Why [insert religion here] ?

[S.L.I.G]

Alright. I believe in God, freely going to say that. So for the following question, please no one think I'm actually challenging the logic of your belief, being condescending, or anything like that. Anyways: My dad converted to Catholicism like a year ago [previously protestant, though not very devout], and my mom has begun to read the bible daily, and is a protestant. I never really talked about religion with my parents, so as odd as this sounds, I honestly never even knew they considered themselves Christian. Maybe I thought they considered themselves "Christian", but I never really thought that, if they did, there was any genuine belief behind it. Apparently there was.

So my question to Christians/Muslims/Jews, whatever- why do you believe? Outside of what you've been taught as a Child, outside of the whole notion that your suppose to just have "faith" that its true, what logically convinces you that the faith you adhere to as any legitimacy whatsoever?

[The Count(er)]

Outside of what you've been taught as a Child, outside of the whole notion that your suppose to just have "faith" that its true, what logically convinces you that the faith you adhere to as any legitimacy whatsoever?

Honestly I don't think there's a whole lot more to it outside of that, at least is a majority of the cases, out of curiosity, what aside from the bit quoted made you choose your religion?

[S.L.I.G]

Honestly I don't think there's a whole lot more to it outside of that, at least is a majority of the cases, out of curiosity, what aside from the bit quoted made you choose your religion?

In my case I lack a religion. I believe in God- and I guess my perception of God is pretty similar to the Judeao-Christian perception, but thats about it. Actually why I created this thread, is because my parents are Christian and my sister has sort of a Jehovah Witness point of view on Christianity, but no one really like getting into a religious discussion in my family [they dont think its polite to talk about God]. I'd like to understand their point of view, and others.

[MaximiIian]

what logically convinces you that the faith you adhere to has any legitimacy whatsoever?

I'd say that just about any faith or religious path has legitimacy and validity. So long as someone finds something in it that they find meaningful.

Do you mean to ask why I (or other responders) chose the religion they have now?

[S.L.I.G]

I'd say that just about any faith or religious path has legitimacy and validity. So long as someone finds something in it that they find meaningful.

Do you mean to ask why I (or other responders) chose the religion they have now?

Yes.

[MaximiIian]

Yes.

Ah.
Well, in that case; it was a simple matter of research and finding a religion that fit my beliefs. After a long period of research and personal study, I found that the core beliefs of Wicca roughly conformed to the animistic, polytheistic, and panentheist beliefs I held already. My ethics generally were the same as what most Wiccans hold as ethical and moral; Wiccan mythology was also interesting and conveys, to me, a relevant anthropomorphism of ecology and agriculture. But perhaps most importantly, the religious practices were logically consistent and intrigued me. So, it was natural that I chose that as my religion.

Keep in mind, that doesn't mean that I agree with everything most Wiccans believe; example being theology- I'm a hard polytheist whereas many Wiccans and eclectic neopagans are soft polytheists. Theology, oddly enough, isn't one of the things that defines what Wicca is; it's conventional and consistent religious practices that truly define it.

[Viking Prince]

So my question to Christians/Muslims/Jews, whatever- why do you believe? Outside of what you've been taught as a Child, outside of the whole notion that your suppose to just have "faith" that its true, what logically convinces you that the faith you adhere to as any legitimacy whatsoever?

Why do you wish to eliminate what I was taught as a child from the discussion. I have faith and I choose to continue the form of that faith within my community of friends and family. I fail to see the flaws in my choice.

Others who have lost faith or found faith will perhaps make some choices differant from the forms and rituals that they were raised with. But to remain with the forms and rituals of childhood can also be a source of strength in one's faith. We draw upon various means for faith, but I do doubt that logic is ever a true reason to leave or join in a community of faith.

[bthizle1]

Why do you wish to eliminate what I was taught as a child from the discussion. I have faith and I choose to continue the form of that faith within my community of friends and family. I fail to see the flaws in my choice.

Others who have lost faith or found faith will perhaps make some choices different from the forms and rituals that they were raised with. But to remain with the forms and rituals of childhood can also be a source of strength in one's faith. We draw upon various means for faith, but I do doubt that logic is ever a true reason to leave or join in a community of faith.

I wouldn't really consider you to have "chosen that faith" so much as I'd say it was chosen for you.

Why should logic not be a reason as to why a faith should or should not appeal to an individual? What about those that actually prefer to think about what they are being told, rather than simply accepting or discarding it. Those that envelope themselves in its history and question its "legitimacy" (ie. are there many contradictions, not just within a text, but in accordance to other records of history etc...) are usually not satisfied with illogical fallacies, despite how appealing or comforting they may sound upon first glance.

[Viking Prince]

I wouldn't really consider you to have "chosen that faith" so much as I'd say it was chosen for you.

Why should logic not be a reason as to why a faith should or should not appeal to an individual? What about those that actually prefer to think about what they are being told, rather than simply accepting or discarding it. Those that envelope themselves in its history and question its "legitimacy" (ie. are there many contradictions, not just within a text, but in accordance to other records of history etc...) are usually not satisfied with illogical fallacies, despite how appealing or comforting they may sound upon first glance.

I stated that using the word "logic" is a trap. Religious beliefs cannot be proven with scientific methods -- they are based upon faith. To apply logic is to presuppose a form of proof.

As far as to suppose that the religion has chosen me -- I would suggest that we all have free will and we exercise such free will each and every day. To suggest that I do not choose by faith to follow the religion of my childhood is to deny such free will. Each time that I choose to pray I am choosing to do so by free will. Each time that I choose to partake in a ritual, I am doing so with free will. Just as those who choose not to continue with their faith. I cannot see how choosing to leave one's faith of childhood can be a choice, but continuing within the faith is not a choice. This would be inconsistent and illogical.

[Bovril]

Systems of symbols are difficult to engage with unless they speak to your cultured understanding. Mythology has to be internalised (or given relation to that which is internal) to be participated in. Perhaps this is why converts are so often literalists or heretics.

Conversion is not the same as learning some new piece of information and faith is not the same as accepting a proposition.

[jankren]

If you were born in India you would more likely be a Hindu. If you were born in Iran you would more likely be a Muslim. Its as simple as that.

[Viking Prince]

If you were born in India you would more likely be a Hindu. If you were born in Iran you would more likely be a Muslim. Its as simple as that.

Agreed -- this is why I questioned the OP's attempt to only discuss:

Originally Posted by S.L.I.G
So my question to Christians/Muslims/Jews, whatever- why do you believe? Outside of what you've been taught as a Child, outside of the whole notion that your suppose to just have "faith" that its true, what logically convinces you that the faith you adhere to as any legitimacy whatsoever?

Using the word "logically" is a trap. Not including community, friends, family, and childhood is down right restrictive of what works in the real world.

[S.L.I.G]

Using the word "logically" is a trap. Not including community, friends, family, and childhood is down right restrictive of what works in the real world.

Why the hell would I try to trap the religious when I am one myself? I made the presumption that the religious individuals on this site, do not blindly follow their religion, and instead, when they reached of aged, criticized it and went through their own religious journey, and came to whatever conclusion it was [conversion, atheism, sticking to the same, modifying some beliefs but keeping the core, etc] on something, other than learned rituals.

[Aldgarkalaughskel]

Alright. I believe in God, freely going to say that. So for the following question, please no one think I'm actually challenging the logic of your belief, being condescending, or anything like that. Anyways: My dad converted to Catholicism like a year ago [previously protestant, though not very devout], and my mom has begun to read the bible daily, and is a protestant. I never really talked about religion with my parents, so as odd as this sounds, I honestly never even knew they considered themselves Christian. Maybe I thought they considered themselves "Christian", but I never really thought that, if they did, there was any genuine belief behind it. Apparently there was.

So my question to Christians/Muslims/Jews, whatever- why do you believe? Outside of what you've been taught as a Child, outside of the whole notion that your suppose to just have "faith" that its true, what logically convinces you that the faith you adhere to as any legitimacy whatsoever?

Why do you not believe?

[MaximiIian]

Why do you not believe?

So I guess you didn't read his first sentence?

[Musthavename]

I don't think that's the point he's making. If what you're brought up by as a child encourages you to follow a certain religion (or even, lack of it), then that's why you likely follow that religion. The question only really applies to the few minority of people who lose faith in their religion and choose another, i.e. something made them stop believing in their original faith.

[Aldgarkalaughskel]

I don't think that's the point he's making. If what you're brought up by as a child encourages you to follow a certain religion (or even, lack of it), then that's why you likely follow that religion. The question only really applies to the few minority of people who lose faith in their religion and choose another, i.e. something made them stop believing in their original faith.

Thanks for the channeling, Musty. Okay, so I don't believe in the religion I was brought up, because I don't think there's a need to follow every goddamn rule that was made by smartass clerics and theologians, who lived their lives outside of the society anyway. This doesn't mean I lost the faith, or I would be an atheist or agnostic. Faith and loyalty to a certain church are two different things. I just read the New Testament sometimes, because it offers interesting stories how to lead a meaningful life. Everyone is free to interpret the Bible in his own way, just like any other book. But it shouldn't be one's only source of "wisdom".

[Dayman]

Alright. I believe in God, freely going to say that. So for the following question, please no one think I'm actually challenging the logic of your belief, being condescending, or anything like that. Anyways: My dad converted to Catholicism like a year ago [previously protestant, though not very devout], and my mom has begun to read the bible daily, and is a protestant. I never really talked about religion with my parents, so as odd as this sounds, I honestly never even knew they considered themselves Christian. Maybe I thought they considered themselves "Christian", but I never really thought that, if they did, there was any genuine belief behind it. Apparently there was.

So my question to Christians/Muslims/Jews, whatever- why do you believe? Outside of what you've been taught as a Child, outside of the whole notion that your suppose to just have "faith" that its true, what logically convinces you that the faith you adhere to as any legitimacy whatsoever?

Why most people in the world believe what they believe because they were raised that way and don't know any better/are suffering cognitive dissonance.

[Bovril]

Why most people in the world believe what they believe because they were raised that way and don't know any better/are suffering cognitive dissonance.

Cognitive dissonance is a state of negative affect caused by having internalised two contradictory attitudes or beliefs (Aronovich contends that they must concern one's self image in order to be potent). How would this sustain religious belief?

[Dayman]

Cognitive dissonance is a state of negative affect caused by having internalised two contradictory attitudes or beliefs (Aronovich contends that they must concern one's self image in order to be potent). How would this sustain religious belief?

People who are both religious and fully modern human beings...they know and accept all the results of modern science yet claim they base their moral code on pre-scientific attitudes of a bronze age tribe, all premised on the existence of an omnipotent deity. These people are too emotionally invested in their religion to part ways with it, yet know all to well how things really are and can't accept the more ridiculous part of their religion. There are two parts to their character, the modern human being and the religion and never the twain shall meet.