Why is it so crucial to you to prove other people's religious beliefs wrong?

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.

That is a beautiful sentiment.

I would like to point out to you however that many people do not leave religion up to the individual; they fight hard to legislate their religions, making everyone abide by their rules. Those same people try to have their religion taught as truth in tax payer schools. Similar people; antagonize the grieving family of dead soldiers, spit on women who walk into a planned parenthood clinic, and damn others to eternal suffering.

And I know you are fabulous, jennie,

So I don't understand that either. As a Christian, many times, I defend myself and other Christians, even other religions to. But if you notice the non-believers always want to make it an us against

them thing. Personally, I don't care what anyone believes.

hi. i think that with alot of people, proving their faith is a way of making them feel adequate. like maybe they are convincing themselves of their faith when they really arent sure.

i totally agree with the fact that faith is personal. i think people should spread the faith but not shove their bibles (or other faith book) in people's faces.

faith should only be argued if the argument is being brought up, i wouldnt start one.

but back to the original question, alot of people get defensive about the faith becuz they want people to believe it, they need to believe it themselves, or they just feel its the "right" thing to do.

It is every Christians duty to know all other religions are wrong. It is no ones duty to prove other religions wrong. It's Christians duty to convince others that the Christian belief is right, to save them from their wicked beliefs. Jesus is the only way to salvation. I know Atheists and non believers in Christ will say they are right. But never the less we will Pray for you and always try to convince you of the righteousness of Christ. We are slowly winning the battle praise God. We are winning. God bless.

If people instead put their energies into becoming stronger in their own religions, this world would be a better place.

And if ifs and buts were candy and nuts then wed all have a happier Christmas!