Natural (ethnic) vs. Voluntary (universal) Religions
What is a "Natural Religion"? One issue associated with the sociological study of religion is the distinction between ethnic and universal religions. Ethnic religions may also be called "natural" religions while universal religions may be called "voluntary". Generally, a natural religion means one is a member by virtue of being born into it. Membership need not be limited to believing something. In contrast, a voluntary religion demands a certain intellectual assent of the basic doctrine of the faith before one can really be considered a "member". A natural religion is one that is closely tied to culture and ethnic heritage - it is what one is not merely what one believes. A natural religion is a part of one's personal identity. Another way of referring to natural religions is to call them "ethnic religions". Most of us are raised and taught a certain religion and may or may not accept it. It is easy to reject a voluntary religion...