Do you spend more time explaining your beliefs, or defending your label?

Question

I believe 99% of all people are basicly good people. No matter what label they have; Christians, Atheists, Muslims, etc.

However, the R&S section seems to turn more and more into a "battle of the religions" (which i hate). I see lots of prejudiced questions asked by people, who are to me just bad representatives of Atheism, Christianity or Islam. I would not be happy if i had a label, and i had to defend my label based on others who claim to wear the same label.

I am an Agnostic, tending towards Atheism. I notice that sometimes i defend Atheists on questions that wrongly prejudice Atheism. Then i defend a label, instead of talking about my own beliefs. It makes me feel strange, somehow.

I was just wondering, in the "battle of the religions", do you defend your label mostly, or do you stick purely to your own beliefs?

Answer 1

Agnostic.. Not in favor of labels.

Labels dictate
People blinded by the images and confinements the labels represented, unable to see a person's gifting, talents and abilities. Many don't see pass a label. It's similar to placing a person in a sealed box, maintaining their condition, but with no hope of release from their circumstances and no hope for relationships outside. Just another one-way charitable cause. It is the power of the label that can keep a person in a state of mourning and hopelessness.

Labels are society's attempt to help describe the human condition focusing more on our limitations and then categorizing those limitations into what is and isn't normal. But this system which is designed to seek ways to help some people and enlighten others, has become a system used to alienate and segregate our communities.Unfortunately, people have been influenced and have allowed the invasion of this man-made system of identification into this world. Then without realizing, we have allowed these labels to determine who we can invite, or who we think can understand, or who would "fit in". These labels are powerful barriers and they do not belong in the world.

We cannot forget that our identity is based on who we are not on what we can or cannot do. The human condition is the same regardless of ones circumstances in life.

Answer 2

I find that I defend labels quite a bit when there are people that are being ignorant and hateful toward the people - *individuals* - that fall under those labels. I don't really have a label, though... nor do I have clearly defined beliefs. As far as beliefs go, the jury is out. I'd say I'm an agnostic leaning deist or a deist leaning agnostic. Something like that.

Here lately, I've been discussing bananas and apples more than labels and beliefs, though.

Answer 3

I think I spend more time explaining my beliefs.

I don't know what practical good it does to defend a label. Whatever defense you may give - no matter how good the defense is - the person attacking will most likely not hear you.

The best defense against false labeling is in the example you live. Not in the words you use against the opposition.

Explaining how you life (based on what you believe) can be time well spent. Generally if someone asks on that level, they honestly want to understand.

And, really, aren't there some things done in the name of all sides that are truly indefensible? Best to just let that be what it is.

Answer 4

I do both interestingly enough. I too could consider myself agnostic/ athiest/ or even pagan. I believe nothing more than the fact that energy can not be created nor destroyed... neither can I. No matter what comes of life or death the energy that is "ME" will go on to be the source or energy for something else.

So, see, I do both.... I just can't seem to express one without another. However, I have studied many religions so I also quote the Bible regularly because sometimes it's the answer they are looking for and I'm "best answer" junkie....lol. Best wishes

Answer 5

I don't like all this religion bashing as much as you do. And, im not trying to put you down or anything, but if you look at this section there are many more questions bashing christianity than there are bashing athiesm. And as for your actual question, I defend my beliefs. They sometimes coincide with others' beliefs and I guess there I would be defending a label. But, mostly, I defend my beliefs.

Answer 6

There is no need to defend yourself on this site. Most people on it are completely influenced by stereotypes and opinions and are completely wrong. If you are agnostic, good for you. I don't think most people on here really know what they believe. They have an idea of what belief is but don't know how to follow it. I am in this category. I have so many unanswered questions that I don't know what to believe, nor do I really care. I have been close to death once and I will be close again so I guess my questions will be answered then.

Answer 7

I didn't read your long, and, no doubt, informative details, so this is to answer your question as concisely as possible. I do not defend my beliefs. No where is it written that I have to. Neither do I expect others to explain theirs, because I really don't give a damn. Also, I do not defend my label. I have never adopted one, so any that I have have been hung on me by people who don't know the first thing about me. Frankly, they can go f##k themselves.

Answer 8

Christian is a very broad term. I am one, in that I believe Christ is my savior but I disagree with a lot of things other Christians say and do. And it gives the truth a bad name and reputation. I HATE being labelled and lumped with all Christians. I don't agree with Catholics beliefs, or Mormon's or may other "Christians" so no, it isn't fair. Maybe from now on, I should call myself something else....I'll think of something good....

Answer 9

I defend my beliefs, what good is it to defend who you religiously belong to. It's what beliefs you have that help people see what kind of a person you are. I'm a version of Christianity called Pentecostal. I tell people I follow the Bible and that God is the answer to anything and everything. God Bless

Answer 10

Neither. As my faith is my own, I do not hold others to follow the same beliefs I do. If they don't agree with my way, that's OK. If they ask me I'll tell them the very basics, but unless they have a true interest to learn about it, I don't go into much detail. Why waste my time?