Why do so many people think they have all the answers when it comes to religion?

Question

I don't understand how so many people feel they are the experts and can say for sure that their way is the only way. Are you not judging others? Doesn't God tell us we should not judge? Why do you not have a greater tolerance for people who hold different views than you do? Isn't it God's job to do the judging?

msbedouin - you are one smart cookie - that is what I think all should do, and that is exactly the point I wanted to make - it is all opinion and each person's personal philosophy.

Answer 1

I guess that's why they call it belief. Most people really have to struggle to cling to their beliefs and part of that struggle is insisting that they are always absolutely right. To me, the show of "strength" is actually a cover for weakness. It's like any give and take situation. Strong people can give, but weak people can only take. When someone insists on the rightness of their beliefs- and you know? all our spiritual beliefs are un-provable- that only shows me that the person's beliefs aren't strong enough to make any room for another person's beliefs. Even though all of our un-provable beliefs are pretty much equal. The bickering about religion seems completely childish to me; exactly the same as "My dad can beat up your dad" except instead of dad it's god. It seems childish and then I remember: people are killing each other over this stupid game.
And about that time, I have to remember the one or two pieces of real wisdom I got from studying religion: It's supposed to be about love and if it isn't about love, it's trash. The other thing: don't judge people for what they believe. I don't have the right. No one does.
So I'm very much caught between heaven and earth. I believe in rightness and love and non-judgment and non-violence, but I still get the urge to smack extremists in the face. Any and all of them. But I usually don't. God might be watching.
Maybe I shouldn't have answered this, but I came across it at random. Thank you for a good question.

Answer 2

That is the nature of belief. If I believe the bible is God's word, which I do, than of course if he tells me in his word that I should proclaim the gospel to the world, than thats what I'm suppose to do. It is not about tolerating other religions. I totally tolerate anyones religion. I do not force my beliefs on anyone. I realize that there are many who do, but the only time I do this, is if someone asks me what I believe, and/or if there a topic which has come up where it is appropriate, helpful, hopeful , comforting, etc for them to understand it. But If God says to me, this is the ONE way, the only way, I cant very well say..."well, I don't want to judge other religions". Of course it is God's job to judge. But do not confuse belief or faith with intolerance. And there are very few "experts". I do my best, but don't claim to be an expert. Much of the Christian faith does not require any expertise. I feel bad, believe me that Christianity has been given such a bad rap by the ones that do it so wrong. A relationship with God, does not have to be affected by anyone else on earth, Just you and him. You don't need to feel pressured by other people. Just seek, and you will find.

Answer 3

It is Gods job to do the judging, and know one calling themselves a true Christian should be judging other Christians or non believers. But it is our mission as Christians to SHARE the Good News of the Lord with the world. To save them Not judge them. If a person somehow knew that you were going to die if you didn't stop smoking or eating unhealthy, and you didn't know. wouldn't you be grateful if they told you and they headed your advice? Its the same concept, they are stopping you from killing yourself, helping you realize the Truth. Their is no harm in that at all. They are following God's will. Just like Jesus did, he came and shared his knowledge with his disciples and told them to do the same and the cycle continues. The Bible says once everyone has heard the word and is given a chance to come to Christ. Then the end will come. So just know that there is a difference between judging and sharing the Good News. I am sorry if someone is making you feel bad or hurt but sharing news should not be like that at all. You should read the book "the purpose driven life" by Rick Warren and you will understand what I mean. It would be ashamed for someone to know the secret of life and not share it with the world.

Answer 4

Nel,
Well there are times when I feel like a know it all. That's the time when I should back up a step and really look at what I have written. Typically there is something that I can catch that I erase or rewrite.

But know this: IF the Bible is true, and I really do believe that it is, then there is a bad price to pay for going your own way, that is: to practice the Relativism that you seem to expounding. There is gain or loss for everything that we do, and for some things there is both. That is; a sacrifice for gain.

What I've sacrificed was time, and friends, and the praise of others. What I've gained because of what I study, is understanding. Those that do not, fail to see what I see. But those that listen to those that study, have much to gain.

IMO.

Answer 5

You are right in a lot of what you say.....I think people have a lot of opinions when it comes to their beliefs. Most people just listen to whoever is leading them and do not get the facts for themselves. That is why there are so many problems.. The reason most people will not listen to an opposing idea is because their own understanding is inadequate and they cannot defend themselves. Most are embarrassed by that fact and react by being closed minded.... If a person really believes their faith they should feel comfortable being able to relate it to someone else and listening to opposing thoughts. Without the fear of being converted..

Answer 6

sayingt I know God is not Judging may be saying you dont could be but as the to Go hand in hand it is dificult. I knoe Jesus I was born again at 40 but I accepted him age 4 there is a big differance between assepting him as saviour and knowing him. when you know him you have to share the good news with others that his love changes lives and saves from sin. I hope you do know him but it is the best thing for any one may God bless you

Answer 7

We may hold differences on small issues. It's easy to get caught in the trap of arguing our differences but that's a trap to keep you busy and not working toward a goal. We have more in common than our petty differences. A world with out war, hunger or disease. When we achieve that we will have plenty of time to argue.
Peace be with you!
Mark

Answer 8

It is not a matter of judging,because God is the one who is going to do the judging,but the truth still remains Jesus tells us I am the way the truth and the life and the only way to the father is through me. john 14-6.

Answer 9

God is the judge of human souls.

Judgment of souls is different from discernment between truth and falsehood. I believe that Christ was God's Son. Knowing this, it renders all other beliefs about Christ wrong. This is discernment. I am not judging the quality or character of people who do not believe, but I do believe that they are wrong if they do not know that Christ is God's Son.

Just as I am not judging you if you tell me that "soap" is spelled "saop," and I tell you that you are wrong. Where is the judgment in discernment between what is true and what is false?

Answer 10

Yep. Its God's job to do the REAL judging (when you die, you get judged, certainly). But He also appointed authorities down here. All life would chaos with out some authourity.

People can answer questions and not be judging. The question is...why do you feel that they are? Maybe this has more to do with your problem than with theirs. You need to first look into yourself and find out why this is bothering you and then work it out within yourself.