You would be following another person's beliefs if you believe that the holy book wasn't divinely inspired by God. So do you trust that they were? If you do, then it follows logically that you would trust the scripture. It wouldn't be someone else that you trust, it would be god. If you doubt that god guided the authors' hands, then you are using the mind that god gave you to think for yourself (assuming god exists). However, the Bible has safeguards against this unthinkable deed, for instance regarding faith (belief in what you have no evidence for) among the highest of virtues and calling free-thinking atheists corrupt and abominable. So even if you do think for yourself using the mind given to you, the divinely-inspired word discourages it. Now, even if you believe that god did inspire the authors of the scripture, you have no divinely inspired person to tell you they did. In other words, one might suspect that the Bible was merely written by men just like us. Then we're told that it's God's word. Then we're told that regular men actually wrote it, but God helped them. And we're told this by our parents or clergy, who were told by their parents and clergy, and so on, and none of those people were divinely inspired: God ---> Prophets ---> Our Ancestors ---> ...Centuries Later... ---> Your Parents ---> You So in order to believe that the scripture is indeed the Ultimate Truth you have to believe that the truth has been accurately preserved for centuries.

Interesting thought. Eventually people do form their own beliefs from what they learn. But you're right initially it is someone else's belief.

I agree to a point. Think of the "prepackaged religion" as only an introduction to God. You get to know Him and develop a personal relationship. The deeper your relationship with Him, the less you are following someone else's beliefs.

How can you form a friendship with someone if you are never introduced? But if God is really God, we don't get to decide who he is, do we? If we can change him to suit our desires, then he isn't really God and he doesn't really exist. If he is real, then he is who he is and we can't change him, no matter what we believe. If He really is God, omnipotent, omnipresent, all powerful, wouldn't it be a good idea to seek out the one who has so much power and find out what He is like? And I don't mean tell him what we think he should be like. I mean ask Him humbly, "Hey you, why did you make me? What are you like? What do you want from me? What do you mean for me? Wouldn't it be a bit arrogant to tell a being with the power to create a universe and all that is in it, "This is what I want you to be like! You do it this way! I want you to fix this for me now!" If we ask, He will answer us. He will show us his nature. He will show us what is right. If you ask him to reveal himself, He wil. Some of it will come to us in what we read. Some will come from other people or circumstances. Sometimes He does actually speak to us, in a still small voice saying something we know didn't come from us. But if you never ask, then he can't show you which set of beliefs is correct. If you decide for yourself, this is what I believe, how do you know He isn't chuckling at your presumption and your arrogance? You don't get to decide who he is, but it is yours to ask.

A personal relationship would include such things as individual prayer and receiving answers to prayer, and practicing the presence of God. These are individual and personal practices, and aspects which do not occur until one has developed a personal understanding and relationship with God.

I realize what you mean. However, God told us directly Who He is, and how He wants us to act, for the Bible is subjective about Him, for it is His love letter to us. Religions are objective and labrythine, and while He can be objective, He is very subjective to all of His children and to the Bride of Christ.

In ,many cases that may be true. Personally, that's why I base upon Scripture my walk with Christ. I have little use for man-made church creeds, laws, doctrines, pomp, ceremony, and generally unbiblical approaches to God. Prepackaged religions have caused apathy and apostasy in the church today. Many church leaders try every means possible to gain eternal life without Jesus Christ. Much of the church has left her first love---Jesus, and it shows. Revelation 2:4-5 ‘But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 ‘Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place—unless you repent." Apostasy is an insidious virus that is running rampant and Jesus Christ is returning again to take care of that problem plus many more.

I don't see why not. Just because religion is "prepackaged" (your term) doesn't mean it's devoid of principles that encourage proper spiritual development. Besides, I'm trying to reach a destination. What difference does it make it I follow my gut, my neighbor or my GPS? The IMPORTANT thing is I reach the destination.

Interesting question. Interesting answers. It is not so simple that it might be someone else's twist one is following. Organized Religion is more than just the relationship with God. It is also a community of liked minded people who interact for different reasons other than their mutual belief in God. Worshipping with others makes many feel welcomed and a part of something bigger than themselves. Belonging to a church opens up a social network that might be lacking in their lives otherwise. The personal relationship comes by and through the framework of the church. After all, when talking to God when it is important, more often than not is it not done quietly and without others hearing? "Let Us Pray", and the preacher begins his prayer. Everyone is silent, heads bowed, hands held in a submissive way, using the words to hook up with God in their own way.

A religion is just a guide to helping find God , but the relationship is between each individual and God in their hearts. The prepackaged religion is just for support and that is all.

Those that keep the thoughts of others inside their head will never have a mind clear enough to comprehend the divine.

If the "prepackaged religion" was created in response to God's commands and follows God's commands, then it is a support to having a personal relationship with God. Most of that "prepackaged religion" makes sure that we do what God commands of us at least once a week, so that it might become a habit that we follow everyday. It also makes us part of a group of Christians who will hold us accountable for our behavior, help us grow out of our sinful nature, teach us what we need to know in order to become more Christlike. It gives us opportunities for service, because as Christ showed us, those who are greatest in the kingdom are those that serve, and even He washed His disciples dirty feet. He left us with a charge to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, heal the sick and visit those in prison. Churches should be and usually are a good vehicle for doing all those things. Often they are the only way to visit prisoners if you aren't related to them.

I think what you're addressing is called creedalism. And you're spot on. It is how we are individually in contrast to what Gods' Word says about your or my words and actions. When we are walking in unison with what the Bible asserts, we're in tune with Gods' Word. This is the true measure. However it is of great help from our church and pastor to lead and teach on these principles rather than a "Do-It-Yourself" approach. 1st hand Christianity is relationship with our Creator.

"Prepackaged religion" is usually the result of a faithful response to God's presence and action. All religions probably started with one person receiving a message of some kind. If the response leads to a more loving relationship with others, then that's good. Isn't it?