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Changing religions not uncommon, survey says

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Cool Guy | 5:20 p.m. April 27, 2009

As a devoted member of the coolest religion, I have never changed. Of course no one asked me so I am sure that no one cares.

Anonymous | 5:30 p.m. April 27, 2009

It shouldn't matter what church one is raised in.

If you've never doubted, or never questioned for yourself, you're not really a true believer of anything.

True beliefs are made when you're by yourself, for yourself. Between you and the Creator.

Anything else is just following the herd.

True Seeker | 5:55 p.m. April 27, 2009

Perhaps what we're seeing is more of a commitment to spiritual principles rather than religion. A belief in God as a higher power is far more important to one's long-term sense of well-being than any church could ever be. The church adds the padding to one's strong core beliefs, so find one where you're comfortable.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 6:01 p.m. April 27, 2009

Everyone believes something. It's just a matter of what and why. So, what is your source of truth? I learned a long time ago to ask the simple questions: "Who said it first? Who said it best?"

Those who seek earnestly and honestly will always find themselves at the feet of Jesus who alone is able to save.

If you want to discuss this further please feel free to write...mike@mikeruggles.com.

krkyoldhag | 6:14 p.m. April 27, 2009

I didn't change my religion. It changed. And changed. And changed. I practiced my Episcopal faith in same way for 50 years then the prayer books changed. Some of my old saints had sainthood revoked. I am sure this bothered me much more then it did the long dead saints. Now the church is splitting asunder. When parish priests send great amounts of money from a parish to England to a school while the congregation wants to start out reach missions in community there is something wrong. Now the Episcopalian leadership is in flux over "who gets the money" in a total split of some from the Church.

My parish where I spent a lifetime is no long associated with the Episcopal Church. So who left and who changed?
And its as bad in the Methodist and Baptist churches.

BYU cougar fan | 6:44 p.m. April 27, 2009

It's all always nice to hear some one who was raised without a faith come to accept chirst. Know matter what religon he or she might be it always makes a huge difference then not beliving at all.

Judy | 6:46 p.m. April 27, 2009

I had to leave my religion to regain my faith. When an organization or religion puts itself between you and Christ and demands loyalty to itself which rightly belongs to Christ, then it's time to leave. Christ called people out of oppressive religious systems to a way of life. "I am the way, the truth, the light,"he said. Salvation comes through Christ, not through a specific denomination, church, creed, or religion.

1stAmmendment... | 7:04 p.m. April 27, 2009

I see the conclusions as backward from your interpretation...It's dood News Brand Loyalty is Down, and Bad News that people still cling to their superstitions.

Eric Ste-Marie | 7:04 p.m. April 27, 2009

I was raised as a catholic, became an atheist, then an agnostic. I found atheism and agnosticism to be a spiritual desert. I started practicing Buddhism which brought to me the spritual guidance I needed. There is still no place for mysticism in my life. One can certainly practice a religion, or some kind of spirituality and not believe in a super power mystic god.

Charles | 7:47 p.m. April 27, 2009

Religions are like beers, it is good to sample them all, but like religion none of them are good for you no matter how good they make you feel. I recommend you stay with reality, even though it hurts at times.

CougarKeith | 12:47 a.m. April 28, 2009

I was raised Protestant, then I converted to Catholacism before becoming disaffected with the Catholic Church. I studied a variety Doctrines, Faith's, and religions from other forms of Christianity, Judaism, read the Quo'ran, even eastern faith's and the Eastern Orthodox Church. I finally decided none were right. Then when studying with a certain group, I was scared about death and dying more than I already was, and I called the "Mormons". Studying with them, and learning about the "Restoration" over a few months I became convinced that the Book of Mormon was of God, IT IS ANOTHER WITNESS OF CHRIST, and of the Bible! The gospel had been restored to the earth as promised in the New Testament! It gave me a testamony of Jesus Christ and a loving Heavenly Father! That was near Buffalo, NY in 1994-95. I continue to study, learn and "Investigate" for TRUTH and Light! I have learned that all religions spring from one source and if you study and investigate hard enough you will find the answers as to how and why. Some people change faiths for their own desires, and some because they want to get closer to God.

convert | 1:09 a.m. April 28, 2009

At 19 I stopped two missionaries on the street just to tell them how wrong they were... I did not want to join their church, but found myself battling with what they told me. Nothing was new, all that they told me was something I had known before. Then I realized that I was taught by the Holy Ghost. and my battle was over. Now, after joyful 42 years, I can say, that the only thing that matters is what one is taught by the Holy Ghost. Belonging to something for the sake of anything else is in vain. Because one was born into their parent's faith (whatever it is from unbelief to ultraconservatism)is never a reason.
Luckily I was raised in a home where I was allowed to change, because my family saw the change in me and joined while I was on my mission (one year after my baptism).
I have learned to respect all people who live their convictions. AND agree with some of the writers in this column, that CHRIST is the SALVATION - that is what no man taught me, but the Holy Ghost.

Need more research | 1:56 a.m. April 28, 2009

The LDS church shows a net decrease in converts according to this article. It would be interesting to know what goes on in detail, what factors into why people join and leave the LDS church (are the leavers the same as those that converted or different people, are we losing multi-generational members and is the rate faster than 10 years ago, etc.).

My experience is that people leave religion when they are not experiencing challenges in the their lives and feel they are making it all on their own. Our 40 year economic boom has made a lot of people feel they don't need God anymore. Some who are experiencing trials also feel abandoned by religion if they do not turn to God for help.

my musings | 6:39 a.m. April 28, 2009

I don't like rule obsessed religions prefering those who emphasize spiritual growth and attainment of knowledge.

Once I came to this conclusion, I thought my view would "obviously" take off, among others whom I shared this new found value too.

I was wrong. It turns out that some people like all the rules their religion has to offer, nevermind that the rules seem to make little sense.

I now believe that different religions exist to accomidate different personality types.

It seems some people appreciate and desire structure in their life, other people just enjoy the social, other people seek after knowledge and spiritual growth, other people attend what church they do out of tradition. Others are in a bad fit, but feel bound.

I wish that all people were like me and all religions like me, I hate to see the stupid rules that some people feel bound to follow and people who are a kindrid spirit to me, feeling like they are in a religious prison they are afraid to escape from, out of fear of being thrust to hell.

Reality? What is real? | 6:47 a.m. April 28, 2009

Charles, your comparison of beer to religion is humorous. I don't agree with it, but it did make me chuckle. When you speak of "reality" I would ask a rhetorical question -- whose reality? My being able to speak to people on the other side of the world on my cell phone is a reality. However, tribes with no outside contact to the world living in the Amazon rain forest cannot talk to people on the other side of the world -- cell phone or otherwise - that is their "reality". They may not even know the rest of us exist. So what exactly IS reality? Can we communicate with people we cannot see or can't we? Perhaps that's a poor example. Bottom line, "reality" changes as our understanding increases. I won't close the door on the possibility of learning all I can about all subjects -- in short, seeking for truth where ever it is found regardless of whether or not some may define my search as not living in reality. But that's just me.... Everyone has to decide for themselves what is true and what isn't. The beauty of truth is that it doesn't change.

Anonymous | 7:08 a.m. April 28, 2009

How about finding out what is truth and choosing to beleive it you will never go wrong there since man can't tell God how to save them.

Charlotte | 7:10 a.m. April 28, 2009

Judy 6:46pm
Ditto.... I agree with you 100%.When an organization/churh demands loyalty to itself, it is not of Christ.

To Need more Research | 7:30 a.m. April 28, 2009

I agree, we need more research why people join a faith or leave it. From my own experience, I left my faith because it became so irrelevant to my life. I was told to give my wages away--and I'd be blessed if I did so--while everyone around me was losing their homes to forclosure and their incomes to bankrupcy. I didn't see the justice in paying the church before I paid my creditors. I also didn't see the use in teaching my daughter that her noblest aspiration in this world is to be a stay-at-home mother when the hard fact is she will probably have to work alongside her husband. There are lots of other examples, but I'll close here for now.

My thoughts | 8:03 a.m. April 28, 2009

my musings @6:39
I think you are more insiteful than you realize. First you say that "I now believe that different religions exist to accomidate different personality types.", then you say "I wish that all people were like me and all religions like me".

Think about it.

Black | 8:05 a.m. April 28, 2009

It does not matter what you believe as long as you are sincere. Of course you may be sincerely wrong.

James 2 | 8:38 a.m. April 28, 2009

Tells us even the demons beleive in one God,but shudder. everyone beleives in God,but not everyone beleives God.

Only God can save.
Jesus Saves
Therefore Jesus is God. ( The triune God)not gods.

Bruce | 8:46 a.m. April 28, 2009

Mormon to Catholic

Clouds if deceit | 8:50 a.m. April 28, 2009

ALL religions claim to be the truth and as well inspired by God. I personally think they are all Hoaxes so as to gain wealth from its members to support their leaders.

Oh yeah, Jesus was a good man.

Anonymous | 9:08 a.m. April 28, 2009

The biggest threat to religion, especially to Christiantity, is politicizing it. Christianity does NOT equal right-wing, conservative politics. The push from the Christian right in political matters is alienating people from Christianity. The LDS Church should keep this in mind. There is a de facto association between the LDS Church and the GOP. Big problem, especially for missionary work.

Re" James 2..... | 9:09 a.m. April 28, 2009

The flaws and deceptions of the teachings of 4th century men, as in the creeds of Nicen, and the many who ignore the 234 versa in the Bible that teach of a Father and his Divine Son who are separate, but ONE in purpose. Let US make man in OUR own image, and after OUR likeness. ( Our- Us,) the Father being greater then the son is Full and all over in the Bible. Triune is of MAN.

I Think | 9:12 a.m. April 28, 2009

In some Asian countries changing religions isn't common. My sister-in-law recently returned from a humanitarian mission to Nepal, where she and her husband distributed wheelchairs and spearheaded water projects. She told us in Nepal "conversion" means "coercion." It is against the law to proselyte. Most in Nepal are Hindu and feel that your religion is what you are born into. They can't imagine changing religion. Could this be a follow-on to the caste system that is now against the law there but is still followed?

I'm thinking that part of changing religions has to do with our western heritage and especially the strong individualism espoused here in the States, as our own way of viewing religion.

Boiled down | 9:14 a.m. April 28, 2009

The philosophies of man. Eat drink and be merry, only care what you feel and want, each of us is right and everyone else is wrong. God is dead or doesn't care about man, so why should we care about him. If you don't understand, make something up, then make as much money from it as you can. THIS is sad.

I did change religions as a young man, not because I was dissatisfied, angry, or even searching. What I found was further light and knowledge. My Baptist background gave me a foundation that I am very greatful for. It was like an outline for a perfect story, great in itself, but lacking details. These are what I found.

To everyone out there, look inward, listen to that still small voice, and be honest with yourself.

FSM is as real as your god | 9:49 a.m. April 28, 2009

I believed in Santa until I was about 5 years old but then I grew up. God, as constructed by every religion, is just Santa for adults.

Bill | 10:11 a.m. April 28, 2009

Catholic to Mormon. And I respect you, Bruce.

kenny | 10:20 a.m. April 28, 2009

I dont attend my ward because I like it although I think its fine.I attend my ward because I have a testimony of what is being taught there.That is why I do not change my religion. Socially I dont always find it appealing. I dont always like the attitudes of all the members but for me its the gospel of Jesus Christ that is being taught and I need that in my life.I have attended other churches for one reason or another and I do see the good being taught in those churches.For me its not about being right; its about honoring the testimony the Lord blessed me with and sustains me throu my trials.If that and being right is the same thing then I'm better off for it. I think I have found what is right with the Lord. I'm sticking with it.

Sally | 10:35 a.m. April 28, 2009

How about no religion at all. I think that this world would be a much happier, loving, wonderful world if religion was out of it. People could still love God and worship him in many different ways, or choose not to believe in God at all. No the real problem here is religion. There have been so many wars, deaths, and hate filled statements because of this disgusting thing we call religion! Religion is ridiculous!

VOR | 10:36 a.m. April 28, 2009

as the ol' saying goes, there's a sucker born (again) every minute. Actually most people tend to stay close to what they were taught while growing up, religion has more do due with geography and environment than anything else. I think most people ponder their existance, but ultimately rely on what they've been taught. Argument from authority seems to have a lot of bearing on what we believe.

Life Long LDS | 10:40 a.m. April 28, 2009

I have always been blessed with the knowledge of the truth never once felt a need to look else were. I have lived in many states all over the U.S. and each time I went to church it was the same as the last. I have always been able to rely on the truthfulness of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. People in the Church change, Leaders change but the gospel stays the same. Since we have a Living Prophet we do get new revelations, but they don't change any of Christs teachings.

In reply to the politicizing comment, in my almost 50 years in the LDS religion Prop. 8 was the first time I saw any thing of the type and frankly I never herd anything in church about it I did here it from friends. All the church did was say go vote. and by the way LDS people do not want to take anyone rights away we are all children of god. The issue is a WORD and not changing what it means. I have no problem with legal unions, with all the same rights Just don't call it Marriage.

Kevin Olson | 10:46 a.m. April 28, 2009

The majority of Mormons tend to be Republicans due to the Conservative beliefs of Life, Welfare, and Agency. The Democrats are moving more and more towards accepting Abortion, gay marriage, and Socialism. The Democrats often come across as believing it is more important to save a tree than an un-born baby. Major beliefs and divisions in party lines are the result of most Mormons being Republican and not being Republican because they are Mormon.

emw | 10:47 a.m. April 28, 2009

I love it! For once, the comments on an article were enlightening, rather than flame-throwing criticism. Thanks to all who added their thoughts.

@my musings | 11:04 a.m. April 28, 2009

I totally agree with you about religions accomodating personalities. I'm a firm believer in the LDS faith, yet I have the hardest and most uncomfortable times for the three hours on Sunday when I attend. I definitely feel like I don't fit the mold. I almost feel unwanted. It's very conflicting because I feel very strongly about what the church teaches, yet I've never felt accepted. In this case it feels as you described it, a prison, yet breaking out wouldn't necessarily give me the freedom I desire. I find it to be one of those things and as time goes on I hope it gets better.

Ned | 11:06 a.m. April 28, 2009

Two opposing attitudes probably have a lot to do with changing:

What's in it for me

OR

The Glory be Thine....

Religion Rocks! | 11:20 a.m. April 28, 2009

It's great to live in a country where people can worship how, where and what they may. May it ever be so.

to BYU cougar fan | 11:20 a.m. April 28, 2009

Your post was painful to read, please use spellcheck

@Sally, 10:35 | 11:24 a.m. April 28, 2009

I have heard from numerous people on numerous occasions this exact argument, that religion causes war and problems. Even in my home growing up, when I didn't see eye to eye with my mother on our religion she would make life a living hell for me. Looking back on it however, I tend to feel that it's not the religion that causes the problems but the people of the religion. Religion does not advocate war (at least none that I know of) but teaches principles that lead to peace and happiness. It the people who profess to practice religion that cause war and disharmony in our otherwise perfect world.

Kelley | 11:25 a.m. April 28, 2009

Devout parochial schooled Catholic to Mormon. I respect you both Bruce and Bill.

Coats | 11:44 a.m. April 28, 2009

How much does it matter what religion most people say they are, it is just a label they use to leverage their self interests; very few really know their religion and even fewer live it. Most of my friends are mormon, but in name only.

Slappy | 12:00 p.m. April 28, 2009

Amen Anon @ 5:20 p.m. & Judy @ 6:46 p.m.

Hero of Canton | 12:14 p.m. April 28, 2009

While being Mormon myself, I find it a little off-putting to see fellow LDS members preaching from their ivory towers here about other people's religion and choices.

If you find God then good for you, if you don't think it is right for you then good. Believe in something, doesn't matter what it is and when we all die we will all find out who is right. If that's my faith then great, if it's yours then great and if there is nothing than a great void then great.

People need to be more tolerant, enough grandstanding and posturing about who's God or Jesus is better, it's ridiculous.

Raised | 12:23 p.m. April 28, 2009

Baptist, Episcopalian, Lutheran, and later, Catholic. I was agnostic the whole time, even as a little kid, and still am. I can't stop questioning everything, especially that little voice that would speak to me and give me that warm feeling during some services. That warm feeling always made me feel uncomfortable, I could never really accept it as divine. I'm OK with questioning.

RE: Coats | 12:41 p.m. April 28, 2009

I have found many that are of my faith that live the faith in name only. Many were born and baptized as of 8 years old. They fell away mainly because they never really had a testimony of the Church.

Many who grow up in any particular religion especially as a catholic or Latter Day Saint must someday gain an understanding on their own. The other problem is the committment one has to their religion. That is the even bigger problem.

Religions don't make war, people or zealots do. When people gain a greater understanding of their own beliefs then they can see the greater light.

I was born a Latter Day Saint because of my mother. I actually converted to the Church when I was 30 years old. Today I have a firm testimony of the truthfulness of the LDS Church. I've had my feelings hurt by uncaring people and have probably hurt others with some of the same words, yet I stand firm that people don't make the LDS Church any less true. We are all striving to be the best we can.

CJ | 1:05 p.m. April 28, 2009

I find it interesting that the report put the Catholic church as one religion and the whole protestant movement as another. Aren't those individual religions too? It's no wonder the LDS church didn't show up on the radar screen. While they aren't catholic they aren't protestand either but yet still Christian. I think the report is big time skewed. The report said the catholic church is loosing members hey missed detail on what is the fastist growing church.

K | 1:11 p.m. April 28, 2009

I think people are fickle. It's a huge number of people switching faiths. Switch once and you are likely to switch again.

I think sometimes it's marriage. One spouse converts to raise the children in one faith.

There is a catholic program that features a number of guests who left the church and then latter returned. I think it's hard for a person to leave the church they were born into.

Religion is judged by the worst member. I think that is part of it. A clergy member you don't get along with. Let's start attending the church with the cool youth program.

Lisa | 1:34 p.m. April 28, 2009

If you are not happy with your religion then don't go-- no one is TWISTING your arm.

I love Jesus without church. Church is just a social club.

Re: James 2 | 1:37 p.m. April 28, 2009

D&C 20:28 "Which Father,Son and Holy Ghost are one God,infinite and eternal,without end Amen."

Also (2 Nephi 31:21)and there are several more places the BOM teaches the Triune God,in greater detail.

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