Do you think just because someone has a degree in Theology or?
969325
Not necessarily.  Anyone can be prejudiced.  We all have areas of life that we don't know much about.  We all make assumptions that might turn out to be wrong.\n\nIn life, we all make up our own minds.  We choose what we believe is right and wrong.  We find there are leaders and experts we generally agree with, and others we don't agree with as often.\n\nBut I do find that I learn more from listening to people I disagree with, than people I agree with.\n\nRikki
596759
I was baptized Catholic and attended Catechism a few times but even at the age of 7 I didn't believe in "God". I believe the "higher Power" is within each of us and that we are all connected on a subconscious level. Now I worship nature.
864162
Yes I do.  How do I know?  Because of the way they speak and the things they speak of.\n\nBecause they can understand anything you tell them or ask them.  Who are they?  One was my own dad.  He was not an 'educated' person, but he had a very high position in a world wide business.  He invented some things that are still in use.\n\nOthers are people I have met and people I know right now.  High intelligence doesn't have anything to do with degrees or books or certificates.  It is either developed or ignored.\nBut it is always there, no matter what - or what is 'done' or not done  about it.
921787
Depends.  A lot of people are raised to be of a certain faith.  These people often don't question what they are taught.  In that way, it isn't a real choice because they just believe what their parents/church told them to believe.  However, it becomes a choice if the individual thinks about what they believe - accept or reject certain aspects of different religions and make a decision to follow or not.
630676
Jim, sometimes I think you are brilliant and other times I just don't understand you...\n\n\nEducation is important. Assuming we are discussing faith: People should know what / why they believe things and not have a completely blind faith.
80791
Yes, I have. Many parents like for their children to attend a Christian College for the Basics, then they gather a better moral understanding of life, from a Christian Perspective. They usually go on to other Colleges from there to complete the Degree plan, some Christian Colleges where I live not have a lot of Curriculum, they usually focus on Ministry type Fields. I enjoyed the College I went too and many non-religious people also enjoyed it.
957473
Only if they had felt the faith/belief in their heart. They can understand intellectually but not completely.
315069
a college degree or a diploma
764624
I believe there are people who have had a spiritual experience who brought them to the God of their understanding, and there are those who haven't. Some who haven't just go to church and say they believe because it's the polite thing to do. Others who practice their religion (any religion) do it because they've had a personal experience that they can't prove to no one but themselves. They can't prove it to a non-believer any more than a non-believer can prove to them that the believer's experience was B.S. \n\nSo it's a draw.
873343
Yes but I don't think its consciously done by most who are involved. Its memes - ideas which can hook in to people brains and pass on, do survive and pass on. Most people involved in the church have probably been hooked themselves. Even more insidious if you think about it.\n\nOh and don't forget the big one - the absolute glorification of blind faith in what they are told.
617064
I agree. Many times on this site, I'll see a good question, and then some well intentioned Christian say, "you just have to have faith," or "faith isn't about logic."  It's quite irritating.  I know I have so much to learn and am ignorant myself, but it seems like some people check their brains at the door when it comes to faith. God wants us to love him with all our minds as well.  \n\nRejecting worldy wisdom doesn't mean we're supposed to be ignorant.
1039113
From one professor to another :), That he "walks with God" and takes his cues directly from the almighty, assuming of course if one believes in him/her. This is the kind of Neanderthal thinking that, in my opinion, exemplifies why church and state should ALWAYS be separate. Is that illogical enough for you?
470791
Just because someone does not believe what you believe, how does that alone make them a sinner?\n\nI think not.
612651
I think that people get caught up on one single aspect of their faith a lot of times.  This causes them to lose sight of their complete faith which can lead to misinterpretion or a lack of understanding of what their faith teaches and believes.  Homosexuality is a very good example.  I'm not saying that I believe its right, but you still have to step back and realize this person is still a person.  You also have to realize that you are not perfect either in some other way, and a lot of people forget that.
1160013
This is a matter for each denomination to decide. Most require a degree in Divinity, but many will just give a written and oral exam.\nAnyone can begin their own church, at  least in USA. There are no education requirements for that.
553737
You have to go to Seminary School...just look for some in or around your area.
819142
Man is doing what comes natural, when he wants to know everything.  That is not odd.  I have yet to meet a studied, religious person that I respect and that is knowledgable, that claims they know it all.  I don't think that is possible.