Is Answers becoming a religious soap box?

Question

I love my religion and going to church and I also enjoy hearing about other religions...As a Christian I enjoy hearing and learning about Judaism because it is the root of my own beliefs and the beginning of my bible. I also believe that, based on my own personal readings, that the Torah and the Koran possibly shared roots as well leading me to believe that Allah is the same God as the one I believe in...

I use this product to learn and expand myself in all areas. I'm wondering if anyone else has learned anything supprising about the world and other's beliefs? Do you think that some people just use Answers as a way to bellow their ideas without even considering new things? Is the normal "debate" (most usually a screaming match) healthy interaction? How can we foster understanding and learning here?

(I know that's a lot of points but I want to see what ya'll think...Really feel out Answer's usage and how we are using this to develop spirutually and psychologically...Thanks)

Answer 1

Unfortunately this forum usually attracts people who have extreme opposing views. I think the problem is fear. We're afraid that if we really listen and give credibility to the person's view we think we may lose or doubt our own beliefs. That is so not true. What will happen is we'll gain some knowledge and respect for the other side and know that the other side is entitled to what they believe. When the question or the answer is "ugly & hateful" I don't even read all of it. ***note...I'm an agnostic and this kind of stuff makes me stay that way.

Answer 2

Read what you wrote.... I'm an atheist... born and raised, and I find your guesswork truly offensive. I'd rather have fundies yelling at me than patronizing me. I'll just go through this real quick... "People have reasons for making decisions." -true, not necessary, but usually the case "Same goes with the individuals who choose to become atheists." -You're assuming it's a choise. You're wrong. Some did, some never had faith, you're generalizing (badly) "Could be that they weren't given enough reason to believe in religion." -Nobody does, if there were reasons it wouldn't require faith. It would be a fact, not a religion. "Perhaps they had bad experiences with religious fanatics therefore they renounced religion in general." -Not true generally speaking. It's the everyday insanity of average religious people that usually does the trick. And from my point of view, ALL religious people are fanatics to some extent. "Confusion may also become a big block in the road." -We generally prefere "clarity" over "confusion". We deal with the real world, religious people deal with invisible spirits secretly controlling their life. We have rules, they have... something very confusing. "There can be several too many obstacles to justify a person choosing to walk this path." -Makes absolutely no sense. So I'll not guess the meaning "It's weird though because often these nonreligious individuals seek spiritual help in their death beds." -I doubt it, sounds like an urban legend. Just because there is a saying like that, doesn't make it true. Of the 2 atheists I've lost, both of them died atheists, no last minute conversions. "Why is atheism highly opposed by numerous people?" -Because people don't understand. Look at you, you have a totally unrealistic idea of what's involved, and you never bothered to find out the truth. I bet most of the opposers are just like you, basing their opinions on guesswork and lashing out at what they don't understand. I guess.

Answer 3

Abraham is the father of both Isaac and the child of the {Sarah} Egyptian servant- maid; Issac begot Jacob whom became Israel and begot the 12 tribes of Judaism ;a devoted Jew; Mary birthed Jesus thus this formed Christianity; Islam was formed from the son of slave servant but the truth and point of the story is: Abraham the father of all three beliefs. All of the 3 believe in one Almighty God and not in statues or idols. So one speaks the truth when said these religions believe in the same God.

Answer 4

I totally agree with what you say,

" Do you think that some people just use Answers as a way to bellow their ideas without even considering new things?"

I'm sorry but if you want to peddle your Religion around and be closed-minded to everything else anyone has to say to you, then take it somewhere else, like the middle of the street and pass out pamphlets or something.

Answer 5

Well darlin, this is the Religion section, most are here to learn about religion. I've learned a great deal. The Antichrists are very prolific here...but that's to be expected. I find when people want to discuss serious religion, the atheist, usually don't respond much, (or with a small hateful bash) because they simply have no clue and don't want to know. If you just stick to serious questions you'll be fine. And don't respond to their idiot questions and idiot answers. I hate to say it but many uhemmm, "christian wannabes" do the same thing

Answer 6

well one thing i realised is that there are far more atheists out there than i imagined. i always felt i was vastly outnumbered in the yahoo chatrooms and other places...now i see that there are alot more of us (atheists) than i though.

it kindof amazed me. i thought that the vast majority of people out there were judt plai ndumb. i had a running joke where every time i would see something amazingly stupi online id drop my "faith in humanity" a point lower. i thik last time i checked it it was at 17%. recently i think that number has gone up.

yahoo answers is a great place and a great idea! ive learned alot and been ableto ask questions and get answers back rather than looking for an answer online for hours and never finding an answer. whoever thought of this should get a huge raise.

Answer 7

I think that we should be more selective with the questions we answer. Some of the questions that show up on here are totally obscene yet a lot of people will try to answer them. I think if people stopped getting answers to their ridiculous questions that they would maybe loose interest and go somewhere else to find their fun.

Answer 8

This is a place to learn and hopefully help others.

Christians particularly seem to be using it to force their views. This is particularly un-Christian and I have no doubt the number of embarrassed people leaving the church will increase as a result.

Christianity is coming across more and more as dictatorial and intolerant of others peoples views and opinions.

Answer 9

i think we have too many people who ask questions that have the answer already.so, they ask their question only to belittle the people who answer them.than they start debating back and forth.this is stupid.this is a question and answer forum.if people need to debate, take it to a chat room where you can debate all you want.simply to ask questions,so you can say Christianity sucks,is not a question,but a statement.according to yahoo rules,you are not supposed to make statements in questions.yes, i agree with your question.i don't see anything wrong with voicing your beliefs in an answer,but if you can't compose a question properly,maybe you need to go back to school.
God Bless

Answer 10

If you were looking for a soap box answer check out Randy GE's answer.

People debate. People make fun. People get upset. People think they are right. It's all part of life. I think people are just a bit more honest on here than they are in real life.