Why can some people be so touchy or protective about their religion?

Question

Take the Muhammed cartoon controversy, for instance.

Or, for a less violent example, the near INSISTENCE of American Jews that "Hannukah" be mentioned too whenever "Christmas" comes up in public functions.

And once, when I tried to give Halloween candies to an American girl, her parents REBUFFED my gift with: "Sorry, but we're Protestant. We don't do this stuff. Halloween is a Catholic thing." (I found that a somewhat insulting reply to my gift.)

But WHY BE SO TOUCHY?

I'm Buddhist. I've always been Buddhist.

But I have played the piano for Christian services, several times (hymn accompaniments and such). My maternal family's Muslim, and I've participated in Islamic rites for my ancestors' commemoration too. It's okay, it's all good...

Answer 1

well i'm muslim and i think religion is ur identity, it's what saves u on judgement day, it's who u are. if someone insults Muhammad (PBUH) it's an insult to 1.2 billion people, because we only want to be as much as we can like him. i have christian friends and lots of them, and we share our religious festivities together, but we do not insult eachother's religions. muslims dont say jesus is a murderer (we believe in jesus and love him just as we do Muhammad) and they dont insult our religion or our prophet. outside the range of arab countries, people apparently insult each other all the time so as not to feel the insult we felt when those cartoons were published
peace

Answer 2

I am not in here to defend anyone, but check your facts before speaking/writing...Where did you get the idea ther American Jews INSIST on having Chanukkah mentioned when Christmas is? Second, if the Protestant kid was out on Halloween what did the parents expect? Now to answer your question about the touchyness of the Religious. Fanatics of all faiths will be touchy or offended by the slightest insult to their FAITH. It's just unfortunate that humanity can't learn RESPECT for others beliefs. I am a UU and get a lot of guff because we place our faith however misguided in our fellow humans, however we do know the word RESPECT. PEACE!

Answer 3

I don't know. I know that christians are touchy about muslims because it's the whole muslim-christian thing with the temple about 2,000 years back. I'd say it's just because it's so different, I mean, you're believing in a tottaly different God, a tottaly different faith.

You can't expect there not to be a conflict of some sort. I myself am a Christian and I am leery around muslims because I know the history, but I think that their dress is cool. I wouldn't want to visit an all-muslim country, but I don't get creeped out by just seeing them on the street.

The only religion that really gets to me is aiithiests. It's like their own religion, although they have no god to worship.

That being said, I am Christian, but I do not condem your choice of worship. As a great philosipher once said, "You'll come around eventually."

Answer 4

I am a Born Again Christan. I use to be one of Jehovah's Witnesses. I came to the conclusion that people does not have an open mind. I try to keep an open mind so this way when I try to discuss religion no one on ither party will get upset or angry, It's just a new ideal, than that person can think about it if they want to. But I think people are scared to have an open mind. Or that they don't look at it that way.

Answer 5

Because they feel that THEY have the right religion, the one religion that knows the truth about the future of our world. Your religion is more loving and more tolerant of others. I believe that there is good and bad in all religions. My parents raised me as a Jehovah Witness. They are really intolerant of other religions, they feel that they are the only people that will make it through the end of the world. I would like to know more about the Buddhist faith. Is it true that you try not to kill any living creature? If that's the case count me in. I don't kill anything....not even bugs. Sorry for not really answering your question. Please, feel free to e-mail me back.

Answer 6

Religion for some people is a personal thing. I think for some it's almost like their identity. It may be the only thing they feel sure about in their lives. I'm with you. I don't care what religion a person has as long as he or she has something that makes them want to do right and be a better person.

Answer 7

I think there are two reasons. One is that people have been pushed around with religion, and equate it with doing what other people tell them to do. Some are embarrassed by their religion - and respond as though attacked. And some people try to put God in a box - easier for them to understand, perhaps, but very futile.

I agree with you. Any relationship with God that I can have is very good. And the same goes for everybody else.

Answer 8

I don't make fun of other religions, but I am a proud Christian, and I don't want others to make fun of me either. I will respect your rights, but I have the same rights. Unfortunately, the time has come when Americans (of all religions) have had to begin fighting for what they believe in. My prayer is that the time will come when we can live in harmony with our fellow man.

Kas

Answer 9

I agree: they're insecure. Their religion is a big part of who they are. Criticize that and you're criticizing them. I find it discouraging that something that is supposed to be a force for good--religion--has caused and still continues to cause the biggest problems in this world. Show me the good that is coming out of this, other than a person getting a false sense of comfort from it.

Answer 10

perhaps to a religious person thier beliefs define who they are and where they belong. Its like a sense of identity. now that was creepy.

as for the halloween candy thing I find that funny because halloween was stolen from pagans and the christians have it now and now they dont want it? whatever dude.