Suppose we concede...

My senior year I was required to read the book Siddhartha. After reading the book in one night I was overwhelmed with the feelings it had provoked. This book had me questioning so many different aspects of my own beliefs. About 2 weeks later when our class finally finished the book, a long discussion followed. I was by far the biggest contributing factor. I had so many questions I needed answered. My English teacher is a VERY wise man, and I hoped he could share some insight, and possibly answer some questions. I quickly raised my hand then blurted out my question. "Do you think that it is inevitable to stray from the religion you were conditioned to as a child?" "Suppose we concede I had been been born of Muslim parent in Morocco rather than Christian parents in Washington, would my beliefs be quite different?" My teacher simply said it is our responsibility to seek out a religion that is compatible to us, regardless of what we were taught as a child. OK??? I never received any more insight, and we ended up moving on without my question answered. I spent some time thinking about it, but eventually moved on myself. I recently purchased a new book, A Reason for God... Belief in an age of skepticism. On Page 11 that exact same question was answered. this time, However, it was followed by an answer. "If you insist that no one can determine which beliefs are right and wrong, why should we believe what you are saying?" Not exactly the answer I was expecting... but it was a good point. I continued reading. Later I came to a conclusion. Every person might be born into different beliefs, however there comes a time when they will question their belief, like I. We will recognize that it is worth continuing to believe, or seek another religion that WILL satisfy us. After that point you know!And when you alone come to the point that you shake any doubt for good you become convinced of your choice. Doubt, and skepticism is just the enemy trying to take us over and away from God. Through faith, and a choice to no longer question him you rid yourself of the enemy, you have given him no flesh to cling on to. He will run away fast because he now fears you! And then your growth begins and you see how stupid those doubts were.