Why do people try to make others believe in what they believe in?

Question

Its like, cant every one just agree to disagree?Why do they aregue and rant and rave about poeple need to see the truth etc. Mind you its only their truth. Why cant you just be content that your happy with your beliefs and let live!?

Answer 1

this isn't just about religion - we're political animals by nature and we all tend to wander along, secure in our own knowledge, until we meet someone who challenges what we believe. there's nothing wrong with trying to persuade someone that you're right and let's be honest, we all love it when we're right.

as for being content that my beliefs are right for me and your beliefs are right for you, think about adolf hitler. he thought jewish people were the cause of all problems in german/world society and started the process of genocide. what if no one had stood up and said, you're wrong?

i'm a really opinionated person (meaning i have really strong opinions, not necessarily that i try to force them onto other people) but if you can convince me that i'm wrong, i'll admit it and probably, if you convince me with sound and logical arguments, i'll change my opinion and i will have learned something.

if i think that someone's opinion on something is weak or ill formed, i'll try and convince that person that my opinion is correct. but i'll also try to tell them why.

having said that, i have to admit that my best friend and i agreed a long time ago never to talk about religion or politics because it always turns into a really heated debate :)

Answer 2

I suppose they want the others' good. Or else, they want to prove they are smarter.
I have to agree with you that most of the times it's so annoying to be treated like that. Sometimes (rarely) it works. In other situations, it's better to be polite/kind/loving and leave the heated arguments aside.
As for saving souls, this is hardly the most efficient way of doing it, because people cling to their belief system and way of life more than anything. The efficient way complicated, because it involves setting a personal example (sanctity and stuff).

Answer 3

I like your perspective. I tend to agree that we need to accept others for what they believe and quit insulting them and baiting them. We can not possibly all share the same beliefs. Our experiences and upbringing are too diverse.

It makes me sad too, because at least in America, our government gives us the right to practice any religion we want yet everyone seems very comfortable telling you why their's is right, or their lack of one is right--and then expain why your's is wrong. It's like we don't know how to respect each other. I've been guilty of it, but I have also been on the receiving end.

I think people like company and it makes them feel more secure in their beliefs when other agree with them.

Answer 4

Well, I'd be pretty annoyed if someone didn't share with me about the afterlife if they're right and I end up going to hell because they don't care to say anything.
People shouldn't be scared of what other people think of "their truth" but on the other hand it's pointless arguing when each person chooses to believe what they want. I just think it's best to hear what everyone has to say then you can have an informed view.
I agree with you... its pretty dumb to try and make someone believe what you believe. It just frustrates other people. We should rather have an open conversation and leave the argumentative stubborn ones to argue with themselves :)

Answer 5

If they believe it, they think they're right.
If they care for someone else, they want them to be right, too.
If they don't care for themj, they don't want disagreement (especially if disagreement means you might not get to do what you want, like in a political situation.)
It takes a lot of wisdom to realize that people and societies actually function better when there's a mix of ideas. Look what happened in the USA. The President and his "advisors" wanted to go to war with Iraq so they only listened to the voices that said, "Yeah, it's a great idea. Slam-dunk." Now they're finding out they should have paid more attention to the opposition.
The more history you read, the more examples of situations like that you find.

Answer 6

because its what they believe in. haha=) many do this because it provides security and belongingness. you don't feel lonely if someone, especially a human being, understands you. belief in something is a very complex matter and the fact that you and some other think that its true, a bond is created thus you are connected with that person. also, humans can never be content with life because the brain is infinite. it is great, thus it gives so much things to think about! it gives Yahoo! Answers life. hahaha=) and if the world is in order and stuff, i don't think we would be existing. =)

Answer 7

I agree with honeymaddict..i never thought I would do this too, I have been with someone who attending churches, etc etc,they don't talk to much about what is going on.. do they really care?
it is like when you see a homeless on the street..would you just look and leave?? if you see an addict. would you just judge and left? the gay community.. we know that they have hope . if you see a hopeless guy, would you just be happy by yourself because you are better? we do share, not argue,, so that what has faith done in our lives will show what GOD has done to us...
God has purpose in every human's life, when it comes..accept it...and when you can't you might not ready yet..and still others are seeking....let them know that you care, let them know GOD is everywhere and there is hope...

blessings,,

Answer 8

People need to see their beliefs validated and by ranting and raving they have the opportunity express their beliefs/opinions in a way that validates it for themselves. If they can actually 'convert' another person then it validates the belief even further.
Unfortunately people who want to tell you about their beliefs very rarely want to hear about yours.

Answer 9

I think there are many facets in this phenomenon:
- some people are insecure and they won't sleep well if someone disagrees with what they believe in, they take it as if being personally rejected.
- other people just love to talk about things important to them, and when they talk to you you think they try to persuade you.
-at the same time, if you believe in something you just think you're right and others are wrong, so you 'help' people out.

Personally, I consider myself a believer. And I know I give hard times to people I love if they don't agree with me. That's life.

Answer 10

They are people with a set of values, not a sense. If you have a set of values they are rather fragile and need bolstering up by converting others into your value system. It is called "Folie a Deau" a shared delusion. Also, those with a set of values will drop them like hot cakes if another set of values comes along. That is how Jesuits become revolutionary marxists overnight. Cultivate a sense of values instead, they are a lot more worthwhile.