Why is the Religion and spiritual category bringing out the ugly in people?

Question

I have been through a lot of catagories on this yahoo,answers page, But what I have noticed is that The Religion catagory has some of the most hated,discusting,remarks and accusations of all the catagories. Is this what everyones religion teaches them...I see everyone saying hate this...hate that...But to be fair to Christian,Jewish...I don't see them stating hatred to anyone...but I see lots toward them. This ,I thought would have been an enlightening catagory to read and answer...I to have found myself answering harshly against someone who has bashed a religion for no reason. We should all know there is only One God...no matter what we call him, and if you are doing as he says,then why all the negativity

Twist...I have no reason to visit that catagory...either way...

What He or I don't believe in,,,we don't...and none of his family worship a budda, But we don't knock it either....

Nimadan, the above reference is for you, but also..in many books people as a whole are called MAN...do you not get it....

Answer 1

I've only been on here a few weeks and I've noticed the same thing. I knew it went on but I really didn't realize how hateful and critical some of the answers could be.
I will never understand why we can't all just have our own beliefs and accept each other for what we are and what we can offer this world. Religion is suppose to teach us to love, care, and help one another in need.Many religions just have different rituals in their church,temples, synagogues, etc.Personally I believe the God in the Bible but I'm not going to knock down someone who has another god especially if they are doing their best to be a good person.
Time to start reaching out to one another and knock of the negativity and disgusting remarks.Opinions are fine but not done in hatred.

Answer 2

Actually what the category brings out is the identity related fundamentalists, that is _fill in any religion_ fundamentalists. The gatekeepers of what is normal or acceptable to being considered part of their group. The thing all fundamentalists have in common is that they are reactionary.

For the most part fundies can be ignored in their rantings as in the real world most of us do not identify with just one group. The groups we relate to can be religious, racial, class, political and more that do not come to mind at the moment. Most people can identify with more than one group. A Christian fundamentalist will not see you as a fellow human being unless you too are a Christian Fundie, beyond the religious aspect you become just one more lost sinner. (objectifying you as a lost cause or a reason for their crusade.)

It is much the same as Nationalist Fundamentalists who have gripped the US since 9/11 and thrived .. now if you disagree with the current administrations war, you are no a "true American" and again, not viewed as a fellow American by the fundies.

Pick a category, it most likely has some fundies that are preaching their brand of what it is to be "real" and finding reasons to eject you from the "in" crowd if you do not toe their line.

Answer 3

A very good question, but religion especially as it's proclaimed in this country (USA) today does bring out all sorts of negative feelings. Take for example that Baptist church in Kansas who decided it would be a great thing to demonstrate at the funerals of soldiers who died fighting in Iraq. The really bright idea was to say that it was a judgment against this country for supporting homosexual rights and marriage. Some strange things are still done, said and believed in the name of religion.

Answer 4

It's a lack of respect for another person's beliefs. I am a Christian, and to be truthful, the most hateful remarks are from atheists towards Christians. If a question is asked, I will answer it from my beliefs. I am respectful, but I will always point out the askers' ugliness and hatefulness. It's sad to see so many people full of hate, and sometimes Christians answer hatefully b/c they get angry at the attacks against them. Christianity is the least respected belief here, at least that's my opinion from my experience in this section. But that's okay, it doesn't in anyway affect my beliefs.

Answer 5

There's a great book out right now called "The End of Faith" which deals exactly with what you are asking. It argues that until we begin questioning blind faith and quit with the "my God is better than your God," we're never going to find peace, and we'll probably blow ourselves up before that. It's a horrifying thing that people will do such horrendous things in this life for the so called paradise that awaits them in the life after.

Answer 6

Perhaps the Religion and Spiritual category is "bringing out the ugly " in some people because it's bringing out the stupid in so many others....

Your words:
"We should all know there is only One God"

Really? So all those millions of Buddhists and Taoists whose religions are not centered on a divine being are what? Just wrong, just stupid, or perhaps just damned to Eternity in Hell? Does Sung (whoever that is) know you feel this way about his relatives and ancestor's?

And how about the huge number of people who still believe in polytheistic faiths? The same?

You went on to say:
"no matter what we call him"

What if people call him "Her"? Hundreds of millions throughout history have worshiped goddesses. How is it any sillier (or less intelligent or less moral) thinking a supernatural being has female genitalia than thinking it has male genitals?

Answer 7

I agree, it's too bad. Sometimes people say things with totally good intentions, and no matter what they say, somebody gets offended.

When people say that somebody else's religion is "all hypocrites" that bothers me.

Doesn't anybody realize that, no matter what a person's religion is, they can't be perfect? We are all sinners; that's why we need a religion.

I saw a sign outside a church once that said, "This church is not a monument for saints, but a hospital for sinners."

I think a church should be both.

Answer 8

So true. I'm actually thinking about not coming to this site anymore because of that. I'm a Christian, and sometimes I ask questions directed at other Christians looking for wise spiritual counsel. What often happens though is that these really angry atheists will answer my questions by calling me names or swearing at me. I don't understand why they have to be so hateful or why they think that those of us who believe in God have no feelings.

Answer 9

Most believers (Christians) do not read or heed the word of God. Jesus said in Matthew 5:43-44, "You have heard that it was said,'you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those that hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."
Christians should practice this advise from our Lord... After all, that is what He did... all the way to the Cross.........
God bless!

Answer 10

Not everyone here believes in God. But to answer your question, most of it comes from intolerance and ignorance. Congratulations for rising above the ignorance and intolerance. More people like you are needed in the world.