Idzequitch wrote:Infected Mushroom wrote:
This is correct
Religion can be altered through habits and self-indoctrination
you can see how most people stick to the religions that they were brought up in (though of course, there are exceptions as people move into other communities and become exposed to other ideas)
I believe some of the discomfort with this thread is the result of people not used to/able to accept the idea that it is possible to change religions for a benefit; it doesn't happen much in real life because people want to fit in (that's the main benefit the religion provides and its not insubstantial), typically, one adopts the religious codes and ethos of those around us and that provides a structure
just as someone can continue to stay in one religion when confronted with evidence, so can someone change religion at will if one is willing to put in sufficient effort; religions are not about rationality or evidence, its about choosing to believe
now I will admit though, that if one is surrounded by Christian family members and lives in a non-Islamic community... the process of trying to force oneself to become Islamic may feel too unnatural and obstacle-filled to be practically overcome; it would require an unusually strong mind and determination
whether or not there is a religious community of like-minded people who are welcoming of the process (and perhaps even more importantly, the family aspects) could be a hugely decisive factor. So I would accept the notion that for some, depending on circumstance, they can reliably predict that a conversion wouldn't be possible, even for 5 million.
however, in other cases, its a possibility
There's also the fact that most religions provide/promise a benefit to the follower that the individual may fear to lose. It's a tradeoff in the end. You may gain money, and who knows? Maybe you actually converted to the "right" religion. But by abandoning the faith you have, you risk any consequences you may believe are associated with leaving the faith you currently follow (Purgatory, Hell, bad karma, etc.)
True.
