Originally Posted by
DoulaLC
This is a topic that many have trouble with. I think, as Wondergirl mentioned, many don't hold to this belief in a literal sense.
There's the idea that there is not just one way....given that there are so many people who simply do not hold the same beliefs....it seems a bit arrogant for one group to think they hold the only answer. it may be the only answer for them, but a different way may be followed by someone else.
Someone born and raised in Iran, for example, will likely believe something totally different from someone born and raised in Japan. Does one hold the only answer? Someone born and raised within a tribe in Ghana may never have been exposed to any sort of organized religion, but will hold their own beliefs instead....so are they counted out?
I have my own beliefs that align pretty much with how I was raised.....as is likely the case with the majority of people. Sure some people do actually study various religions and decide for themselves what to believe or follow. They may choose not to follow any at all, or decide their beliefs don't fit exactly into any particular religion, but most people likely believe what they believe simply from being born into the family that they were. If they had been born elsewhere, there is a good chance they would believe something very different. There may be some influence along the way from family, friends, spouses, etc., but you often won't change someone's core beliefs. A Christian is not likely going to change the beliefs of a Muslim anymore than a Muslim will convert a Christian.
The core teachings of religion is basically the same regardless of which one it is....the golden rule transcends throughout...and that holds true whether someone believes in a religion or not....believes in God or not....believes in an afterlife or not....believer, agnostic, or atheist alike. There may be a good, even purposeful, reason for that.
