Why do religious people of all faiths become so narrow minded and unable to listen to other points of view.?

Answer 1

Because they can.
/

Answer 2

The question is a double edge sword isn't it? On one hand you say that people of religious faith are narrow minded. On the hand of those who have faith they believe they have found the ultimate truth. That all truth is found in Christ, God, Allah...what have you. You on the other hand by your question believe in something else entirely. Even if you say you believe in nothing you have put your faith in nothing. To those with faith in religion you are the narrow minded you have closed your self from seeing and hearing the truth. Though you have eyes you do not see, ears you do not hear. If you figure out the answer to 2+2=4 why would you keep looking for an answer? If 50 people came to me and said the answer is not 4 would I keep looking for the answer? I hope not...


Stupid comment: your looking for something and find it then tell someone it was in the last place you looked.... God i hope you didn't keep looking after you found it.

Answer 3

I have never known this to be true of all religious people nor have I known it to be true of all faiths. Clearly you have only seen a small part of the variety of religions and their teachings.

To define my spirituality is a little complex. I am Apache Traditionalist and Traditional Witch (with strong leanings toward Druidism) While my parents raised me Roman Catholic I was also raised with the two former traditions mentioned above, the second very covertly. At a young age I took an interest in the Hera Krishna and red everything I could get my hands on about them. I also learned Buddhism, Shintoism, and Taoism from Asian friends. I learned about the beliefs of Protestant Christianity as well. All of this, with the exception of the craft, was approved by parents who still to this day are staunch Roman Catholics.

When I was 16 I came down with a bout of Born Again Christianity and was so put off by Christianity from the hypocrisy that I witnessed and being accused repeatedly of being the tool of the devil when I called members on violating the clear teachings of Jesus, that I quit the habit within three years. For another 2 years I converted to Wicca and struggled Until I decided to return to my Pagan roots. Yes I am a pagan who still believes in Christ, although I don't worship him anymore, but I definitely don't believe in Christianity (sic) for it's missing the most important element, CHRIST.

As long as a religion or belief doesn't teach its members to live their lives selfishly I have no problem with it. I've studied many religions to include Western-Umbanda and Mormonism. I have yet to see the differences between of the true cores of the worlds many faiths. Yet I choose my traditions, and believe that Divinity is vast enough to reveal the truth anywhere it chooses. So I follow the Spirit like an Eagle on the wind, or a Surfer on the wave. And in flowing with the Spirit I find stability.
(John 3:5-8 LOL)

I have met many "religious people" like me, who have had similar experiences. I wouldn't call that narrow minded. As the saying goes "You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything," and thus, as for me, I believe as the Druids say "The Truth Against The World."

Answer 4

That is a biased question becasue not all people of faiths are narrow minded and unable to listen to others points of views. Some religions like to hear others points of views. How do you think they learn and grow from each other?

Answer 5

People who say they are religious but still are narrow minded are the most irreligious because they are weak in their faith and can't answer back.
But it's not just religious people you know. I knew some very anti-religious people who are so narrow minded that they won't even try to understand anything that was said. Basically they were rude. It's sad that there are people from both sides that don't listen.

Answer 6

Hey Pete,

I love this question!

Religion, in my opinion, is like a room full of people. You may have smokers, non-smokers, young, old, families, alternative lifestyles, druggies and non-"Room"-believers.

The only thing MOST seem to agree on is that they are in a room.

Everyone has a different belief in what the room should consist of. You even have some that figure that they will tell everyone the most populist ideas in order to "Hijack" the room for their own uses.

In many cases, some will even feel that the room is reserved only for their use and no one else.

The bible, to my knowledge, has no mention of ANY single religion, however, many have used the bible to attempt to cram their views/beliefs/morals down others, including other god (yes, the "g" is meant to be small) fearing members throats.

I believe in Faith, I believe in a Greater Good and I truly believe that there is a Power greater than me.

Most religious persons forget that we are ALL sinners. It is the sin you should hate... Never the sinner (That I know is in the bible!)

Because of this, I have no interest in any organized religion.

Just my thoughts,

James in San Diego

Answer 7

I love to listen to other points of view, but no one denies God exists unless its for arguments sake.

So i always have an answer or a challenge, Non-christians in time of trouble call on God not Allah, Even muslims call Allah there name for God. God is good we all know it, the challenge thereore is to warp the mind of the God fearing, it is a challenge but i listen still to see what you want.

Answer 8

Easy.....it's called brain washing.........every single religion thinks that they're the chosen ones.They are so over confident that they're right and they're the only ones with a reserved table in heaven or wherever their faith says they're going after they die. This really amuses me...and I think it probably has God in stitches. It's like a child trying so hard to be the favourite, not realizing that God , like a mother or father will love who he wishes, not who thinks they deserve it more.

Answer 9

The nateure of religion is faith- faith is beleif in something you can not see feel or touch.
If I was open minded about it I would have to lose faith in order to do this!
This is why there are so many religious zelots

Answer 10

As a Muslim I am totally open to other views because I believe that Islam has very strong bases Because It was introuced to all humankind by God And Islam can not be contrasting to science either, How it can be ? God, Himself, created the rules of universe that we call them as "science" when we discover, realise them. I can not speak on behalf of other religions they should speak about themselves. All the best : )

Answer 11

You call that being narrow-minded? I say if you can open your ear to 1 view you will FALL for anything!