In response to Lauren’s question, “Do you think that people are “born to be” theists, atheists, or agnostics or does environment and personal experience have more of an effect?”

Based on my experience I would have to say that the environment and personal experience have more of an effect on religious beliefs. As I have said many times before I was born into Christianity but as of about four years ago I no longer practice. The main reason is because of issues with the church.  So I guess a better answer to the question would be you are born into a belief…the belief of your parents….but as you grow up your environment and personal experiences have an effect.

I am pretty sure if my parents weren't divorced then I would have finished my religious classes, I wouldn’t have been offended by what the priest said, and I may even continue to go to church. I also think if my friends practiced then when I was given the option of quitting I might have decided to finish because I only had a year left. But then again I haven’t had anything miraculously happen to me to make me believe that there is definitely a God so maybe I still would have lost faith.  

Question:

Do you believe your religious practices are due to your upbringing by your parents or do you believe you’ve decided on your own??