We know that human beings are largely a product of their environment. If a person was born to English parents, he will speak English, love fish and chips, and probably like football (which he would call soccer, had he been born in America). Had he been born in Japan, he would speak Japanese, eat Japonica (Japanese rice) every day, and have baseball or sumo as his favorite sport.

Of course.

Unfortunately, birthplace and circumstances also affect people’s faith. Most people profess the faith that they acquired as a consequence of their geographical location.

An average of 8 in 10 Americans are born “Christians”, whose parents also declare to be, er, Christians. It’s no different with Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Spiritualists, or even Atheists. Most people profess the faith that was handed down to them by their parents.

If you had been born in Saudi Arabia you’d probably be a Muslim. If in China, you’d be a Buddhist, a Taoist, or even an agnostic.

That kind of faith, however, is just the fruit of tradition, culture, and social influence. It’s a false kind of faith. It’s religious, has no rhyme or reason, and does not work when people need it most. Intelligence tells us that true faith in God (who has no nationality nor is He subject to any culture) cannot be subject to the customs and traditions of a people.

So, where does true faith come from?

It is the result of reasoning, of using your intelligence to consider God’s works. When you think about God’s creation — how He created things and people, for what purposes, etc. — you will reach conclusions that will lead to a true, pure faith.

No religion stands the test of intelligence.

Where does your faith come from — its geography, its environment, or by way of your intelligence?

When it comes to faith, you have to be off the map.