Why is it so crucial to you to prove other people's religious beliefs wrong?
I only ask because the way I see it, the most important thing is that a person feels settled and comfortable and at peace with what they believe. I don't understand why so many people feel this desperate, irrespressible urge to prove the faith (or lack there of, as the case may be) of others wrong. Why do you care? I know many religions teach evangelism and "spreading the message", but in all honesty, it's no one's business what people believe, and I find it scary how passionately some people will fight to instigate a fight over something that, really, is quite personal. Until someone can prove beyond an iota of refutability (I think I made that up) that a particular way is correct, shouldn't we respect the paths of other people?
I'd like to avoid the "I don't do that!"s. This is not an accusation. It's a query for the people who ARE like this. Not the ones who aren't.
2007-03-06T16:59:31Z
Skeptic 12-What book? I mentioned no book. I'm not sure what you're talking about.
2007-03-06T17:04:28Z
Uncle Thesis-that WOULD be a good point, IF you KNEW he was "going in the wrong direction". But since you only know what you believe, should you not respect his choice to explore off the beaten path?
2007-03-06T17:10:56Z
REJOICEIN:
"What you feel may make you comfy and cosy.... but your feeling may be all wrong."
Why does this apply to everyone but you? You are not exempt from the possibility of being wrong.
Anonymous2007-03-06T17:16:59Z
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Jennie,
I hear you.
I've been saying for some time now, that if people are really, truly "comfortable" within their belief system - whether it's Christianity, Catholicism, or Atheism, whatever - then they would have no need, no motivation to poke spiritual sticks at others.
I guess there's a lot of believers (and non-believers) who have something seriously missing in their lives.
Feeling settled is not the most important thing. Sadly many of the hideously evil things that have been done in the name of religion have been done by people who felt comfortable with their faith. I don't blame religion for this evil, I blame ignorance and blind trust in Authority.
Every human being should make up their own mind using logical, rationality, and evidence. If you throw away logic, and observable evidence, and are taught to blindly follow authority figures, such as most religions tell you to do, then a dangerous precedent is set whereby people will accept monstrous acts of cruelty.
I attack religion, because I don't want to see more young women burnt at the stake. Or more office buildings destroyed by fanatics who are so "comfortable and at peace with what they believe" that they will throw away their lives to kill despite logic and rationality saying that such things are wrong.
Should we respect the paths of others? Like Nazis, Like Al Qaeda? I don't respect these paths, and they are both based on blind acceptance of authority. So no, I will fight for atheism, because if I don't I am at the mercy of those who would fight for ignorance.
Jesus last words to his disciples was to go and disciple all nations. To disciple them requires that they be taught the truths of the Bible... Unfortunately there is a lot of genuine ignorance in the world. We need to teach that ignorant segment as well as dispell error. Just as teacher in the public school will try to dispell ignorance and get rid of old wives tales in their students minds.... religious leaders and teachers try to do the same with a measure of dignity to those who show they just don't know or truly understand. There are many here on YA who are rude and crude, and I would not give their responses much credability. What you feel may make you comfy and cosy.... but your feeling may be all wrong. Feelings change with the wind. What you believe must be based on the absolutes of the Bible. Without a solid foundation for what you believe, your faith is as fickle as the wind, and you risk being blown about by every opinion and voice. If we don't teach you ....then how can we prove what we believe? I cannot respect what I know to be false. There will always be those whose views will conflict. We just need to be kind and respectful of each other and listen with repect to each other and then prove to ourselves what we choose to believe. Then it is our responsibility to disciple others.
Unfortunately, this behaviour has been going around for centuries (the holy war?). Even legal systems in our day to day society is very much influenced by religion (eg. when someone swears on the bible in court) . I very much doubt that we can ever get rid of these conflicts that we see all over the news, or squabbling in the street. I don't really follow any religion, but I choose to repect the paths of others, be more tolerant, and be without predjudice.
It really isn't crucial. And if someone feels it necessary to prove others wrong about their religion then they should themselves look at their own flaws. I am a Christian and I don't only say it but I believe it. When people talk about how others are wrong it is because they don't believe their own 'beliefs'. What God wants is for us to get closer to Him and try to understand Him better so that we can share what He has done for us with others.