Can sharing our beliefs help us to become more tolerant?

Question

In taking the Belief-O-Matic test at www.selectsmart.com, I discovered that while I am according to this test a mainline to conservative Christian /Protestant, I am in agreement in a percentage way with even those I am the most different from. For example I am 31% in agreement with the Nontheist and the Secular Humanist and 35% in agreement with New Age and Neo-Pagans. Therefore I think that if we look for our areas of agreement we might be able to find more peace and good will toward eachother. What do you think? I hope you take the test.
Cathy

Answer 1

Yes it is definitely good to share if the other person is in agreement with sharing. I myself will listen to anyone's beliefs if they wish to share them. Just have the understanding that I have my own beliefs which I follow and until I find something better for me I'm not going to change them so do not try to convert me.


I took a test on that page. I don't know if it is the one you are talking about but here are my results. I just want to mention I'm an Solitary Eclectic and not strictly in one of the groups mentioned below.

Your Results:

1. Theravada Buddhism (100%)


2. Mahayana Buddhism (99%)


3. Hinduism (87%)


4. Neo-Pagan (86%)


5. New Age (86%)


6. Unitarian Universalism (80%)


7. Jainism (73%)


8. Liberal Quakers (69%)


9. Sikhism (69%)


10. New Thought (64%)


11. Taoism (60%)


12. Orthodox Quaker (49%)


13. Scientology (49%)


14. Mainline - Liberal Christian Protestants (48%)


15. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (43%)


16. Secular Humanism (39%)


17. Bahá'í Faith (37%)


18. Reform Judaism (30%)


19. Orthodox Judaism (25%)


20. Non-theist (22%)


21. Seventh Day Adventist (22%)


22. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (19%)

23. Jehovah's Witness (19%)


24. Mainline - Conservative Christian Protestant (15%)


25. Eastern Orthodox (13%)


26. Islam (13%)


27. Roman Catholic (13%)


Very surprising results I do say.

Answer 2

I think sharing our beliefs, when asked to do so in a nonjudgemental, nonsuperior, nonbashing way, is the first step towards developing tolerance, yes. Education is always the first step. Intolerance stems from ignorance, fear, and misunderstanding. I'm not asking that everyone HAVE to be tolerant of every religion they disagree with, but at least be tolerant of the free will and choices that the people who follow those religions make.

Answer 3

It is a great way to learn about other religions. So many people have closed their minds to other religions that they won't even listen to someone who doesn't believe as they do. If you really listen you will find out that not everything about other religions is that far from your own. For instance, I was a Catholic at one time but I am now Kemetic Orthodoxy. A lot of things that Catholics do are very similar to what we do. Not everyone is trying to get everyone else to convert to their religion. I just think if you are going to talk trash about a religion then you should really know what you are talking about. One of the best ways to find out is from those of that religion.

Answer 4

There is a limit to tolerance; that limit is truth.

I can be friendly toward those with whom I do not agree; I cannot say that their beliefs are correct. Jesus said we would be judged by His Words (John 12:48); logically, either He is correct and His Word must be our standard, or He is not correct and the entire Bible should be thrown out lock, stock, and barrel. There cannot be compromise between those positions.

Answer 5

I agree that this is the best way to overcome this idiot bickering that all of us seem to get such a rush out of. Even though Everybody knows in their hearts that the invisible pink unicorn is the only path to heaven. Nyaa-Nyaaa ....sorry (see what i mean).

Answer 6

Well... yes.. changing our beliefs can make a person more tolerant.. that is absolutely true.. BUT.. why do we change our beliefs? If we truly believes that something is like it is and have in our own minds that it is so, then why change just because someone wants us to change?

Answer 7

its good to share knowledge and beliefs of ur religions with each other.it increases our faith in our own religion,as it helps us in understanding our own religion well.every religion follows the same principle,of peace,love and righteous path and way of living,the way of following is different.sharing beliefs is good but in a limit that it does not hurt the sentiments of other believers.i see people using rubbish language on other religions and targetting them.that is really sick!i hope viewers consider my appeal and use proper words,coz we interact with such sites only to share our views and knowledge and not to hurt others or dump on our own decisions.

Answer 8

You must be careful of tolerance. Tolerance in our world today can lead to accepting of sinful lifestyles and cause christians to get their spiritual eyes adjusted to the darkness of sin in this world, instead of being the beacon of light to lead the sinners and the lost to Jesus for salvation. I dont' need tolerance, i just need to continue to follow the word of God.

Answer 9

I dont think we need to tolerate each others religions. But we should tolerate people for their free will and ability to make their own choices.

I think majority should rule in this country.

And I think no one should have to change their personal beliefs to please other people who feel left out.

I've been called a biggot for saying that before. But its where I stand.

Answer 10

Here's the thing, it's the things that are different that causes the fighting. There will never be peace, period. Why are you taking your faith from a test that probably isn't scientific? God wants us to have our faith from Him and His Word, not a radnom test.