What if you could have chosen your religion?

1. 93

   Cre8torposted 10 years ago

   What if you could have chosen your religion?
   
   Most people are told what they will believe from birth. What would happen if children were taught various religions and arguments against then allowed to chose for themselves once they have had a bit of life experience.

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   sheilamyersposted 10 years ago

   No matter what the subject is - religion, politics, and so on - all children are being taught by their parents only one side of the story. Yet the same applies to religion as to those other areas of thought. When children get older they'll start to question everything. Well, unless they've been totally brainwashed. Once they begin questioning, most of them will move forward to the next logical step which is to read about the subject from every angle. Even though I was raised in a Christian home and taught that religion, there came a time in my life when I doubted the truths I'd been taught. Were they true or not? I came full circle back to Christianity and would say that I chose that for myself.

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   1. 93

      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Much is swayed by the parent but religion guides a persons very being. I'm glad you've chosen for yourself. What other religions did you look into when choosing?

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      tbHistorianposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Truthful parents engage the child in a loving way. It appears that yours did a very wonderful job in this area. You questioned, searched, and then chose based on a solid foundation of parenting. Christians work through the shadows and find the truth.

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3. 82

   Martin-ddpposted 10 years ago

   Nothing stopping people from doing this. But I think most people would be afraid that there children would choose a different religion from the one they are in. Than if this happened it is like telling someone what they believe in is all rubbish.

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   1. 93

      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Nothing stopping people from doing this when they're grown that is. By then...??? Sadly, most religions are rubbish. Just ask the Jew or the Christian or the Muslim or the...etc.... The one thing they all agree on is the other is wrong.

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      christiananrkistposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      the atheist would agree they are all wrong as well. thats kind of the nature of it. either they're all wrong, or only 1 is right. they cant all be right.

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      Mklow1posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      christianakist, u r correct because this can be said of ANY choice a person makes. For instance,I send my kids to private school, so n a way I am saying public school is wrong. Right? Or peanut butter is my favorite food. does that make others wrong?

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   4. 93

      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Mklow1 - With religion, yes, it makes you wrong and a large part of the world will believe you are damned. Not so much for peanut butter. Only one religion or lack of will be correct in the end. Crunchy and creamy will both likely be acceptable.

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      Mklow1posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      1st, if u don't believe in that end, what does it matter. 2nd why do u care if someone damns u if u don't believe what they believe? also, u used my example of peanut butter, but i c u stayed away from my private school analogy

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      christiananrkistposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      mklow. I think its different than that. with religion god either exists or not. if he does, there must be a correct one. all others would be false. like looking for the right john smith. theres 1000's. but only 1 sat next to you in 5th grad math.

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   7. 93

      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      In what end? Death? Hard not to believe in that. Just as I prefer not to be called an @, I prefer not to be damned. Regardless, I'm pretty sure what school I attend will have little impact on anything when I die.

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4. 56

   PoeticFailosophyposted 10 years ago

   If they were presented with a variety of belief systems from an early age they would probably come away with the conclusion that none of them were the truth.

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   1. 93

      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Or at the very least if one is correct there is no way to determine which with certainty. This is where "we" can start to make progress.

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   2. 56

      PoeticFailosophyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Unforch, missionaries/cults prey on young ppl brought up with no particular religion & convince them their lives are missing an essential ingredient. Parents also must teach the dangers of missionaries and cult converters.

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   3. 93

      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I think you stuck best to the question so...best answer to you.

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      tbHistorianposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      sorry - but you fail to recognize the truth, love, and enlightenment through righteousness and glory through vision. your conclusion is a falsehood built upon your failure to receive. those who follow the Gospel of Christ flourish because Jesus saves

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   5. 93

      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      tb - Honestly. The question is not to provoke your judgment and berating of beliefs other than your own. It's a fact based question and "what if" scenario. No one here has passed judgement but you. Not even Mklow1.

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      tbHistorianposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I thank God daily with clear conscience the way my forefathers did.
      I constantly remember everyone in my prayers night and day.
      I ask the spirit to be found by those who are lost.
      I am not ashamed of the testimony of God.
      Jesus is eternity.

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   7. 93

      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I don't ask 4 shame. This ? doesn't ask u 2 push your beliefs. TIP: U will have a hard time spreading the word 2 anyone who doesn't already believe it w/ this approach. If your motive is to win souls, believe that u will shew more than gain this way

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5. 67

   BuffaloGal1960posted 10 years ago

   I was raised Baptist but I am not any religion today. I tossed religion aside and seek the truth from God's Word.  I am Christian but nondenominational. I did study many religions.  I studied metaphysics and some religions who are not Christian.
   I believe churches should be more about the message of Christ and ministering to people of all walks of life instead of worrying (and fighting) over what color of carpet they should have. I'd like to return to the 1800s when churches truly ministered to the people.  The building was the school house and the hospital and people cared about whether someone lived or died and if their needs were met.

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      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Not sure the 1800's were that different from today when talking character. So what if kids were raised w the message of Christ at the same time as Buddhism and metaphysics?

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      BuffaloGal1960posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Believe it or not many gods are taught in school today. Greek gods and Buddhism included.  But Christ cannot be taught in public schools.

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   3. 93

      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      No school I'm aware of (other than private religious schools) teach about religion. Perhaps skim over some facts as related to history (crusades, mythology) but no more than that. I've 3 kids in public school and none have been taught any religion.

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      tbHistorianposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Islam in the classroom
      http://www.historytextbooks.org/islamreport.pdf

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6. 37

   edhanposted 10 years ago

   To me for my children, it is not the choice of religion but the faith & teaching that you will learn from it. I do sincerely believe all religions are meant to teach us the goodness of ourselves and treating others with respect and love.

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   1. 93

      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I too feel this way and am glad that our beliefs allow us to be so.

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   Sri Tposted 10 years ago

   It depends on what one is seeking from the religion. Some people just want salvation, like Christians. Others want clarity of mind, bliss or enlightenment, with Buddhism. Some want wealth, power and control of their life/creations, New Thought/Religious Science/Metaphysics. Others want many Gods and Goddesses for every need, Hindu. Some want magical/supernatural powers or contact with spirits... and on and on..... So the question would arise: what do they think they need from the religious menu? Whatever they think they need now may change in the future. Ultimately they should see what works, and what does not for them.

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   1. 93

      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Agreed. Would you agree that most start out being told what they need for much of their lives with no other exposure to make this determination for themselves thus inheriting their religion rather than choosing it?

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      Sri Tposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, I agree for most. Some parents are too afraid to go with nothing. I started with Christianity, but later explored all kinds of ancient and modern religions, just to see what was out there. A lot of it was mythology, but it may work for others.

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   3. 93

      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      So what do you think would happen if we all started out with nothing except access? (I was taught to be Christian as a child. Do you claim to a religion today? You don't have to say which if so, just curious.)

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      Sri Tposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      If no religion is there it can still work if character is developed. There should be a foundation for solving problems. More than anything, I collect wisdom, whatever tool I need to succeed.

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   5. 93

      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      It seems then we agree that without input, only access, more people would be guided by conscience, judged more on character and structured religion would become....less popular?

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      tbHistorianposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Parents provide an initial avenue for the child, but it is the child that matures into an adult that chooses a destiny. Most chose a moral lifestyle while others attempt to justify their immoral actions. Moral activity lasts forever. Immoral does not

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8. 0

   christiananrkistposted 10 years ago

   this is exactly what happen to me. my parents never forced any ideas on me , than to be respectful to others. this obviously led me to just be atheist for many years because i didnt know which was right. after taking it upon myself to actually dig up a little information im now christian.

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   1. 93

      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      You are lucky and I'm sure more convicted in your beliefs having been able to choose this way. Let me ask, will/did you begin to read the Bible to your children or take them to church? Did they asked you to? Will you offer other choices too?

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      christiananrkistposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      i did  not. I see my daughter following the exact same path I did. I just pray she has the same end result. however I wan there to choose on her own. not because I coaxed her into it.

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   3. 93

      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      And I believe that this approach will not only make her more convicted in her choice when made but also strengthen the relationship between you over the years. Best wishes to you and yours.

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      christiananrkistposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      thank you. God bless to you

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9. 0

   Mklow1posted 10 years ago

   The question posed is assuming that people cannot choose their religion, so first you must find out if and why people cannot choose their religion.
   I chose my religion. People are free to choose whatever religion they want or not to practice at all. The proof is that people change religions everyday and even choose not to practice religion, so to assume that someone cannot choose their religion because of what they were taught as a child is a bit presumptuous.
   Are you an atheist? And if so, were you raised one your whole life or were you raised with religion?

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      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      The real ? is in the explanation not the headline isn't it? Yes, we are free to choose, once ingrained to believe as our up-bringers do. I'd like peas if it's all I was ever fed and told all else would kill me. Wouldn't likely even consider change.

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      Mklow1posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      n this day and age, we r not only exposed 2 "peas" nor r we only exposed 2 one religion, so your comparison is not a very good 1.  your question implies that we r not given a choice, but if that were the case then no 1 would change or lose religion.

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   3. 93

      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Being exposed & being ingrained, surrounded & taught fear of are hardly the same. People feed their kids "peas" all the time. Telling them there are "carrot lovers" who will sadly perish in hell is hardly offering fair choice. The choice come

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      Mklow1posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      assuming they were taught fear, but what if they weren't?
      
      u r the 1 that initially used the pea reference comparing them 2 religion, so now u r contradicting yourself?

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   5. 93

      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Now I'm not even sure what you're talking about. Perhaps you should reread the statements. There's no contradictions. Fear is part of most religion, make no mistake about that. "Without 'x' your soul will parish." ??? How does that not strike fear?

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      Mklow1posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Not too scary to me, but maybe it is because I know I am covered. Unlike you, I cannot read other people's thoughts, so I can only speak for myself. Fear and religion just do not go together to me. Clear enough?

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   7. 93

      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      So you don't get the "pea" analogy, forget it, but no fear in religion? You're killing me? Your religion exists out of fear for the soul. I feel our talk is becoming toxic and having less to do with the ?. I'm not trying to pass judgments here.

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      Mklow1posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      u have no clue about my religion and what it has 2 do w/ me. Also, if u consider discussing other people's ideas toxic, then maybe u should stick to discussing A/C units. There is less debating and u seem 2 have more knowledge n that departmnt

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   9. 93

      Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I'm no fool Mklow1. I know when things r going south in a discussion as u went on 2 prove 4 me. U obviously didn't get the ?, seem 2 have trouble w analogy & r the only 1 who thinks this a religious debate. Sorry 2 confuse u by being witty w the

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   10. 66

       tsadjatkoposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       That may have been true 100 years ago but in the modern age it's more likely a child will rebel before blindly accepting any religion...unless of course you are talking about Islam which threatens you with death if you dare leave.

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   11. 0

       Mklow1posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I always find it ironic that the 1 that accusing others don't understand is actually the confused 1. I understand analogies very well, u just botched urs up.As 4 u saying this is not about religion, well u might need to go back n read ur own qstion.

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       IDONOposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Mklow: You did the same on 1 of my ?. Cr8r asked a ?. Then stated his opinion. U were asked 2 respond, not critique his opinion. Your approval is not asked for,or needed in any way. If u enjoy argument, move to forums. You have that choice.

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       Mklow1posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I critiqued his opinion? That is a unique twist on wording, but whatever, I am over it and have moved on. He did not understand any of my points as he hasn't on comments from others. As 4 me liking to argue; what did u pop n2 this conversation 4? lol

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       tbHistorianposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Mklow you obviously are strong enough to stand independently without fear of your parents trying to sabotage your future. It is apparent that others grew up fearing the beliefs of their parents. Lack of moral parental guidance is the problem.

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       Mklow1posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I also take my children to church. The funny thing is that we all do what we think is best for our children, but there are some out there that try to butt into others lives and tell them what they r doing is wrong because they do it a different way.

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10. 87

    DzyMsLizzyposted 10 years ago

    We all can.  There is always a choice.  Anyone may choose any religion (or no religion) as they prefer.  My choice is none.   I don't subscribe to the concept of religion, but I am what some would call spiritual. 
    I did not take or send my kids to church; I allowed them to decide what they wanted for themselves once they had grown up. I did not need a church to tell me the difference between right and wrong, or to tell me how to teach that difference to my kids.
    I am probably in the minority, but I feel it is brainwashing to indoctrinate kids into any religion when they are too young to understand the implications, the true meanings, or to know what questions to ask.
    Let everyone make up their own minds when they reach adulthood, and there will be more tolerance, because people won't be blindly following some path they've been forced onto since birth, without really understanding why.  That leads to hidebound thinking and lack of tolerance for others' views.

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    1. 93

       Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       So if children were exposed to the concept of religion and beliefs, given access to all of them without input as to which they should follow, do you believe there would be more people like you?

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       DzyMsLizzyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Since everyone is different, that is impossible to predict.  I only know what worked for me, and my own set of beliefs, which discounts all religions as unnecessary, and the cause of much strife, arguments, disagreements and wars.

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       Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Fair enough. Thanks Dzy.

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       tbHistorianposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       As a parent it is your responsibility to teach your children to be moral. This is not brainwashing as you detail, but morality advancement. The rise of immoral abominations in society indicates a lack of parental morality. Through this growth we lose

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11. 61

    Mahmoposted 10 years ago

    This issue had been a subject of many debates in Islam religion since the time of prophet Mohammed . See the answer to this question in Islam religion at this link :-
    
    http://www.alifta.net/Search/fatwa 6334

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       Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I'm sorry, the link did not work.

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       Mahmoposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       http://www.alifta.net
       Then search for Fatwa No. 6334

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    3. 61

       Mahmoposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       or search for : Fatwas of the Permanent Committee>Group 1>Volume 3: `Aqidah (3)>Believing in Divine Decree>Wishing to die>Every child is born upon Fitrah

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    4. 93

       Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       So accordingly to Islam, we are predestine to be good or evil and will be sent someone to help us down our given path? I'm not sure I understood it properly.

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12. 51

    tbHistorianposted 10 years ago

    Children are born into an environment based on the parents environment.
    Through each ensuing generation the family environment grows.
    When the child is taught respect for others within a positive religion, the family environment grows positively.
    If children were taught various religions and arguments against them chaos would ensue.
    WOW - and we see this is actually happening in society today.
    The elimination of Christian teachings in schools and the society has led to abhorrent behavior.
    So, the life experience for children today is filled with immoral evil daily.
    The world has become more decadent through this because few individuals respect the rights of others.
    Therefore, the life experience through chaotic training causes evil to rise.
    Christians oppose such activity.  So, the positive training of children begins with the righteous parents that learned to avoid sin.
    your desire to justify a bit of life experience just results in a risky bite from evil that spreads like wildfire.
    Still, everyone has a choice.  So - please choose wisely.

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       Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I can't say I agree w all this but glad you do get the question. It seems much of what you're saying relates mainly to the US. What is the cause of abhorrent behavior in China? I know many without religious upbringings that still know respect.

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       tbHistorianposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       A child seeks truth as they grow and mature. They do not seek blindness as a vision. Jesus provided the strength of the Gospel as he spread the truth about righteousness. Unrighteous rulers cause abhorrent behavior in China. Immoral breeds immoral.

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       Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, of course. There is only Christianity & the abhorrent. WOW - You don't even have to know someone to pass judgment according to your beliefs. I've been wasting so much time looking into the heart & mind of people. "Boys! Come b enlightene

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       tbHistorianposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Evil spreads where immoral is permitted to exist. Jesus led by example, not by some listless bit of life experience. Jesus avoided evil as he spread righteousness through his travels. Jesus asked us to inspire others through this same manner. GBWU

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       Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Well, 2 U, moral is equal 2 Christianity & those without it r "chaotic", "immoral", "evil", "disrespectful", "abhorrent" and "blind". Sorry, I feel none of this & am glad my beliefs don't require me 2 of you. Just judgmental, narrow, & a

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       Gypsy Scribeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       tbHistorian,
       I don't mean to add any negativity here, but Matthew 7:1 tells us to not be judgmental of others, and it sounds like you're being just that. I understand your argument, but it's typical for Christians to preach one thing but do another.

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       Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       ...a hindrance.

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13. 61

    Bhawna Dixitposted 10 years ago

    Well we need to tell children and adults that religion is not only what is written in religious scriptures and our daily rituals. Religion is living life with kindness and compassion towards others. We should have our own outlook towards life. We are told what to do and what not to do since we are born. I am sure many people don't even know what they truly are. Choosing religion is not an issue in my view but defining religion is. we need to renew our definition of religion.

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       Harishprasadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Bhawana, nobody told Siddharth to find out what it is all about our existence, this birth, disease and death. This question arose in his mind when he watched the scenes of our existence and the question tormented him until he found out the answer.

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14. 81

    peachpurpleposted 10 years ago

    yup, i was taught to be a catholic since i was born bcoz both parents are catholics. My kids aren't catholics bcoz my hubby is a buddhist. SO, according to chinese custom, kids have to follow daddy, buddhist, naturally.

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       Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Nice. I love it. I will assume there are difficulties at times whether between yourselves or families but that you're working it out and to me, that's a great thing.

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    Cre8torposted 10 years ago

    Before we are even born, the odds of us choosing a certain religion are greatly favored simply by what region of the world we are born in. In the US, baptisms are planned, bibles are purchased and crucifixes hung before we've taken our first breath. We will then be told stories, taken to churches and participate in religious celebrations before we can use the toilet on our own. Our stores carry Christian products, our tv's full of Christian evangelists and the idea that our souls will perish if we do not do as all these things suggest, will be reinforced by nearly everyone we know prior to entering grade school. Now at some point in our young lives we will likely question this belief and likely again have our religious "choice" reinforced. We will even be encouraged, with no real knowledge of what others believe except that it's not the same as us, to "save" them by convincing them that what they've been taught, the stories they've been told and the beliefs of the part of the world they were born into are wrong. Then we come of age, at which time our "choice" is our own. (WARNING: Choosing differently has been known to split families and friends to become enemies.) You can now decide to be Buddhist, if you know what that is, where to find out about it, find a place to worship or someone to talk to. Perhaps Islamic? That is going to be harder for you here and now. (Sorry, just telling you the truth.) Okay, Jewish. It won't go over well at the holidays but you'll at least have some access. (What kind of choice is this?)
    
    This isn't just a Christian thing, or US thing...this is an all over the world thing. I use them because I'm a Christian born US citizen...what else would I use?
    
    So what would happen if it wasn't this way.
    
    My guess...the world would keep turning. Blood wouldn't run through the streets. Our children wouldn't begin to run naked and "twerking" through the streets more than they do now. Maybe less.
    
    I DON'T think religion would cease to exist & when chosen, would be with more conviction. I DO feel more of a "belief" system would rise. A belief that our beliefs exist within ourselves, have rather common goals and need not matter so much to one another. I've explained what beliefs ARE to my children, help to gain access when asked and suggested they choose one when ready. "Everyone believes something...even if it's nothing. Finding yours will help you become you." Then we eat cookies and talk about love & respect.
    
    I know! Chaos right?

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       Harishprasadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Cre8or,the way you have said these things about religions is reflective of your wonderful urge to find a way out of this great maze. I love your elaborate statement that is a clarion call for all sincere seekers.

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       tbHistorianposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Christians receive the Law of righteousness through recognition of the salvation provided to those who dwell with the redeemer. All scripture is given by inspiration, truthful doctrine, for reproof, for correction, & for instruction in righteousn

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    Harishprasadposted 10 years ago

    Cre8or, you will be amazed to know that in the east, this freedom has been already bestowed upon the worshippers to find God the way they find true as per their intellect. So many enlightened persons here are the examples of this freedom of choice. At the same time, it is also true that all their teachings point to the same path though ways to tread on it  are so variant and sometimes so exotic.

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       Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       And if more people stick to the path and less on how it's traveled, respect and common ground is found. Thank you Harishprasad.

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       tbHistorianposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Inventors of evil things continually reroute the child as the inventor fills the child with unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness.  This fills the child with envy, murder, debate, deceit, & malignity. Jesus saves a

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       Harishprasadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       tbHistorian, just write something coherently in a simple language. This is not a debate about a specific religion but a general universal question encompassing every religion of the world and  about a choice. You can say in clear words your view.

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    IDONOposted 10 years ago

    I don't know if we are told what to believe from birth as much as we just grow into a belief because of the environment we grow up in. Most families/ households have beliefs that have been passed down through generations and really don't know enough about other beliefs to be able to teach others to their children. Also, they may not feel the need to teach others because they feel if it works for them, it will probably work for the child. Most agree that a belief in something is better than belief in nothing. It's a building block for a child to build their own beliefs from as they mature and comprehend other things. At some point, they will make decisions to accept or change things they believe in as they feel needed to sustain a good relationship with the God that they understand.
         Unfortunately, these belief changes, very often create a division in family relationships. This does not happen for spiritual or loving reasons. It usually happens because of ego. People naturally have the need to say," my way is the truth". It may be; for them. And many feel deflated when told their truth is not THE TRUTH to everyone. So rather than to accept that person who believes differently, they defend their belief by pushing them away. And when that happens it crosses the line from a respectable discussion to a personal attack. I see it here in HP all the time.
         One of the hardest things in life is to let go and let someone find their own path. It's hard because we are a selfish bunch. That's just the way we are made.

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       Harishprasadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       IDONO, till we are bound with opinion of others, truth is far from us. Somebody praises us, we get elated, somebody derides us,we get depressed. The really insightful is beyond all that and is ever calm and balanced. Clear the confusion,dear.

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       Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Mostly agree. "Nothing" is still a belief w/ bad stigma given by religions. "Evil and empty". Think the world would be fine, better, w/o being taught definitive from birth then given choice. Rather taught we have a choice and be allowed to make it.

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       tbHistorianposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Respect is very difficult to display for those individuals that wish to broadcast that immoral is moral. Moral people do not get deflated when immoral people try to deceive society. Moral people continue to speak and write the truth. Truth wins.

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       IDONOposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       TBHist: You are confusing teaching beliefs with teaching behavior.People have immoral thoughts without acting on them. We all do. Beliefs are too open to interpretation to teach. We all find a way to believe in something if it's important to us.

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    Koyna Senposted 10 years ago

    It would have been great actually and I truly appreciate what you have said. Had it been turn into reality, there would have been no more chaos in the world about religion, People are tagged in specific religion since birth. And that is not fair at all. I strictly feel that they should be allow to practice religion that they feel like or like most. Religion cannot be forced down on an individual. There would have been more tolerance and peace in human kind, if they were given the freedom of choosing their individual religion.

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       Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you for sticking to the question. It does seem more like happenstance than choice does it not.

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    Gypsy Scribeposted 10 years ago

    It has been my own personal experience that a person can be raised in one religion and still be able to change their direction in time. It is up to the individual to decide what they wish to believe and follow. Keeping an open mind to any and all possibilities is another matter. If you brain wash a person enough (either for the better or worse) to have them set in their ways then they will believe soap is evil and will refuse to wash with it. That, of course, is just a sarcastic example.

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       Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, my attempt at wit in the ? failed. Pt...we're conditioned even if just by where we're born & could just as easy be "x". KNOWING & being taught this, would their be less concern of the "soap" one uses and more of their cleanliness?

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       Gypsy Scribeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       LOL People have this weird thing about wanting to be led. People think they are smart and self sufficient, but it's only a fancy to make them feel better about themselves. Why do people want to be led and herded to feel secure?

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       Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Herds = comfort. Being led = no accountability. Before anyone slanders me for saying that, it's a general statement. If it walks like a duck...

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    lone77starposted 10 years ago

    I have chosen my own religion. In fact, I've made a lifestyle out of it.
    
    I have changed my mind in the direction of truth. It's called learning.
    
    I started with Southern Baptist Christianity, moved to Scientology, Buddhism, Judaism and Jewish mysticism (Kabballah), Taoism and finally non-denominational Christianity.
    
    I have found Truth and Wisdom in each. I have also studied many of the sciences and found a great deal of Truth in them, too.

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       Gypsy Scribeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I've done about the same thing, and I, too, have found truth in every direction I turned.

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       Cre8torposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Truth & wisdom in multiple places? That's just weird. I mean if you pass something like this on...what will become of us? Perhaps you should just keep this idea to yourself.

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