Why do people judge others on their religions, especially when the religion is not harming others?

When christians bomb abortions clinics, they're not bothering anyone? When Westboro protests at funerals, they're not bothering anyone? I dunno..something wrong there.

There has so far been no such thing as a religion that has not caused harm to others (although I wish there was). Muslims and Christians have killed each other, both have killed Jews, Romans killed Christians and Jews because they didn't follow their gods, Buddists people set themselves on fire to protest (Good idea but you're only doing the Chinese government a favor, SAY NO TO MONK BURNINGS!!), depending on the type of Pagan you have ritualistic sacrifices of animals.

Luckily most of this doesn't happen anymore, but I still feel religion causes a great deal of problems in today's world, I will believe what I want and you can believe what you want and we don't have to bother each other, however we are only 2 sane people in a world of infinitely stupid people.

Oh and Donna, I too wish to destroy the Westboro Baptist Church, we'll have to get together some time to plan it out.

I wish more people knew the "No True Scotsman" fallacy. If a Muslim does something bad, you do not get to say that they are not true Muslims. The same goes for Christians, Jews, atheists, and so on. People of all stripes do bad things. Some real Muslims fly planes into buildings, and others oppose them. Just because someone associated with your religion does something bad does not mean you can disown them.

What do you mean by "not harming others"? Do you limit that to individual actions? Only physical harm? What about nice people who contribute to an organization that encourages ignorance that leads to the spread of disease? What about using dogmatic beliefs to justify voting for a law that limits personal freedoms that do not harm others, such as gay marriage? What about opposing scientific research that could lead to cures of diseases?

I agree! I'm Christian, but I'm not "in your face" about it. I live by Christian principles on a day-to-day basis, and I believe in a "show not tell" way of life. St. Francis of Assisi once said, "Preach the gospel, when necessary, use words." Jesus did not want us to go around condemming other. I have many friends who are Christian, but also some who are Jewish, Muslim, Atheist, etc. One of my Christian friends and I got in a fight the other day because she said that anyone who isn't Christian is going to Hell. I'm a Christian, but I'm also an American, and here in America, everyone has the right to believe in whatever religion they want.

Religious intolerance is the weapon of greedy opportunistic people who crave absolute power and authority.

Religions were usually closely associated to whim and fancy of the affluent and the influential persons in the society. Religion gave politicians and the rich individuals the tools to control their workers and servants.

When a competing religion threatens the economic control of another then persecution is used to destroy the competition. Religious persecution has more to do with wealth, power and greed, than it has to do with righteousness and piety.

Ok, I know i am going to get a ton of crap for this but here goes. This is in respose to Maggie Beth. No offense but I don't know what America you live in, because I live in the bible belt. I was born here in the states and have lived in other countries. The U.S. is a horrible place to be anything other than a christian or catholic. Especially when you live in the midwest.

Andrea

Its been going on for over 2000 years now and I dont see it stopping anytime soon. In fact from what I am seeing it is getting progressively worse, regressing back to the point where people are going to be persecuted again for not believing like they want you to.

Blessings

Because many believe the others are practicing the wrong religion and want to "save" them from going down the "wrong" path.

It's a religion thing.

Iggy, as one thinks, often times that's the way they are? That can cause harm. You want to make laws, and force your beliefs on others. You want to elect politicians against the wishes of others.

I really don't judge anyone by their religion. I try not to judge in general. I think everyone has a right to hear all points of view and make up their own mind.

Good question, but people won't answer you honestly. They'll just say things like "my religion is the true one, and the others must see the light!"

Honestly, I wonder that myself all the time.