do you feel like a fish out of water if you live in a community that no one practices your religion?

Answer 1

if a believer is a fish, then religions are not water; but God is water. So no matter where you are, no matter which religion you belong to, if you truly believe in god, there is water everywhere for you a fish to swim.

Answer 2

Yes, I do. My religion is Hinduism, and I live in an area that is not a big metropolitan or anything, so there is very little variety here. Most everyone is Christian. I get along just fine with Christians and others, and I see much value in what they believe and practice, as long as they do not react to me intolerantly when they find out my beliefs. But I still feel different and a bit alone. Even when I go to my Temple, I do not fit in there either, because 99% of them are Indians, and I'm of European descent. They are extremely welcoming, and have never ever made me feel unwelcome, but still, many at my Temple cannot speak English well or at all, and therefore, it's hard for me to open up and communicate with them, because I never know if they are going to understand me or not. But at least when I'm there, we share the same religious "Language" - in that we express our worship of God in the same way.

Answer 3

Often, yes. I'm a secular Humanist (not a religion, but a moral philosophy) working in an office dominated by evangelical Christians. We get along very well, for the most part, except for one or two, who look at me as though they expect me to sprout horns and bat wings. On the other hand, I work hard to remain open to other faiths. I truly believe that each person has the right to choose and practice his own faith, guided by conscience. I've tried hard to encourage my fellow non-theists to work with their religious neighbors for the common good, and I was recognized by a local civic organization just last Thursday as their "Man of the Year" for pursuing that mission. Things are looking up, and I feel a tad less like a fish out of water this week.

Answer 4

Yes, I really feel like a fish out of water. I am Pagan, and nearly everyone else in my community is Christian. I have to be very careful what I say and do in public so I don't cause a stir. At work, everyone can wear whatever cross design they wish, but I can't wear any of my Pagan jewelry.

At work, we once had a seminar on respecting diversity (I work at a hospital). When I suggested that on the "religion" section of our patient accounts we add all sorts of religions (including Paganism), my boss later on pulled me into her office to let me know that since this area is predominately Christian, that's all that would be on the list for patients. Everyone else could be classified as "other." I get tired of being classified as an "other." I would like to just be able to be me for once.

Answer 5

No, I feel like one 'cause most of my community doesn't even speak english. Are not citizens, and mean to take everything they can away from me, my family, my people,and my nation.

Answer 6

i am the only person i know for miles that has the same beliefs
this doesnt bother me at all ... most people dont know about my beliefs and those who do , dont make an issue of it
but it makes for interesting debates and discussions with friends ( who are mostly atheist )
i love being who i am , so i feel just fine being different from most

Answer 7

im in that situation now, and no i dont feel like a fish outta water. we have a lot to learn from eachother.

Answer 8

Or, I might feel like a person who found a field of diamonds in the rough.......

Answer 9

No, I'd feel like I was given an oppurtunity

Answer 10

Only if they try to push their practices on me.