Can anyone explain this about religion

[venator]

If you're born in Iran, you'll almost certainly be Muslim.
Likewise, in Dublin, you'll be a Catholic, a Hindu in Mumbai, and so on.

Many religions say they're the only true one, and everyone else is wrong.

I don't get it. Is it some sort of tribal thing?

[Ankou]

yes it is. a sort of 'follow your leader' arrangement. but your generalisation is not entirely correct as anyone born anywhere will generally start out believing what their parents tell them. so a muslim living in dublin, will most likely have children who are indoctrinated into islametc etc etc.

[Davethedog]

If the internet had been around about 5,000 years ago I would guess there would be a lot less religions. Just as many "believers" but less to believe in.

I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours.

Stephen Roberts

[naomi24]

//If you're born in Iran, you'll almost certainly be Muslim.
Likewise, in Dublin, you'll be a Catholic, a Hindu in Mumbai, and so on. //

Exactly. Religion is determined by birth. Isn't it silly.

[venator]

Davethedog - I'm not a believer in anything, I'm open minded, would love to have the comfort that some believers have!

The point that I'm trying to make is - how can people say their religion is the only true one when they would probably believed something else if they'd been born in another place?

For me that's the elephant in the room which religious zealots can't see.

[naomi24]

That's why organised religion is such a complete nonsense.

[naomi24]

.... or more correctly, one of the reasons.

[Ankou]

"how can people say their religion is the only true one when they would probably believed something else if they'd been born in another place?"

as i said: indoctrination.

i am an anomaly to your rule, i was born in a christian country and have always been raised without any religious influence whatsoever. that was down to my parents. i think it would have been the same whwrever i was born. except the middle east probably, where my parents would likely have been stoned or beheaded for being infidels.

[Davethedog]

Venator that wasn't aimed at you, its a point.

They are brought up by thier parents in the religion, Once upon a time your point was 100% valid and still is by a great percentage.

But the population of India is Seikh, Hindi, and Muslim. Dublin has Catholics, Protestants and Jews.

As we become the global village such generalisations, no longer conform.

There is also the point that as the devout move into more secular societies they are less likely to follow dogma and think for themselves.

[venator]

Davethedog - I did say "almost certainly" , and I know there are other religions everywhere. That's not the point I'd like someone to explain.

[jackthehat]

You're looking for someone to come along and argue against your completely logical viewpoint ?

I hope you've brought a book with you.........

[Ankou]

"That's not the point I'd like someone to explain. "

eh ? haven't we more or less tried? or do you really mean...

'i'd like a religious person to come on here and tell me why their god is better than anyone elses (so that we can nonsensically argue ad infinitum)'

? is that it?

[naomi24]

venator, I'm not sure what else you're expecting anyone to say but I think you answered your own question when you asked the question. Yes, of course it's a sort of tribal thing.

[venator]

Sorry, chaps, I'm not trying to start an argument. I really would like someone to come up with an answer.

Perhaps "life, the universe and everything" might be easier.

[woofgang]

even ankou seems to be a product of his upbringing so not an exception :-)

[naomi24]

You've got the answer. Yes, it's a tribal thing.

[jackthehat]

From what I can see, you've had answers that agree with you.........

What more do you want ?

[Davethedog]

Venator - In my opinion its not tribal per-se.

Since the begining of time man has wanted to know "why and who" and each primative society came up with a reason. Some had many gods and some only one.

Remember the religions we have today are very few in comparison to when it would have been tribal. As people travelled they diseminated their religions around the world.

To find out why some succeeded and others didn't you would have to research it, but we know that the Americas are christian because of the "zeal" of the christian conquers. Its also worth noting that the papacy grew out of a ruling class not directly a religion.

New religions are born every day somewhere most fail but some prosper - Scientology? Why anyone wants to belive in some form of diety in this day and age let alone a new one(s) is beyond me.

So in origin it may have been tribal, its not now.

[Ankou]

oi, cheeky, i'm unique!

[Old_Geezer]

Of course it is a regional thing. Each area comes up with it's best hypothesis to explain religious stuff; and convinces the locals of its accuracy. One area doesn't reach the same conclusions as another, and as they have all bought deeply into their own faith, they all think they are right and the others are wrong. (Religious beliefs tending to stir deep emotions and loyalty.)

[naomi24]

I agree Dave, but I think if we're talking geography, which I assume ventator is, then it's a tribal thing. Whether or not people decide to leave the tribe and join another at some time in their lives is another matter entirely.