How do you know a religion is right? Is it based on theology, on doctrine, or on the culture, the community, what is the most important factor?
For example, I think a lot of things are right about Catholicism I guess theologically. But I've also seen depictions of Protestant communities in documentaries and things which made it seem like they have a very close and socially active community, having many church events and groups, doing things to invest in and strengthen the community, being interested and involved in one another's lives, helping each other. The Catholic communities I've witnessed didn't seem quite so close-knit, and a strong community seems like an important thing. Is it only possible because Protestants are able to pick between numerous denominations and so can have more unified beliefs within their church?
What is the most important factor in picking a religion? You can research the doctrine of various religions, but how do you know what the culture and community of those religions is like? Does culture not matter in the decision, should it be only about beliefs? What happens if you do pick a religion based on community but don't agree theologically? Or if you agree with the doctrine of your religion but the culture leaves you socially and spiritually unfulfilled?
For example, I think a lot of things are right about Catholicism I guess theologically. But I've also seen depictions of Protestant communities in documentaries and things which made it seem like they have a very close and socially active community, having many church events and groups, doing things to invest in and strengthen the community, being interested and involved in one another's lives, helping each other. The Catholic communities I've witnessed didn't seem quite so close-knit, and a strong community seems like an important thing. Is it only possible because Protestants are able to pick between numerous denominations and so can have more unified beliefs within their church?
What is the most important factor in picking a religion? You can research the doctrine of various religions, but how do you know what the culture and community of those religions is like? Does culture not matter in the decision, should it be only about beliefs? What happens if you do pick a religion based on community but don't agree theologically? Or if you agree with the doctrine of your religion but the culture leaves you socially and spiritually unfulfilled?