I'm not sure what you are asking? My personal opinion on why a person comes to believe what they believe? That answer comes in as many varieties as there are people.
I would imagine that some of those answers are most likely –
1) people believe that which they are taught as a child to believe (archetypal).
2) people convert to a new belief because of some profound “feeling” that their new way of thinking answers questions they have.
3) people study the history of religion and see a pattern that leads them to certain conclusions
4) people become psychologists and feel they understand why people believe the way in which they do. This subsequent study now colors their belief.
5) people notice inconsistencies in their religion and look to another religion to fill in the gaps.
Perhaps this last example is one (of many) answers to your question: ”why would a Western woman convert to Islam? (incidentally, the same question could be posed as such ”why would a Islamic woman convert to Christianity?”) Anyway, from my perspective there really is very little difference between the two. As Islam came much later than Christianity we can assume that certain inconsistencies that had been mulled over for some time could now, with this new religion, be cleared up. Personally, I “think” Islam is more consistent than Christianity. A person who is “religious” and has a personality that looks to religion to answer their questions would most likely look to a religion similar to theirs. Thus it is only natural a Christian may convert to Islam (or visa versa). Certainly more natural than converting to Taoism (my personal favorite, and as far as I’m concerned the most mature, just and consistence [just a smidgen over Buddhism]) Either of the two would be more likely than converting to the native religion of Easter Island or Aboriginal Australian or Ancient Greek. All of which are equally as likely to be true, however, so foreign that we do not find it surprising that few people, if any, would convert to these religions unless raised to believe as such.
So in summary the two religions walk hand in hand like lovers – don’t be surprised that a member of one would convert to the other.
Being an atheist I have no belief in gods. My atheistic outlook fits well with my field of study (I’m a research doctor of medical science). For me the “why am I here” or “what’s my purpose” or “how did the eye come to be” or “what is morality” can all be answered without any form of gods being involved in the equation. That isn’t to say there are no gods. There very well may be all sorts of them. If a god were to suddenly appear here in my office I’m sure I would have no difficulty changing my belief. I highly doubt that is going to happen.
As for okinrus’s reply: No, I do have a choice. I have studied most christian sects, some buddhism, Judism and Islam. An ancient Japanese man would not have knowledge of christianity, Judism, and others. there is truth in some of it. Yes, An ancient Japanese man would not have knowledge of christianity, Judism, and others and thus would not convert to that belief. Of course this is neither here nor their, okinrus’s belief is a modification of that which “he/she” has been exposed to (as is everyone’s). I always find it amusing to hear people say; well I’ve studied this or that religion and found my way of thinking to be correct. So okinrus studied a few precepts of a few religions. A scholar this does not make. It would take years of intense study just to become acquainted with the deepest underling meaning in any of these religions. And for some people – they may never reach the realization or “truth” that a certain religion is trying to get at. I’m certainly no religious scholar. Many on this board would know more in their little finger than I. That still does not dim my appreciation for the fundamental truths these various religions try to arrive at. Furthermore, a person is shaped by their language and culture. What benefit does atheism give an Afghani that has just had his wedding party blown to bits by an F15? Not too much huh? Islam however may afford this same person many benefits. I’m sure we can agree that the average Buddhist is by no means even close to receiving the benefits achieved by a 80 year old Monk. Lastly, these are but a few of the many many many past and present religions available to study. I must assume okinrus focused on these religions because two are related to Christianity and the other is a major religion. If okinrus had said something like the religions of the Coushatta or Apache I would have been a bit more impressed. Oh, and I personally find the inclusion of Buddhism as bit of over the top. As far as I understand Zen Buddhism is completely at piece with another person being Christian. The underlying precepts are certainly much more logical than Christianity, Islam or Judaism. To say “I have studied Buddhism and found Christianity to be superior is almost a conundrum in and of itself. If it wasn’t for it masculine nature I’d put it above Taoism.
I think okinrus may be of the type of person who is “religious” and has a “religious personality” and as such looks to religion to answer their questions. If not then why not include atheism or Taoism on the list? So it is only natural for a religious minded person like okinrus to search for answers in religion. And the closer to home-base the better. I am convinced that many people like to feign an interest in other religions so that they can then say to themselves – Yup I’ve did the research and just as I thought – I was right all along!
Typical really. Anyway, this is fine and for Okinrus may even be necessary for him/her to have a peaceful life. I just don’t happen to need, nor do I want, the illusion of gods to give my life meaning.
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