Have you studied other beliefs?

Question

Other religions? Other philosophies? Science? Different systems of belief than the one to which you adhere ~ with an open mind?

If not, then how do you know that your practice is right for you?

I ask for logical answers that others can relate to outside your system of belief.

This is in no way meant to challenge anyone's belief(s) and I hope others will refrain from challenging others as well. I just want to have an open discussion and learn from those willing to throw down something logical or otherwise thought provoking.

Answer 1

As salaamu 'alaikym, my friend.

Insha'Allah, I was raises as a Roman Catholic by my late mother. During my teenage years I rebelled against the idea of being forced to go to chuch. However, as I grew, I went back to the church and did a great deal of study. I even became a member of a religious order from many years and studied for the priesthhod. It was during this period, as I learned more about how the Christian Old and New Testaments were compiled and how the church developed, as well as the development of Christianity in general, that I left Catholicism and Christianity.
During that same period of study, I also was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to study the Torah and other writings of Judaism, as well as the development of the same from a historical, sociological and religious perspective.
I studies mythology and comparative religion both scholastically and personally with the beliefs of the Norse and the Shinto being my two favorites for their richness and varitey of concepts expressed.
I have also studied Western and Eastern philosophy both academically and personally, as well as the sciences including astronomy, physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, oceanography and environmantal sciences.
I have also studied both Western and Eastern psychology, preferring the Eastern as it does not tend to "victimize" the individual.
I have practiced Buddhism and hold the teachings (although not the actual practices of the same) in high esteem, as well as thinking very highly of such persons as the Dalai Lama, Thich Naht Hanh and other teachers, both Western and Eastern.
Insha'Allah, I was fortunate enough (I would say blessed) to have been led by Allah, Subhanna wa Ta'ala, to Islam when I was not consciously looking for the same although it seems I have been searching all of my life.
Insha'Allah, Islam was and is the answer to all that I had been looking for as well as finding within its revealed scripture, the Holy Qur'an, and the lived example of the life of the Prophet Muhammad (sallaahu 'alaihi wasallaam) the answers to all of my questions regarding faith, man's relationshp to God and Who God, as Allah, Subhanna wa Ta'ala, is as far as we are humanly capable of understanding Him.
Insha'Allah, I have been blessed by having been given the time to study other faiths, often from the "inside out" as well as from "outside in" and, I believe, I have found that for which I was seeking. Alhumdulillah!
Insha'Allah, although I am raising my daughter as a Muslim, I am also teaching her about the other religions of the world, as well as about the cultures of those peoples who practice the same so as to hopefully impart to her as much knowledge as possible regarding as many other persons as possible. Insha'Allah, it is my sincere hope that by doing so, she and I will both be more tolerant, understanding and compassionate of others, just as we are taught to be in Islam.

May we all be lead to the truth as the same speaks to our hearts, minds and souls, while living in peace, harmony and practicing justice with one another throughout our lives and into each new generation.

Ma'a salaam.

Answer 2

Communism, spiritualism, Judaism, if it was an ism, I probably studied it. But nobody can be an expert on every belief. At some point each of us has to choose. I applaud what you're trying to do, but don't know if it can succeed. Asking for logical reasons for someone's belief system or philosophy of life is a little like asking for logical reasons for liking chocolate, or sex, or a certain person. If you say, 'I like it' the other person can say, "Yes, but WHY do you like it?" "I like it because it makes me happy." Then it's, "Yes, but WHY does it make you happy." But...such questions as yours are mentally stimulating. If you can show why such discussion isn't an endless circle, that would be great.

Answer 3

It's a very good question. People should know something about other belief systems before deciding for sure that the one they were born into really is the best. Not many people actually do that, in my experience, which is why very often atheists will know more about various beliefs than those who have chosen to follow one.

Answer 4

I love this question, because I was a born-again Christian until I DID study other things. Found that the reason I wasn't comfortable with some of the things associated with Christianity is because it's not the path I was meant to follow. I can recall the stories of people who felt as if a weight was lifted from them when the accepted Christ, but I felt the same thing when I realized I'd be OK if I didn't think the same way. I go to a congregation that believes it is each person's right and responsibility to follow their own spiritual path. I think it is a rare person who can find that path without a period of searching and discovery.

Answer 5

Yes, I used to take naps in the college library inbetween classes, but one day I explored the reference section and found an english traslation of the Quaran and discovered so much. There is so much confusion about Islam its a joy to share my insights with those that look at Islam as "terrorism"

Along with my love of philosophy I have studied many theories on life and creation and although I do not believe in any religion, the knowledge is there.

Answer 6

I was raised christian, and I find it the most far fetched, because god is a man, because they rely on blind faith, ( you can have faith and still keep your eyes open, you can change your beliefs, but still have faith in the same concept), because they take quotes from the bible out of context and then say jesus said them, and because all in all jesus had a very good message, to love others, to help people, but that seems like the last thing most christians remember, they just use him to bash people with different beliefs. I find scientology intriguing, although they are kinda out there with some of there rules, the way they interpret the bible is crazy, but they could totally be right.

Answer 7

Yes, I have. I enjoy reading/studying about other religions, which is one reason why I'm in the R&S section of YA. Even though I'm firm in my beliefs, I like to know what other people believe. I find it interesting and thought-provoking.

Answer 8

I have,I questioned them then looked for answers and I couldn't find them.I read about them over and over agian,even though just reading them made me want to puke,to see if I missed anything but I missed nothing.Then I came upon the religion I now follow and I did the same,I didn't feel ill,I felt relief and great joy.I found the answers I asked about the religion.So thats how I know its right for me.Trust me i'm very open minded when i'm reading anything and with anything at all,i'll give just about anything a chance.

Answer 9

Spirituality is a journey, not a destination. As I get older, I realize that many of the assumptions I had were not correct. So, in order to understand my place in the universe, I have to commit to life-long learning and self correction.

It's also nice to study other faiths so I can be an informed citizen of the Earth.

Answer 10

Yes, I can't ever have enough information. I'm constantly reading things that both challenge and support by belief system. Knowledge is a powerful weapon. It's one of the reasons I visit here. (somedays I LIVE here, lol).