Imagine you are currently without any religion and are looking and comparing (real or ficticious) different religions objectively. What are some of characteristics that would appeal to you and what are some of things that would do the opposite?

Now, imagine you are free to remain without a religion or become affiliated. What would you do? If you choose to become affiliated (obviously with the religion that possess the most of those desired qualities you listed earlier), would you explain how your life is now better than it was before? If not, explain how it will not be better than it was before.

Dio, I would look to see if the people in the religion are hypocrites or if they walk the walk. Also I would like to see if the teachings are believable or are the so obscure as to leave alot open for interpertation. I would also expect to be allowed to progress at my own pace within the religion.

I would remain as I am now, a believer but not chained to a formulized religious system.

I feel that if it didnt change my life then it would not be worth accepting and following.

I guess I fit between the cracks of your question.

Having been in this exact scenario, I will tell you what I looked for and found.

I wanted a religion that did not try to coerce you into it with fear. A religion that I could really believe to be true based on solid factual evidence of the world around me. A religion that let the followers - and ideally encouraged them - to challenge the beliefs and to find out things for their own. A religion that encouraged both personal and global peace, and a religion that had accountability to yourself rather than throwing all evil things on one diety and all good things on another.

I would instantly reject any religion that was based in pure fantasy elements, used fear to control the members, did not allow questioning of the tenants, was not based on reality, was cult-like in that it had excommunication or things of that nature, or asked me for money to become a member. Those are all signs to me that the religion was based around controlling people, and not on any true beliefs.

I figure that becoming affiliated with Buddhism comforted me a lot, and introduced some daily rituals into my life that help me become wiser about myself and my life, and my relationships with the world around. It's had no negative affects on me, ever, and has just introduced a level of peace that I like.

I think both replies are very good. Hopefully more people reply.

id want a religion that embraces happiness. (Anyone ever read Stranger in a Strange Land?) Something like Mike's religion in that book.

Reilgion is a BIG subject, What is a true religion, and would humans know about it. When/if Christ was hear was he really the son, or was he just another human? Is another humans view the truth?