Several religions are based on teachings from books, but the writers of those books are not here to teach us, so we have to read the book, learn/experiment safely without taking unnecessary risks while deciding which one is real, engaging and peaceful in your life. You might like to learn as much as you can about many religions. Are you a voracious reader? How will you decide in whom you may trust about your ultimate faith or belief?
Steps
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1Write down a list of your personal values and beliefs.
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Keep an open mind. First of all, you should get away from things you've heard about and start with a clean slate. This is one way to learn Truth. Your first task is to learn about religions, not necessarily to pick one for yourself right off the bat. Go to the library and find books on some religions. After you get the preliminary information on each religion, go to their original texts if you wish. Keep reading and learning. Do not accept or reject anything at this point, just keep learning.Advertisement
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Meet the religious leaders, preachers and teachers in your neighborhood and online. Ask them about their views on life, God(s), relationships, ethical conduct, and their daily practice of their religion. Use online forums to talk with people all over the world, do not confine yourself to just talking with friends and neighbors. Religion is not just facts but accepting a tradition, culture, and potentially important set of beliefs. Choosing a religion is similar to choosing who to marry. Follow your heart not peer pressure, it is a personal individual choice.
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Ask yourself, "Why do I need or want to follow a religion?" Remember that religion can be an escape, much like a drug. Cults can especially provide a drug-like escape. What is the real reason that you want to follow a religion?
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Beware of cults. Cults are social or religious groups that often control their members mentally, physically, maritally or sexually. Beware of their leaders that claim to have all the answers to life's questions. Beware of tight groups that ask people to strictly conform to certain behaviors, abandon their friends and family, ask for mandatory donations , etc.
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Don't make a quick decision especially as a young person. Take the time to learn about the world. Learn about life, faith, people, religion and seek education including history. Then keep reading about your favorite religions.
- It may help if good friends or family members share what their beliefs are and why they believe in them; learn about the their religions if you find them desirable. Do not confine yourself to just following the beliefs of what happens to be in your area though. With the internet, you can connect with beliefs all over the world.
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Find a particular religion to follow if you can. These include Buddhism and Buddha, Christian and Jesus Christ (the Messiah), Islam and the prophet Muhammad, Judaism and the Torah, or others.
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Avoid assuming that "one religion is just as good as the other" for yourself. That very well may be far from true. Shopping for religious communities is like shopping for cars. Each model has pros and cons, some will fit your needs better than others, no model is perfect, most of them have common features that will all get you from point A to point B.
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Learn about the good and the bad aspects of certain religions. It is important to know about negative and positive actions done by people who claim a particular religion. Decide for yourself if these people were properly following the religion or if they were simply abusing their power.
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Think about what you believe about God or gods: If you believe there is only one God, then your choice of religions is narrowed down to monotheistic religions. If you believe in Gods (more than one deity), then your choice of religions is narrowed down to polytheistic religions. If you believe that God is all, and all is God, then your choice of religions is narrowed down to pantheistic religions.
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Check to see which religions fit your beliefs when discussing the physical presence of God(s). Some religions believe that God(s) is/are not a physical entity, while some religions do believe that God(s) is/are physical entities that have bodies of their own. Some believe that God(s) has/have been found in human form on Earth, while others believe that this has not happened.
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Ensure a religion you're considering is comfortable for you. Attend a religious gathering to see if you feel the connection you are trying to seek.
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13Remember that religion is not for everyone. Don't limit yourself to theistic options. Study philosophy as alternative or as augment.
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Decide for yourself which sounds the closest to the truth, from your perspective.
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Avoid converting right away. You should study the various divisions and determine which is the right denomination, sect, etc, for you.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhich religions are pantheistic?Community AnswerSome neopagan religions and some African and Native American religions have elements of pantheism. Some forms of Christianity and Sikhism have elements of pantheism - the belief that God is in everyone and everything. Some forms of Hinduism are described by Western religious scholars as pantheistic, but most Hindus in these groups would not use that label themselves.
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QuestionCan I identify as another religion without converting to it? I say this because my current religion forbids me from leaving.Community AnswerNo one can force you to stay with your old religion. If you want to convert you are able to. If you are trapped in a cult, contact the authorities. You can of course identify privately however you wish, but if you truly believe in your new religion, you should make it official.
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QuestionIs it okay to have different religious beliefs than my parents?Community AnswerYes, of course. You should find your own religious identity.
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Tips
- Be patient, open minded, and non-judgmental.Thanks
- Question everything. Do not feel guilty for disagreeing with a particular belief.Thanks
- Some seek religions for acceptance, others for structure or support. Be part of a religion only if you truly believe it; be careful to not join one in order to feel good.Thanks
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Warnings
- Beware of "guru"s who have all the answers .Thanks
- Remember that what members of certain religions have done in the past does not always reflect the actual beliefs.Thanks
- Beware of the downsides of organized religion. Learn history.Thanks
- Do not enter into needless arguments for or against any religion, but share your understandings peacefully.Thanks
- Never compromise critical thinking and reason for social acceptance.Thanks
- Keep in mind that extremist organizations are not accurate representatives of any religion. Always learn information on your own, and set aside any previous opinions on the religion.Thanks
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