Theists - Does being born into a religious family make that specific religion the correct one?

Question

If I were born into a Christian family, would that make me believe that Christianity is the one true religion? In how many religious families is this the case in the modern world? Do you have a choice when you are young? Do most people accept what they are told when they are young without question? Would religion be as wide-spread if individuals could make a choice about religion when they're adults, without brainwash bias from childhood?

Answer 1

It shouldn't -- but usually works that way (this is what is called indoctrination). What should make a religion correct is if you've done your part to study God's Word for yourself so that you know just who God is and what He represents. Then, you compare what you know about God with what your church teaches about God. If the two don't line up, then you should seek another church.

I've done this and find no other church which teaches as much about what I know to be true about God except the church I happen to have been "born" into. I'm thankful that it worked out this way, but I think of all the people whom were not "born" into my church or whom are not "born" into any church. My heart goes out to them. It makes it easier if you are "born" into a church which is teaching the truth. Then one doesn't have the up-hill battle of overcoming one's early indoctrination.

Also note, though, that even my church doesn't teach *all* of the Truth as I see it in the Word of God. But there is no other church which does it better. So, here I remain. ;-)

Answer 2

Does being born into a religious family make that specific religion the correct one?

No. I was born into a Jehovah’s Witness family and later grew up and found out that religion was wrong.

If I were born into a Christian family, would that make me believe that Christianity is the one true religion?

Yes. The same rule would apply to a Muslim family, Jewish, Pagan, Atheist, etc.

In how many religious families is this the case in the modern world?

I’d say all of them. Atheists want their children to be atheists like Muslims want their kids Muslims, and so forth.

Do you have a choice when you are young?

You aren’t old enough to make that choice when you’re young. That’s why we (you and I) relied on our parents to teach us right from wrong.

Do most people accept what they are told when they are young without question?\

Again, we relied on our parents, and since we trusted them, the answer would be yes, just like you and I did when we were young.

Would religion be as wide-spread if individuals could make a choice about religion when they're adults, without brainwash bias from childhood?

We do make the choice as adults. We grow up, learn to judge things for ourselves, and make our choices accordingly. That being the case, some choose religion and some don’t. So today when we look at the billions of religious people on the planet, those are all adults who made an adult choice and chose God.

God bless.

Answer 3

No - being born into a religion does not make it correct. Religion should be a choice. That's why CONVERTS are usually the most devout in whatever religion they have chosen - because they CHOSE it.

Religion is a very personal thing. It's a tool to help us be better people.

ANALOGY: Granted - if my Mom always used the heel of a shoe to bang in a nail - I will very likely do the same thing when I need a nail in the wall. Or - I might find a different way to do it - a tool that works better for me. And my Mom shouldn't be upset if I choose to use a hammer instead of a shoe. What difference would it make? The outcome is still the same!

I don't think there is any "RIGHT" religion. And even people with NO religion are tapped into their goodness - and that's what works for them. It's sad, however, when parents teach their children that THEIR way of doing things is the RIGHT and ONLY way to be in touch with God/goodness.

I believe that everybody should choose for themselves.

Our child is 12 -and we attend a Religious Science church where we celebrate all religions and philosophies. It's a great place for her to learn about everything that is out there. I don't care what she chooses as an adult - as long as she has learned about being virtuous and loving - that's all that matters. Even if she chooses to be an Atheist - I'll be fine with that. Because if she has goodness in her heart - by my way of thinking, goodness = God.

Namaste!

Answer 4

I was born into a Christian family, however, they never pushed religion on me and never attended church so I could form my own ideas.

If I had been born into a Buddhist family, I would probably have to say that is the most desired religion (and if not religion -- lifestyle, at least). My parents agreed with the Buddhist lifestyle once I talked them through it (and explained that it wasn't some crazy cult), but they still believe in God and Christianity.

Because I have seen it in the works, I have to say, it is probably not the "right" religion for everyone, but it works out perfectly between the three of us, so it is definitely right for us.

Answer 5

No - I was brought up Roman Catholic, baptized - twice, church every Sunday (and some extra masses in between), Sunday School after church every Sunday. For 14 years. As soon as I could speak I questioned, and never stopped. I did not receive any answers, and thus started searching for my own truth and spiritual philosophy and did not confirm to the faith. No one, not even your parents, can decide how you see your faith and it has nothing to do with genetics either. Your parents can decide how they introduce you to religion but it is up to you to confirm your belief. I have 3 siblings who confirmed but do not practice - and I still do not understand why they committed without the conviction of belief in this faith. As a non-believer in Christianity I would not disrespect those that believe by falsely confirming or continuing to enter a house of worship that I do not agree with. You always have the choice if you do not let the views of others guide you in your own quest. Learn about as many religions as you can without prejudice to see the greater meaning of it all.

Answer 6

Religion is Evil & at it's worst when Forced from Birth, which is tantamount to Slavery as most Religious Denominations do!!! God gave Us Free Will to Freely Chose Him out of Love, His Love, Toward Us!!! Until we come of an age to Understand Gods' Greater Impersonal Love for Us with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can't make a Meaningful Decision for Christ, and NO ONE ELSE CAN DO IT FOR US!!! John

Answer 7

No, I do know people raised in Catholic and Christian homes who either decided to become Atheists or Satanists Because of things that were allowed to happen without anything being done about the Serious Wrong happening to them and Around them. Hopefully, with the new Breed of Christians, they will not cover Wrong up and Dial 911.

Answer 8

Yes, people born into a specific religion are more likely to remain members. Is that really such a great mystery to people? And that isn't brainwashing. Brainwashing is what the former Soviet Union used to eradicate religion.

Answer 9

There are many cases where people change religions, that is, some Christians become Jews, some Jews become Christians, some Christians become Hindus, some Christians become Buddhists, some Republicans become Democrats, some Democrats become Republicans, etc.

Answer 10

No, I am a totally different religion from my family entirely.