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edward long

Association of Old Crows

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What does one's family/home environment have to do with their choice of religion as an adult?

What If Billy Graham had been born and raised in India by a devout Hindu family, or L.Ron Hubbard had been born into a fifth-generation Mormon family in Utah? What forces are at work when someone breaks with their family religious tradition?

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  • Stephen Camm

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    Nov 24 2011: I normally do not discuss religion for a simple reason. It is personal, it should be the result of some level of study / introspection and one should be free to choose. Adopting a religion because it's the family or local religion (social?) seems strange for something that so many tout as so important, particularly since there are thousands of "brands" for lack of a better word, most of which believe theirs is the one and only God....Buddhists and Confucians excluded.
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      edward long 100+

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      Nov 26 2011: I couldn't agree more Stephen that discussions about religion rarely end well. I phrased the question as specifically as I could to avoid contention and strife. I also agree with you that deciding on a position regarding spiritual things is quite important. I really wonder how often the response "That's how I was raised." would come up if a question like "Why do you hold the belief you do?" were asked in a man-on-the-street poll. My guess is it would be the number one or two answer. What do you think, and,what is your answer?

      • Stephen Camm

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        Nov 26 2011: I suspect you are right but I would also not be surprised if a very significant number of people had answers with more substance for their religious convictions. One other point that might also be made is given religion is personal, someone believing that energy is constant and we simply become stardust again might easily be construed as a religion (actually a somewhat reassuring thought in some respects). And on that note it's probably best we leave this arena....see you "wherever"
        someday.

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