Religion as an adult choice

[Chad32]

There are exceptions, but I would imagine most people who are religious were in some sort of physically or emotionally vulnerable state before they converted. Either because they were children, or because their lives sucked as many testimonials go. Or maybe their community forced them into it. I'm not really sure why a well off adult would join a religion if they hadn't been dragged into it beforehand.

[The Grand Nudger]

I doubt that anything so drastic an instigator as the ones you proposed are actually required for a human being to have silly thoughts. I'm willing to propose..with absolutely no evidence...appealing to the common sense of the crowd.....that thoroughly happy, well adjusted, and well educated people think silly things - all day long...all by their one-sies. Some portion of those silly thoughts are bound to be silly god-thoughts, on the balance of all concurrent silly thought.

[Ravenshire]

I have to disagree with the thread title. No matter if it's a result of indoctrination, an emotional plea while in a state of weakness or a logically reached conclusion, religion is a childish choice. Why else choose a sky-daddy?

[JesusHChrist]

I'm not really sure why a well off adult would join a religion if they hadn't been dragged into it beforehand.

Cue Christian apologetic -- "people don't turn to Jesus until there is no one else to turn to! Well-off people are too comfortable living their lives of sin!"

Or something to that effect.

Meanwhile, JHC goes back to daily fornicating, drinking like fish, viewing unlimited internet porn and robbing banks.

Why banks? Because that's where the money is!

[zebo-the-fat]

I was sent to church until around the age of 11 or 12 when I realised it was just too silly to be taken seriously.
Most christians come from christian families, most muslims from muslim families etc.... very few people sit down and compare the worlds religions before deciding which if any to follow, they spend more time deciding which shirt to wear than which god to follow.

[Holden Caulfield]

I have to disagree with the thread title. No matter if it's a result of indoctrination, an emotional plea while in a state of weakness or a logically reached conclusion, religion is a childish choice. Why else choose a sky-daddy?

That's the whole point. I can't see how anyone actually chooses it. I believe in freedom of choice, but does anyone actually choice the mythical "sky-daddu" without it being forced on them from indoctrination?

[archangle]

I have to disagree with the thread title. No matter if it's a result of indoctrination, an emotional plea while in a state of weakness or a logically reached conclusion, religion is a childish choice. Why else choose a sky-daddy?

That's the whole point. I can't see how anyone actually chooses it. I believe in freedom of choice, but does anyone actually choice the mythical "sky-daddu" without it being forced on them from indoctrination?

well first we have to be not stupid. whatever you raise your kid that is probably what it will be.

[Mr Greene]

Certainly vulnerability seems to be a major factor.
The bulk of adult converts I know of are either alcoholics, drug addicts, mentally ill, have learning difficulties, or some combination of the above.
These are also the most likely to swap churches on a regular basis.

[CindysRain]

I do agree that the majority are brainwashed from childhood, but in my church years, I saw a lot of adults walk down the aisle and "get saved", as well called it.

Ouch, some of you guys are pretty harsh about the adult converts.

When I look back, I mostly find it sad, because I watched so many of their lives change for the better, and all credit was given to their new found god, and not to themselves.

But that's how religion works - it preys on the very young, those having a tough time---have hit rock bottom, and the very old. Once you've been sucked into the vortex, they go after your wallet.