[L]istening to people with different beliefs are so vital for us to grow in what ever belief system we cherish. I am a Christian who stands firm in what I believe in, BUT I also want to be open and listen to what all have to say. It is not about the debate, it is not about having a forum for me to thump my beliefs on someone else, it is about truly caring for the other person and listening to what they hold on to and why. I think we all can gain better perspectives if we are willing to LISTEN before pushing to be HEARD. We all want to be heard so bad, so let's stop and listen to each other for a change.
[S]o why is it that most humans have problems with listening to people with other belief structures? Is it taught? Are these deficiencies learned? How can we as the human race be better at listening to each other whether you are a Christian, Muslim, Atheist, Agnostic, Buddhist, etc…?
2006-10-12 03:14:59 · 11 answers · asked by [B] 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
[S]o why is it that no matter what we hold on to (no matter what view that you hold), that most people think their thoughts or beliefs are superior over the next?
2006-10-12 03:21:56 · update #1
[L]et me add on thing since I have read a few Answers. There is a difference in tollerating, being open to other's beliefs, or be open to listen to others. I am 100% convicted in what I believe in, BUT I care for the next person enough to listen and realize that they have a choice just is much as I do and I seek to understand what they have to say.
2006-10-12 03:31:34 · update #2
Actually, I think the dislike of listening to ideas other than your own is instinctive. Look at how some kids cover their ears when they're being told they're in trouble. We humans are stubborn little creatures...
Anyway, I believe open-mindedness is taught. Perfect opportunity here for me to whip out my favorite quote: "The ability to entertain an idea without accepting it is the mark of an educated mind." -Aristotle
2006-10-12 03:20:56 · answer #1 · answered by angk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question. I really don't know the answer. I do know that the problem I have with listening to Christians at times is that it often goes back to the same theme- conversion. My faith (Buddhism) and many other eastern religions to not feel the need to save people or convert them to our faith. Buddhism teaches that Jesus Christ, along with the prophet Muhammad were enlightened beings. All religions have the universal teachings of compassion and understanding. I am happy to discuss religion and theology, however, when it verges on an attempt to convert me to your faith, I usually shut down the dialogue. So, I guess, I tend to not be a good listener at time because of that. Plus, as a side note, Christianity and Islam in particular don't seem to have a unified voice, and because of that, the aggressiveness of the speaker and interpretations of the scripture differ widely person to person. For me, speaking with you about religion would likely be an entirely different experience than me speaking to Pat Robertson.
2006-10-12 10:24:26 · answer #2 · answered by William B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While it would be nice to think that "we could all get along" you have to remember, If you really knows what it means to have faith in the afterlife of your religion then there shouldn't be room for discussion or even tolerance of any other religion. Why do you think Muslim fundamentalists are so willing to fly themselves into a building? Because they truly know what it means to have faith. And if you as a christian have an open mind about other religions then you don't really have 100 % faith in your religion..because in the bible it says, no other Gods shall come before me...and Christianity teaches us that anyone who believes otherwise will burn in hell forever..and if you just sit back with a relaxed attitude, then you are contributing to this....do you see where I'm going with this...BTW..im atheist
2006-10-12 10:24:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm agnostic.. and I am open to all (especially since I believe that when my children are old enough to persue a religious belief.. I will be supporting that)
I get slightly annoyed when someone else can't just accept my beliefs... I'm not trying to change others beliefs to be like mine.. but it's pretty common to have people really put the pressure on me to change my beliefs.. because those people believe they are right and their beliefs are superior.
2006-10-12 10:19:33 · answer #4 · answered by SassySista 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I could not agree more! We enrich eachother when we share our beliefs and keep an open mind.
I took a Humanities Class in high school and one of our projects was to go to worship services with people of other faiths, and it was a great experience. No one tried to convert anyone else, and everyone went into it with a respect for other people's beliefs. It was great.
2006-10-12 10:40:18 · answer #5 · answered by ItsJustMe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tolerance of people whith stupid ideas is not a virtue, but a weakness.
All religious beliefs are equally credible. What's the point in learning about the unsupported opinions of other delusional maniacs? They have no evidence to support their beliefs any more than you do. What can possibly be learned?
2006-10-12 10:21:52 · answer #6 · answered by Steven S 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I often wonder the same thing and I think it's called being closed minded. Just my opinion.
2006-10-12 10:20:51 · answer #7 · answered by Just Askin' 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good point. People don't want to listen because they are too busy talking. And talking. And talking.
2006-10-12 10:19:50 · answer #8 · answered by a_delphic_oracle 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I totally agree! Well, then there's 2 of us!
2006-10-12 10:20:54 · answer #9 · answered by Iguana 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's nice, but I have heard, I went to church for years, I've read my bible. I am done listening. It's time for them to listen!!
2006-10-12 10:19:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋