity. Say i accept Jesus as my savior and there will be 1000s of people promising u, that u r going to heaven. And u can belive that too... and stay happy for ever. ((Sarcastic))


I won't give a damn, if someone told me that i was going to hell. How can people who aren't sure where they themself are going, tell me where i would go??