As before, I am not interested in your religion or lack of religion.
I am interested in knowing whether theists and atheists can work together to promote Love, Sympathy, Empathy, Compassion between us rather than promoting fear and hatred of one another.
How can we accomplish this without requiring some of us to convert to the beliefs of another? Can we work together and keep our beliefs intact?
2006-08-28 14:57:37 · 19 answers · asked by bobkgin 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Misery: Who do you think my "kind" is?
2006-08-28 15:03:11 · update #1
Malsvb6: I'm touched by your desire to make peace. I, for one, will certainly accept your offer and seek peace with you as well.
2006-08-28 15:11:15 · update #2
I hope so and believe its possible. Right now, it appears to me that there are 2 gulfs to bridge...
(1) mistrust (letting go of past hurt/insults and being willing to take the risk to reach out in openness and honesty)
(2)communication (we need a common language or else each of us needs to become proficient at translating what someone says -that is- each person using terms that are comfortable to himself- and all others being able to hear what is said filtering the message through their heart and knowledge of the person's particular world view.
Upon reflection, I wish to add this...maybe its related to the first...
(3) movement beyond tolerance to acceptance. Tolerance implies some sort of negative judgment to which one is acquiescing. Acceptance is based in true respect for the perspective of another being valid within its own frame of reference, and lovingly embracing the intention.
There is ample incentive to go forward with this idea. We desparately need to come together folks!
Peace to all in the name of love.
2006-08-29 06:40:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As an atheist, I don't see why one would have to convert from one to the other in order to promote the ideas of love, sympathy, empathy, etc. These ideas are not mutally exclusive to one belief or the other. They are universal.
What gets in the way of promoting these are the cultural beliefs of society. Like men are better than women (a belief promoted by religion) or a caste system (India), etc. Rascism, xenophobia, etc are also contributors to prohibiting the promotion of said ideas.
Education and patience are key to a better society. Specific religious belief is not.
2006-08-28 15:05:29 · answer #2 · answered by umwut? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By educating people, teaching tolerance and respect for others, their lifestyles and beliefs. Not everyone who is religious cares what anothers beliefs are nor does everyone who is an atheist care what others beliefs are. Why would someone have to convert to get along and work together? If they respect each other it will never be a problem. I am atheist and my husband is Christian, neither of us has had to convert to love each other.
2006-08-28 15:20:49 · answer #3 · answered by curls 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I want nothing more than to live in peace with all others, but I am a Christian, and I am a pretty timid person yet somehow I always seem to get attacked for my belief. So if you are willing I would love to make peace right now. My faith teaches love and compassion so I want to give it to EVERYONE with no exceptions. I was touched by your sweet question.
2006-08-28 15:08:39 · answer #4 · answered by malsvb6 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Typically for people to come together (usually only temporarily) a significant threat or disaster must occur.
On 9/11 every American was united. In the upcoming congressional election we will all be divided.
Same thing goes for love, compassion, etc. As long as we are still human we will see our differences before our similarities.
2006-08-28 15:02:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tolerance is necessary. And as long as people view their form of belief as superior, it will never happen. Thus, the common argument you hear from non-religious people that the world would be better of if religion disappeared.
Tolerance. That is all.
However, it really isn't in the very nature of a majority of the human race to tolerate, so, in the end, I believe my answer to your question is a sad, no.
2006-08-28 15:40:30 · answer #6 · answered by MotorCityMadman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simple respect is all it would take. But some things that Christians do, unintentionally and without thinking offends athiests, like the simple phrase, "God Bless You". They dont want to hear that. And then when they say that they dont want to hear that, christians get offended.
Its little misunderstandings like that which fuels the hatred and fire.
2006-08-28 15:02:09 · answer #7 · answered by m_thurson 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem is that a lot of theists have the conviction that atheists are evil and have some punishment in store for them, while a lot of atheists have the conviction that theists are short-sighted, close-minded, and unintelligent.
2006-08-28 15:02:00 · answer #8 · answered by Michael 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
by not shoving beliefs on anyone, but asking genuine questions if they r curious or want to know more about the other persons religion or lack of. and by not judging people and putting them into groups by saying "ur kind" or "u people are always.."
2006-08-28 15:10:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, we do it every day... It is just that some people are really silly in believing they can convert anyone to their religion... Of course that does not mean I am not one of them LOL
2006-08-28 15:04:25 · answer #10 · answered by kichka_2002 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋