Does a Person Need to Understand Everything In Their Religion?

[Katzpur]

We do, however, choose our faiths, although we don't really choose to belief in God (usually).

I find it interesting to hear you say that, Christine. That's exactly how I feel.

 

[JacobEzra.]

In Christianity, when one decides to become a Christian, it seems not to be important to understand everything about his or her faith, his or her denomination, etc (that is true with most denominations, but not all of them. I want to make that clear).
I am asking if you believe a person should understand most of or all of a faith before they start following it. Not just Christianity, but any faith.

I think a person should understand the major things about the faith they are thinking of belonging to. If they do not understand, how can they know they belong? Not all, such as every theological principal, but the major beliefs. Like with Catholicism, if you are thinking of joining the Catholic Church, you should know the Gospel, the belief in the real presence of the Eucharist and understand the true context of Mary within the religion. When one decides to convert, they will go through RCIA, which gives basic instruction in the faith. This has been a practice for centuries.

The Didache is good to read. Early Christian Fathers | Christian Classics Ethereal Library

 

[idav]

In Christianity, when one decides to become a Christian, it seems not to be important to understand everything about his or her faith, his or her denomination, etc (that is true with most denominations, but not all of them. I want to make that clear).
I am asking if you believe a person should understand most of or all of a faith before they start following it. Not just Christianity, but any faith.

They should at least be familiar with the core fundamentals of said religion and denominations aren't too important at that level.

 

[Charity]

In Christianity, when one decides to become a Christian, it seems not to be important to understand everything about his or her faith, his or her denomination, etc (that is true with most denominations, but not all of them. I want to make that clear).
I am asking if you believe a person should understand most of or all of a faith before they start following it. Not just Christianity, but any faith.

I think anyone should know and understand every aspect of their religion. If someone doesn't agree with all the articles of faith and church politics then they should return the unused portion and shop at a different store until they find one that fits their needs and one they can feel comfortable in.

Yes I am speaking of any faith or religion, You have to believe in it yourself not just because it is a family tradition....To thine own self be true

 

[Nadia Faiazova]

Hi! Getting knowledge about true God and his only-begotten Son is essential for anyone who wants to become a follower of Jesus- John 17:3

 

[Secret Chief]

I think one should certainly have an understanding of the 'essentials' because if not these then what is it that one is 'signing up' to?

Regarding Buddhism, one lifetime would surely not be sufficient for digesting the thousands of Suttas and Sutras so it clearly isn't necessary. But then Buddhism is not one monolithic entity.

Ultimately, as I understand 'religion' it is about our way of being in the world , more than simple knowledge accrual.