As a current/lifelong practicing Catholic, I am sure that my views and beliefs have been influenced by my education (including 12 years of Catholic school) as well as attending weekly mass - but it also includes the rest of my life experiences in toto. And it is also true that I more than likely see "facts" in the bible/religion that mirror those views/beliefs, and "metaphor" where they do not. So perhaps my use of the term "personal choice" is inaccurate, and a better way to state what I was trying to say is that they are based on "personal experiences and predilections".
Of course, since my beliefs are the byproduct of that upbringing, I can't say for sure if my idea of "truth" would be the same or different without my exposure to the bible and religion...that being the case, however, I hope that I am judged more by how I live my life and treat others (regardless as to whether my beliefs were derived from the bible/religion or not).
Thank you again for your reply and for the opportunity to discuss this with you.
Wishing you well and peace 
Tim
Edit history
Recommendations
0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):
= new reply since forum marked as read