On what basis can someone declare themselves to be an adherent of a particular religion?

[Tumah]

It's not for me to dictate these things...It's up to people to identify themselves as they see fit.

In other words, labels don't exist to provide information, they exist to satisfy the psychological needs of the person taking it?

 

[ratikala]

Namaskaram ji

What 'counts' (and what doesn't)?

On what basis can someone else say that someone is not an adherent of said religion?

This could be about any religion, or indeed the question of adherence/belonging/identification with any other group.

From where I stand , and as far as I understand it one can only be an adherent if one tries sincerely to live by the principles of a religion , one may fail but if the wish and constant striving is to attain to the principles then one is an 'adherent', .....

being born in or addopting a religion in name is not enough , one must try to practice and beleive in the efecacy of that practice , ...

 

[minorwork]

What 'counts' (and what doesn't)?

On what basis can someone else say that someone is not an adherent of said religion?

This could be about any religion, or indeed the question of adherence/belonging/identification with any other group.

The basis of religion depends on what it gives its followers. When followers get self-assurance and comfort in their innate superiority, then we have a religious advocate. Compare, then, religion to science. Science (when properly understood) can only make one uncomfortable and doubtful about knowing anything for certain. Science, too, can take on religious features if its followers make of it a religion giving them comfort and self-assurance in their innate superiority. Thus, Scientism.

 

[J2hapydna]

In other words, labels don't exist to provide information, they exist to satisfy the psychological needs of the person taking it?

The name of a religion seems like a starting point. Cant we find out how closely they follow some orthodox version of it once with a few follow up questions?

 

[Tumah]

The name of a religion seems like a starting point. Cant we find out how closely they follow some orthodox version of it once with a few follow up questions?

To me that would be akin to just writing CEREAL on all the cereal boxes and then finding an explanation of the type of cereal in the fine print of the ingredients.

 

[J2hapydna]

To me that would be akin to just writing CEREAL on all the cereal boxes and then finding an explanation of the type of cereal in the fine print of the ingredients.

Well at least you know it isn't a steak or piece of chicken. You have to keep in mind that a person's religious beliefs can be complex. Even if the box says corn flakes they could be Kellogg's corn flakes with milk, skim, half & half, silk, almond milk etc. They could be served with brown or white sugar or honey, maple syrup, Splenda or nonsweetner at all. So the question becomes are you really interested in other people and thei beliefs or not?

 

[J2hapydna]

To me that would be akin to just writing CEREAL on all the cereal boxes and then finding an explanation of the type of cereal in the fine print of the ingredients.

I don't think most people are as concerned with getting the labeling right as much as getting to know what the other person believes.

 

[Tumah]

Well at least you know it isn't a steak or piece of chicken. You have to keep in mind that a person's religious beliefs can be complex. Even if the box says corn flakes they could be Kellogg's corn flakes with milk, skim, half & half, silk, almond milk etc. They could be served with brown or white sugar or honey, maple syrup, Splenda or nonsweetner at all. So the question becomes are you really interested in other people and thei beliefs or not?

That's why we have specific religious labeling. Not just "Christian", or even "Protestant" but "Seventh Day Baptist". See how convenient that is? I don't need to look at their ingredients, because most of the information is right there on the label.