Curious, but why would someone believe that they know more about a Faith than a person practicing it?

Question

Actually shouldn't one believe that a follower of a certain religious faith is probably more aware of what they believe than another outside that faith? I would and do. I would also say that to take answers from someone who left that faith is a lot like taking a reference concerning a job from a disgruntled employee.

Dear Scottie, I did question my beliefs that is why I became and remain Catholic. Life is about learning and growing.

As for asking an ex-employee I would rather ask a current. It could very well be the person left do to a conflict with what they wanted and not a problem with doctrine.

Of course there are many ways to read about a faith or belief and that is good as well. But remember everyone has their own personal misconceptions.

Answer 1

Most people are easily led and don't do their own scholarship.

http://www.catholic.com/library/Pillar.asp


~

Answer 2

Can one only have knowledge of a religion by being a member within that particular congregation? If not, why do colleges and universities have religious studies classes?

I agree with you - to a point. But I ask questions regarding Christianity, with tens of thousands of different denominations, and look at the spectrum of answers that I receive. Are these folk "followers of a certain religious faith" all equally credible to teach another about Christianity?

Can I not learn about Christianity from someone who has left the faith? I fall into that category - so maybe, following your logic, those ARE exactly the "disgruntled" people that I should be talking too.

Thanks for helping me on my path.

Answer 3

Hmm...I've found some times disgruntled employees have the most realistic view of a job. So...your logic isn't the best. Nice try though.

Addendum: A previous employee has nothing to lose with being honest about a previous employer. A current employee runs the risk of it getting back and having it impact their raise/bonus/promotion. You would have to look at the employee and weigh their opinion based on your personal judgement.

This holds true of someone who was previously a member of a religion, but more specifically that particular group in that religion.

To make a decision on whether you want to join that employer or that religion (specifically that group), you weigh all the evidence. But you don't discount the opinion of someone who left. That would be foolish.

Answer 4

Good Q, and your point is well taken. I have a doctorate in theology and have studied many faith based systems over the last 40 years.

I have to point out though, that many who are involved in a faith based system are involved from childhood, and perhaps never truly "get it" they are just in it by habit. Hopefully of course those people would expend some effort to "learn" about what they're involved in through osmosis.

Religion/faith,,, is Truth, as opposed to Science, which is FACT,,,And a comfort zone we usually engage in, practice, relate to, until or unless we no longer feel it fulfills us. Hopefully at that point we seek another.

Critics abound,,,IE: the current wars fought in the name of religion,,,,as well as Petroleum.

Another issue we should address as a species is tolerance and acceptance for each other, no matter our faith or beliefs.

"Religion" is truly a very personal, private experience, and conversion, or the desire to convert is selfish. It's also a very touchy subject to debate, even within the same faith, because of that personal nature and individual interpretations.

No one is right or wrong as it relates to what they believe, nor should they assume to be right,,,or wrong, about anyone elses beliefs.

Rev. Steven

Answer 5

some worship God some worship the devil, and some worship science.For the most part everyone thinks one of these are true. so let the ones that worship God study and learn about him and take part in all God has to offer. and the ones that believe in the devil do the same. and also the ones that believe in since. at the end of life we will all know the truth.are we can look for the truth while we are on earth and be open minded until we find the truth. I hope everyone finds the truth they are looking for and i have included this site as a place to start for some and a place to end for others that thank they know what is true good link http://the-heavenly-home-page.blogspot.com/

Answer 6

Just because someone belongs to a certain faith doesn't mean he actually knows much about it. For example, there are a lot of Biblical scholars out there who don't believe in God. They just find the subject interesting. They know *a lot* more about the Bible and Christianity than the average Christian, and in some cases, the average pastor or minister.

Answer 7

Debra, you have been a very good person to get answers from so I hope this is a good answer from me. I appreciate you being open minded! I am guessing some snotty nosed loser answered you qouting from the bible or something and called you satanic? Well I am behind you. You just keep with your beliefs and dont let people on here bring you down because they are ignorant to other religions. Bless You

Answer 8

Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said that 'there are not 100 people in the country that hate the Roman Catholic church, but there are millions who hate what they mistake the church to be'. Stand firm and get informed about what the church really teaches. You're in good company. The people who use this forum to blast anyone's religious beliefs, aren't interested in intelligent dialog, they're just trying to get a reaction. I simply try to discern what questions are sincere efforts to understand, and ignore the rest. God Bless.

Answer 9

Unfortunately, some people follow a faith because that is the way they were raised and it is inbred. Sometimes, those people don't take the time to study the faith because they think they know it because they were/are surrounded by it. On the contrary, those trying to disprove a faith take more time to study it just to prove it wrong.

Answer 10

You'd be surprised at how many people practice a religion, and yet don't always understand everything they are supposed to believe in and why. Christians are also guilty of that because they don't study the Bible as it says we should so that we will always be able to give the reason we believe the way we do.

Answer 11

Great question. It's like someone who has never had children posing as an expert telling you how to raise yours. They just don't know diddly squat but think they do. Before becoming a Christian a decade ago, I was basically a good old fashioned heathen who would toss out humanism and science to fend off any Christian that approached me.