Why do some people get so offened when their religious views are questioned and yet have no problem insulting-

Question

people who don't believe as they do?And why do some people cry foul when their core views are questioned.Are some believers unable to back-up their views and instead cry "religious persecution"?

I have read various answers in the past on religious questions and clearly people get WAY to offended at some of the questions asked regardless if they were meant to be insulting or were in fact valid questions from someone who wanted to know what they think.And usually those same people are the ones quick to judge and even insult non believers and persons who they view as immoral or a sinner.

I don't think it is right to insult people regardless of who and/or what they are.If you're not a part of the group you insult then you have no reason to make such comments because in the end you are not directly affected by that group.On that same token, I think it is ok to question the views of people you don't understand in order to better understand them.

Answer 1

I agree with you... one has to understand to be understood.

Answer 2

Personally I think many people blow religious things way out of hand. I'm Satanic and I'm very open with my beliefs and other peoples. My best friend is Christian and her father is a pastor and we both have the best discussions on religions because we have two completely different points of veiw. Many people judge other religions and their followers without ever knowing them. Most people get to know me and never even assume I'm Satanic and when I tell them they're shocked and either accept it or decide to avoid me. In ways it's nice because I know who my true friends are. You were saying about insulting other religions and that they get overly upset and I completely agree. On 6-6-06 a friend of mine and I went to the mall and as a joke she wore fuzzy devil horns. We had a group of teenage girls come up to us they took off the horns and threw them in the garbage telling us to have some respect because they were Christian and the world was going to end today. They then lied to a security guard and told him we were harrasing them and we were forced to leave. Now i understand if it was true or we had shirts saying "Christians suck 666" or something but my friend and I are the exact opposite of the "Satanic" image. I was wearing jeans and a Hollister hoodie and she was wearing Aeropostle. LOL! So no matter where you go people are gonna make a fuss if you dont agree with them and believe what they do. The US claims to have religious freedom but it's really only for certain religions.

Answer 3

Two quick answers: 1) Intolerance and 2) Stupidity.

I agree with your assessment. It would be nicer if we lived in a more tolerant world. But we don't. At their core, most religions support tolerance and peaceful ways to resolve conflicts. Unfortunately, it only takes a few people to support intolerant viewpoints to make the rest of us religious folks look bad.

I don't think we should be the ones to judge. A religious person should live their lives in such a way as to inspire others. I agree with you that insulting others never inspires anyone. It's easy to say that you love the sinner and not the sin, but it's harder for many people to put this idea into action.

I can relate to your frustration!

Answer 4

I think it's just human nature. That doesn't make it right, but that's the natural reaction. When something is pinned down so deep inside you, someone questioning that thing (a belief in this case) is interpreted as a questioning of the person with that belief, whether consciously or unintentionally. I've tried to make a concerted effort not to take things like that so personally, but you have to understand where I and others are coming from. Imagine if someone came up and told you that the sun isn't the real cause of sunburns...you're natural reaction would be to instantly defend what you know to be true. To us it's the same thing. I can say I personally know that God exists because of my experiences, and so to ME (not necessarily you, keep in mind), it's not even a matter of belief...it's fact.

Answer 5

You are absolutely right! And I hate to say, most the people you are talking about, are Christians! Most Christians I know need to focus on their own actions and stop judging other people! I rather "see" a sermon than hear one any day! In otherwords, do what you preach, don't preach what you do not practice. I do not believe God wants anyone to judge others. Everyone has different belief and religions. In the end, each of us has to answer for our own actions. People need to focus on their own relationship with God and stop trying to run everyone else's life! You know...religion has caused many wars from the beginning of time and it is best people stop discussing religion and start "LIVING" it...otherwise, their will always be people who are insulted! How do you think Israel feels about Iran's remarks? The same thing happens between individuals as countries.

Answer 6

I think honestly it's because some people embody their religion so fully that it becomes a part of who they are. It can be hard for some to take a comment meant to question their beliefs and not perceive it as a personal attack. Personally I believe once you stop doubting your religion you are doomed. Nobody knows the truth when it comes to religion, and to believe you do is just ignorance. I personally went from a very strict Catholic to having very liberal views. I now consider myself Wiccan. I like how the religion tries to see the world from a broader picture. It is only now that I realize how narrow minded I truly was.

Answer 7

Because they are hypocrites. They try to tell everyone how to live, yet, they violate their own teaching.
Also, they whine and cry about the Ten Commandments from public places, yet, they do not actually believe in the Ten Commandments.
For example, they need to look at the 4th commandment. It says to work for 6 days and rest on the 7th Day. Do no work on the 7th day.
So, do they follow the Ten Commandments?

Then why are they so whiney about them?

Also, Jesus said not to judge others, Let the Lord judge.
How many Christians do not judge others?

Particularly when it comes to lifestyles.

Answer 8

relies upon on the size of the congregation and the devoutness of the fellow in question. If it were a huge church like the Crystal Cathedral in California, there is each probability that a member for fifty years would not understand Dr. Schuller in my opinion. If its a church of purely one hundred or so, then, certain, maximum in all probability there's a courting. If the fellow attends many times, back there's a sturdy probability. If no longer then no. you'd be a member of a church for a lengthy time period and purely attend on vacation journeys. besides you look at it, i do not carry a member of the congregation responsible for what the church leaders say and do. exceptionally no matter if that's habit which could no longer commonplace.

Answer 9

The Bible commands Christians to be ready to answer any one who asks about what we believe (1 Peter 3:15).

There's a huge difference between challenging/questioning a position and just attacking/making fun of it. I have no problem answering valid questions and challenges. I do however, get really sick and tired of people who don't have a legit discussion in mind and are only out to make fun of what I believe and know to be true. In those cases it's really hard sometimes not to be "snippy."

Answer 10

I understand completely. Its like a double standard. They can question and insult your religion but GOD FORBID you say anything about theirs... They will go postal. I am a christian and I actually have a friend who is also christian and just like that. she insults and questions a buddist in our class but when he says something about her religion she starts a full blown out arguement/fight about it saying he's going to hell ect. I think this is SO SO SO wrong of her. I am a christian but I am open to others opinions and I accept people the way they are. I dont try to change what someone believes. That is just wrong. Through our differences we need to create peace and friendship between each other, because doesnt every religion believe in peace?

Anyways I see what you are saying and I think it is very wrong.

Answer 11

I personally have answered some questions, and the only people that piss me off are the ones that answer in a disrespectful way. But you will always get a rise out of people when questioning religion. That's just the way it is. It's really hard to practice what you preach.