Is belief a choice?

I think sometimes it has to do with your upbringing, if you are taught one thing and then decide later that that is not true for you then that is where the freedom to choose comes in, everyone is given a brain to learn and decide what is true for themselves. So I quess my answer would be yes you are free to choose.

Of course what one believes is a choice. Choice is not a biological component. It's a mental one. It's a component of free will. It's why people can change their minds about something. They're choosing to change their belief about something. They wouldn't be able to do that if they had no control over it. If people were born with one set of beliefs that were unchangeable and they had no control over, the human race would be a race of robots with no unique individuals with the ability to think critically. There'd be no reason for a reasoning brain, which humans do have, and thus no real reason for existence. It would be like cheating at solitaire.

I definately think we all choose what we believe based on what we are taught when we grow up. This will influence what we believe & don't-- the news, radio, other people etc. may be able to influence you if you truly didn't believe in what you once claimed too. It's kind of tricky. I don't think you can force yourself to believe in anything. Everyone has a background which can influence their actions, thoughts etc. -- but, in the end.. your the deciding factor!