11 May '10 18:01>
Given the dearth of evidence supporting any of the various flavours of religion available, what makes believers choose one sort over another?
Originally posted by avalanchethecatI reckon when people are at their lowest ,(and often dumbest), that whatever religon is proffered up to them they will accept.
Given the dearth of evidence supporting any of the various flavours of religion available, what makes believers choose one sort over another?
Originally posted by avalanchethecatThe number one reason for choosing a given belief, as I am sure we all know, is because our parents believed it.
Given the dearth of evidence supporting any of the various flavours of religion available, what makes believers choose one sort over another?
Originally posted by whodeyI find that unlikely. I do not think anyone tries out religions to check for relevance. I think that people make whatever religion they have chosen, relevant or not by choice.
I think it would have to be relavence to their lives.
Originally posted by twhiteheadI've met Bhuddists predominantly from my area,ie- south-east Queensland, Northern New South Wales and a couple from Melbourne (Australia). I have only met three ordained monks.I found their stories interesting and noteably different from the Christians I've met. (Of course not all Christians are the same)
Have you met Buddhists from a predominantly Buddhist area?
Originally posted by karoly aczelI come from a predominantly Christian country and the vast majority are Christian because their parents were Christian. A few generations back of course it was different - they were converted by European missionaries.
I've met Bhuddists predominantly from my area,ie- south-east Queensland, Northern New South Wales and a couple from Melbourne (Australia). I have only met three ordained monks.I found their stories interesting and noteably different from the Christians I've met. (Of course not all Christians are the same)
Originally posted by twhiteheadYes I agree with you. Most people vote the same as their parents and share the same faith as their parents.
I come from a predominantly Christian country and the vast majority are Christian because their parents were Christian. A few generations back of course it was different - they were converted by European missionaries.
I did meet one person who claimed to be Buddhist, but I suspect his version was rather different from what you are talking about. He claim ...[text shortened]... arriage. Also youth often change denomination - I think largely due to the influence of friends.
Originally posted by karoly aczelIt is hardly "in the past". It is a very present problem.
I often wonder why religous differences have caused so much trouble in the past.
Originally posted by karoly aczelOne story about the Buddha deals with this. A tribe North of his region was influenced by many different people advocating various religions. They thought he was wise and sent an emissary to ask for his advice. He said they should consider what they already believed - what is good, what is moral, what is desirable. He said that it was very likely their judgment was sound. If they found a religion that was consistent with their beliefs, then maybe that would be suitable for them.
I reckon when people are at their lowest ,(and often dumbest), that whatever religon is proffered up to them they will accept.
I've seen this with Christianity, Moslem, Hindu.
Notably I haven't seen it with Bhuddists. The Bhuddists I know all made their choice when they were in a place of clarity, not out of fear that they would end up in Hell or whatever.
Originally posted by avalanchethecatChristianity is not a religion. It is a vertical relationship, in which God has done and continues to do the work. All man made religions are counterfeits... ritualistic/belief systems in which man by man's effort seeks to work for and gain the approval of God. Rejection of absolute truth creates a vacuum (mataiotes) in the soul, which eventually either sucks in some substitute or lurches into atheistic denial. A perceived problem with Christianity is the overarching genius simplicity of God's grace plan and the irrelevance of human IQ. Some reject Christ because their intellects are offended. Some because the gift seems too simple.
Given the dearth of evidence supporting any of the various flavours of religion available, what makes believers choose one sort over another?
Originally posted by Grampy BobbySome because they've found something more tangible.
Christianity is not a religion. It is a vertical relationship, in which God has done and continues to do the work. All man made religions are counterfeits... ritualistic/belief systems in which man by man's effort seeks to work for and gain the approval of God. Rejection of absolute truth creates a vacuum (mataiotes) in the soul, which eventually either ...[text shortened]... e reject Christ because their intellects are offended. Some because the gift seems too simple.