Did you learn about other religions first?  And if not, how can you be sure you're believing in the right thing?
127567
one third  were born in a christian family, one third got money to do it, one third had gun over their head, rest of them converted because they wanted to.
558176
For me, it began in school when I was exposed to a lot of different cultures and religions.  I began to study many of  these so I could better understand others.  When I came across Wicca, the beliefs made sense to me.  It was everything I believed in but I never thought there was a name for it.  After a lot of study and soul searching, I decided to dedicate myself to Wicca.  \n\nThroughout the years I have practiced Wicca, I have questioned it as well as had it questioned by others.  Through each of  these situations, my beliefs have grown stronger and they have also changed.  For example, I now believe in the Law of Return as opposed to the more common Threefold Law.  I also follow the rede of the Lycian Tradition.  I think that by choosing a faith different from the one I was brought up in has made me want to actively study and participate in it instead of following blindly.\n\nI consider myself eclectic.  My practices are mostly deity oriented.  I have worked with with deities from Celtic, Greek, Egyptian, and Hindu belief systems but, I don't mix pantheons at a given time.  I have also worked with the more general God and Goddess as well as The All.  I think this practice stems from my interest in other cultures.
71688
I was baptized Catholic as a baby, and raised that way throughout my early childhood. Eventually my parents stopped attending church, and so did I. I never really felt connected to what the Church preached, but I didn't question it because I had never been exposed to anything else. Eventually, I went on a self-exploration. I took it upon myself to find, research, and learn about other religions, views, beliefs, practices, philosophies, theories, etc.\n\nDuring my soul-search, I made a collaboration of different things I found to be logical, reasonable, logical, and sensible in my own personal opinion. I basically created my own religion. I followed that path for a while, and relished not conforming to an organized religion, because my beliefs were free to grow and change as I grew and changed (and learned). Then one day a friend introduced me to Wicca.\n\nWicca is a Neopagan religion, first reformed by Gerald Gardener in 1940 based on what is believed to be the beliefs of the ancient Celts. The more I learned about it, the more in coincided with the beliefs I'd already pieced together on my own. Its lack of dogma allows any follower to define his or her own beliefs within little restriction. This allowed my beliefs to continue to grow and change with me. It also does not require any follower to conform to any other follower's specific ideas, as you can either practice in a coven with others who hold the same views, or practice solitarily (like I do).\n\nI would recommend it to anyone looking for something to believe in. You can find out about it here:\n\nBut remember one thing! Because the specifics of the religion are free to be defined by the individual practitioner, no two Wiccans (or Pagans for that matter) will ever agree on everything. I am an open book to any questions you might have if you'd like to contact me through my profile page, or you can find nonbiased information about Wicca here: http://www.religioustolerance.org/witchcra.htm
396691
Of course if I though Islam was the correct (or most correct) religion I would join it.  As it is, though, I cannot be separated from Christ.\nI very much want to learn more about Islam, and I am gradually and steadily learning about it.  \nI believe it is good to know how others think and what they believe.
3459
I think this particular problem concerning religion stems from the fact that religion asks us to have faith in something that we cannot prove exists while at the same time promising that this thing we cannot prove exists answers all of the questions of existence.  Therefore, we want to believe in it because we want the answers to all of existence (including the meanings of our own lives) but because we cannot prove it by any scientific test yet devised, we have to wonder (maybe secretly) whether or not we have chosen the "right" religion.  When someone comes along who challenges the foundations of our religious beliefs, one of our first reactions is fear (understandably), because if they're "right" it means that we've been "wrong" all of this time and everything on which we have built our universe frame of reference (our sense of identity and where we fit into the Grand Scheme of Things) will have to be rebuilt on a new foundation.  It's fear of being wrong about something so personal that causes us to get cranky about religion.\n\nI've found that the most helpful way to approach religion is to recognize that every single person on this planet has their own unique point of view about the universe, and so no two people will ever agree fully on what it means to be here.  The best we can do is to agree that we are here now, whether by the hand of God or through mere chance, and we can only ease our existence by recognizing the truth in other points of view.
185302
Without being too rude, I realy would'nt try and decipher the bible word for word or assume that everything in it will make perfect sense and not be contradictory.\n\nYou can (as has been proven across pretty much every major religion), prove one way or another that your beleifs are correct. If this was not the case, then each religon would be clearly defined rather than being seccular and fractured. Religion itself should be an idea, a best practice for living life the way you beleive is best, and letting others do the same. \n\nDont beleive everything you read, take what gives you comfort and hold on to it but know that there may be more out there than you think or less than you would like to beleive.
138160
I come from a Christian family and grew up in that environment. I explored all areas of religions and spirituality having an open mind. I was not looking to pick a religion or anything. I just have always enjoying learning different perspectives of God, love and wisdom from all of these teachings.\n\nI learnt that Hinduism has a very specific path towards Self-Realization that Christianity did not have. The mantras are very powerful, and I've seen greater positive effects it has on my life. Along with meditation which teaches me how to quiet my mind, so I can listen within and hear God. I just liked the fact that Hinduism recognizes that we have God within and that many Indian sages help guide people finding that source within and re-awaken. Why do you think so many enlightened people are borne of India. I do not find Christian preachers enlightened enough nor close enough to God to be a source of guidiance.\n\nI do believe in the teachings of Jesus. I consider them to be valid. I just don't care for anything else in the Bible to be relevant to my path. Christianity does not give me what I specifically need that Hinduism gives me which is how do I get closer to my Self-Realization.
628977
I am also a skeptical person. I have problems with basing any faith on the Bible because growing up in a Christian home I was exposed to it and actually read it. I had lots of problems with some of the stuff in it and many of the explanations or "apologetics" really added up for me. In the end religion is a matter of faith. No one can prove they have the definitive "truth". I personally believe if I live a decent life and do my best to be a good person a just God would not burn me in hell. I really can't imagine a being who would be that powerful they could create a universe but so petty they would be secretive and obtuse about their existence and then punish you for not choosing the right church. Too wierd. There are many people though who will tell me I am going to burn in hell. That is fine by me so long as I am not forced to live by their rules, we live in a free society where people should be allowed to make up their own minds and follow their own hearts. \n\nSome books that I have read that really made absolute belief in the Bible impossible for me that you might want to check out. \n\n  \n Who Wrote the Bible? by Richard E. Friedman  \n\n The Jesus Puzzle: Did Christianity Begin with a Mythical Christ? Challenging the Existence of an Historical Jesus by Earl Doherty\n\nMisquoting Jesus : The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why (Hardcover) by Bart Ehrman\n\nThis is not to say that I don't find some useful and good things to take out of the Bible. Just I don't base my whole personal belief system on it. Like when the new testament (which is supposed to be so much nicer as the new convenent between people and God) says that women should not be allowed to speak in church and if they go to church without their head covered they should have their hair shaved off, etc... \n\nGood luck with your spiritual seeking. Peace.
477731
Yes. I have researched Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity (orthodox, mostly), Islam, Zoroastrian (tho there is not much info out there), and many other ancient religions. I've learned that we are alike in our general beliefs for how a person should live (such as not to lie, kill, cheat, etc.). I've also learned that most of our differences lie in how we worship of how we attain truth, faith, and God.\n\nHere is a quote from Kahlil Gibran translated, "...each religion is merely a drop in the ocean of what is True faith..." - the human mind cannot grasp all that is there....
157244
No not at all....I'm thankful I have a religion a faith the opportunity to believe, and regardless of what religion a person may be someone is always going to put "their two cents" in on it...Believe in what's right for you...no one can do this for you....and I feel you shouldn't put others beliefs down either..Think about it my parents were raised catholic...so of course me and my siblings were all raised catholic...if they happened to be Mormon than we would be Mormon...like I said before believe in what's right for you as a person, to me God can tell the difference of people sincerity regardless of "what religion you may be" or "which religion you think is right"....
69213
I think it's a good idea to educate yourself on differing beliefs.  It makes you take a closer look at your own, and it should also help you to defend those beliefs (or possibly change them- you never know, you could be wrong now).  College is a place where lots of people question their faith, and I think it's extremely important to know what you believe and why before you go.  As for whether reading other things has strenghtened or hurt- definitely the former.  I didn't form my beliefs until I was a young adult, so I had lots of time before then to figure out what exactly those beliefs were.
188065
At the age of nine, with a magic show gone horribly wrong (in my case) at a local Baptist church.  I had the numinous belief in the supernatural that all kids have through contact with such beliefs from the society they live in.  Then I saw a guy mystifying children with simple sleight of hand tricks and extrapolated from there, which I am sure wasn't what the pastor of the church intended at all.  It was a life changing moment, though I did not really know it.  I had decided to throw off the shackles of the mind that are required by religion and embraced logic, reason, and science as my "holy" trinity.
543039
The truth is in the bible, but God will allow only people with the right heart condition to understand it.  If you really and truly want to know and you pray sincerely about wanting to know the truth, he will show you the way. Nobody can tell you which religion is the right one.  Only God will let you know.\n\nMark 7:6, 7: “He [Jesus] said to them [the Jewish Pharisees and scribes]: ‘Isaiah aptly prophesied about you hypocrites, as it is written, “This people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far removed from me. It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach as doctrines commands of men.”’” (Regardless of whom a group profess to worship, if they hold to doctrines of men instead of the inspired Word of God, their worship is in vain.)\n\nRom. 10:2, 3: “I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God; but not according to accurate knowledge; for, because of not knowing the righteousness of God but seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.” (People may have God’s written Word but lack accurate knowledge of what it contains, because they have not been taught properly. They may feel that they are zealous for God, but they may not be doing what he requires. Their worship is not going to please God, is it?)
118795
I truly believe we should all make our own decisions on what we believe.  Take all the information and come to your own conclusion.  Keep researching and learning.  No one has all the answers or there won't be questions.  If something feels right to you - it is right to you - and that is most important.  The bottomline, regardless of all the extra fluff people add, is love God, love one another.  If we all practiced this the world would be a better place.  Good luck finding you peace!  Take Care and always ask!
53052
i am in a similar situation.  I want to understand what is out there.  how others believe and all of that.  I have been doing alot of reading.  Looking stuff up on the net. Asking people questions.  I am at a point where I want to go to places and see what they do what they go through.  I want to see what they see and try to feel why they do.  I want to know why they believe in what they believe in.  Dont be afraid to search and ask.  You might get slack for it.  Ppl tellin you its not necessary. (i have gotten that.  they say this is the faith theres no need for all this)  It isnt their journey, its yours.  If there is anything in particular you are curious about.  start there.  And as you go your search will guild itself. And most of all listen to your heart.  if your search leads you some where and your heart and soul are ok with it, stick with it.  if your soul or heart says stay clear then listen to it.  Thats what the journeys all about.
61808
And how much do you know about Islam??? Lots enough for you to talk about something that indeed you have very less knowledge about it???\n   Many people all over this world talk about freedom including free to be muslim, christian, budhist and so on. But how many of us respect every single person's right to be in which religion they want to? Including respect their faith and beleive. For example, be careful in whatever issue that you want to raise.
221633
You ask a VERY good question...  While some of the religions you mention say there is no right or wrong path so long as you are a "good person", the three Semetic most widely accepted and growing doctrines say there is a right and wrong way/path.  Gomer, SOMEBODY is wrong.  I choose to follow a faith that I have been lead to by God.  I would recommend a couple of books to anyone who was interested.  These books DO NOT ask you to take faith on faith, but to examine the evidence... A Case for Faith and A Case for Christ by Lee Strobel.\n\nAs for your add on question... those who have never heard the Good News.  There is scripture that says if you have never heard the Good News of Jesus Christ and live a Godly life without knowing the Word there is a place for you with the Lord.  Though once you have heard, you are out of excuses.  You can't "la la la I can't hear you" out of that.\n\nAgain, you seem to ask a valid question... be open to the answers and you may learn something that you didn't know before.  Like I said, look at something that makes a case, evidence.  Be a jury that weighs evidence... not just someones slick words on yahoo.  Don't even believe me... if you make an honest effort to learn you should come away with something