How did you pick your religion?

Question

I'm interested in hearing from people, but Id like to ask only those that meet these criteria to reply.

Do not reply if:
you were born into your religion
became religious after a near death experience
you turned to religion to solve your life problems.
you felt as if there was a hole in your life.

It seems to me like people turn to god because they were raised that way ( which I can understand) or because they have problems that they felt they couldn't solve alone.

Yes I am atheist for my own personal reasons, but Id love to hear from an intelligent strong Christian or follower of a different faith.

Answer 1

I don't really consider my beliefs a religion, but it is often called one.

Nope, I wasn't born into it

No near death experience either

I don't really have any abnormal or significant problems

A hole in my life, maybe a little, I was an atheist, and I was raised that way, then I found Karma, and things went better thinking on these terms. Each action creates an equal and opposite reaction, and I found this true in life too

That is where I come from.

I am often sticking up for atheists, because I know what you see, and I was there once myself.

there is something more than electrical impulses in the brain, you may even see that someday, in the meantime, enjoy the path, and life!

Answer 2

Hi Derek,

I appreciate your candor in asking this.

However, the statements posed that exclude those four camps will pretty much include the whole human race.

Rarely will a person turn to "God" because their life is swell, they have a great job, family, life, etc.

Usually a crisis will develop in one's life that will make them want to seek after and "pick" God.

Hence, there is no one living, or has lived, that is good and does good. The human heart is desperately wicked and no one on this earth can know it but a loving Heavenly Father. Psalm 53:3; Jeremiah 17:9

Whatever it is brother, He is right there, waiting to forgive you and bring you to Himself.

Why?

Because you were made in His image and are the apple of His eye. He rejoices over you with singing. Zechariah 2:8; Zephaniah 3:17

And simply, because He is your Father and you are His beloved son.

Take care.

Answer 3

I wanted something spiritual in my life and eclectic paganism wasn't doing it for me. I wanted a personal connection so I began researching my roots. I explored reconstruction Celtic paganism and Cherokee beliefs (which isn't easy) but kept looking.

Being Scots/Anglo-Saxon led me to heathenism and it made sense. It fits my basic nature and desire for a spirituality that demands honor, loyalty, courage, family and other stuff. Not serving or humility.

Heathenism isn't an easy religion to follow and it certainly doesn't solve life's problems (Odin is fond of throwing problems in the way of those he favors, actually).

I'm somewhat agnostic when it comes to the myths and a little bit about the deities but the religion and life view makes sense to me and my friends and family.

Answer 4

Derek,
I am a Christian who had a near death experience many years before I became a Christian. I will not answer beyond this unless you want my answer. I would be glad to complete this answer if you are still interested at any time. Have a great weekend and a wonderful New Year
Thanks,
Eds


.

Answer 5

I am Wiccan and Christian, because I decided that it doesn't matter what others think that I should be or believe, it matters what I feel. You have to follow your heart and trust it as well and if it feels right for you never mind what others may say. I have been told that I can't be Wiccan and Christian, but I don't believe that is so. What do you think??

Answer 6

I picked my religion by studying various world religions and finding one that allowed me personal growh and freedom. One that had room for me to change and experience the world.

I'm still an atheist, but I have a religion, too. It just doesn't involve gods.

Answer 7

Yes...i was raised as a non-religious jew. No Bar Mitzvah - only went to synagogue with my friends to run around. Never believed much of anything until one day Jesus told me to forgive a wrong done to me. After that, it was easy.

Answer 8

I wrote them all down on a piece of paper and dropped them into a hat and the one that got picked was the one I was going with. Seems about as good away as any.

Answer 9

I was a traditional Christian and found that I couldn't handle the fact that I wasn't allowed to ask questions and the judgementalism. I looked at various traditions and found Gnostic Christianity. It completely fit....

Answer 10

you have to study about the religion that you want.. maybe you can search for many religions on internet or go to their temples and they will tell you.. after that many people chose a religion with they feel identification