Something I have been trying to get across the R+S section is religious tolerance. Although I think because I'm seeing this from an atheistic perspective makes it harder for others to understand.
See myself, I have no problem with what others believe, because I feel in the end we will all end up in the same place, whereas Christians do not see it the same way, and I'd go to hell for my different beliefs, and will try to help me see the light, so to speak.
So can we have religious tolerance when there are such different ideals? Or will we always argue back and forth?
2006-10-23 07:28:26 · 27 answers · asked by Southpaw 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Some people, athiest AND religious, get off on provoking and ridiculing and condemning people who don't agree with them. Preaching tolerance and understanding to these people is an exercise in futility.
It's unfortunate, that's for sure.
2006-10-23 07:33:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is not difficult to see why some peolple have a problem with all these religions. I believe that most people either believe in a God or are seeking some evidence of one.
The questions on the minds of many might include; which is the right one, is there a right one, is mine the right one? All too often in the face of all the claims and counter claims about this or that religion, the conclusion is either; all are the right one or there is no right one.
Of course from an atheistic point of view the beliefs of others will be viewed as intolerance because each believe there's is the right way. But I think one also ought to be aware of the difference between intolerance and a geniune desire to share the good news of ones faith.
Speaking as a Christian, I can say on behalf of all true followers of Christ that their desire is to do God's will, to share with others in love, the good news that Jesus died and rose again in order that we might live. When you have good news like this buring inside of you, you simply can not keep it to yourself. You have to share it.
That's not religious intolerance, that's God's love.
2006-10-23 16:03:38 · answer #2 · answered by movedby 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes we can have religious tolerance,but just remember it is a Christians mandate that they at least tell you about the gospel.Many Christians,including myself will be held accountable for walking past and overlooking unbelievers.That statement may have no barring on your beliefs,but for a christian it's a big deal.
The religious tolerance will have to come from all walks of life,but never think their will ever be any tolerance because now you have that Islam thing going on,and they are told to rule by the sword.Islamic radicals cannot be talked down.As far as I have seen they can't be bought off either.They will not stop until all bow to Allah.Problem with Islam is that their secret is out.They are nothing more than pagans,therefore their credintials are useless.They are fighting for nothing.At least christians are worshiping a man who resurrected from the dead.What a lot of people in America don't realize is just how much intloerance is in the world as far as religion.
You must ask yourself the question,what makes a person willing to be persecuted for what they believe?When I say persecuted,I mean christians who don't fight back.You can compare these peoples lives to Job in the bible.
Some people who don't believe and doesn't care about hearing someone preach to them may feel like they don't have time for it.Some may be afraid it will uproot them from their daily lives.Some may think they will be made fun of for believing.
As far as who to believe in, look at the facts and the evidence that is presented.Try these links and see if you can figure out why people struggle through persecution for their love in Jesus.
http://www.defendersoftheword.com/
http://www.defendersoftheword.com/
http://www.kingsolomonsgate.com/
(Islam can't even argue the evidence)
I hope these links work for everybody.This debate is bigger than many wish to accept.
2006-10-23 15:47:01 · answer #3 · answered by Derek B 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tolerance has to allow for differing ideas and practices. In your case you expect the Christians to tolerate your lack of belief in their God. Your belief in what you believe doesn't mean you will try and convert Non believers of your way to your way of thinking. Where it takes an interesting turn is in the tolerance you excercise for Christians. Tolerating their beliefs to me would indicate that you are willing to tolerate their practice of proselyting or attempts at converting others to their chosen faith. As long as you can excercise that tolerance and they can excercise tolerance in your differing belief everyone can get along. The fact is at the end of the day, someone is truly right and truth regardless of what it is would and will benefit all men in one way or another. I am a firm believer in that we should NEVER give up the search for truth.
2006-10-23 14:38:54 · answer #4 · answered by Social Misfit 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that all of the different religions in this world today is nonsense. There is only one God, He is every ones Holy Father. We are his children. If we are going to believe in God then I don't and I never will understand why this human race is wanting to make God's Love & Beliefs So Difficult! The only person here on earth that you have to prove anything to is your self & your self alone. God, Our Holy Father is the one that we should be wanting to impress and rely on. Not other human beings. They are no better or worse then anyone else in this world. And until we begin to open up our eyes and realize this. We are going to just stay in this situation. God wants us to follow his Love, Faith, & Trusting Words of Wisdom. He puts these words into our Minds Hearts, Bodies & Souls. If you disagree with something that has been spoken about, concerning God.or really anything that is not worth debating about. Then instead of arguing about it, you should just understand & realize that other people are stating their opinions about God.and what ever else the subject may be about just like you are. You do not have to agree or disagree with them at all.
Because you believe the way that you believe and vise-versa!
God is Everyone's Holy Father!
God Bless!
2006-10-23 15:23:09 · answer #5 · answered by bigred 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I share your desire. However, if you're familiar with the parable of the prodigal son, then you can understand where most Christians are coming from. If you've ever experienced a prodigal son relation first hand, you know that there are many different reactions depending upon the maturity of the individual. Some will stomp and scream at the prodigal as he is first walking out the door. Others will complain when the prodigal is wildly welcomed back by others that see him off in the distance walking towards the house. Some will indeed rejoice when the prodigal comes home. But, all of them have one thing in common; they all want the prodigal to come home.
We want you home.
And, if our Father in heaven is patiently waiting, then we should too. Please forgive us when we stomp and scream, calling you home. Please forgive us when we come off indignant when you do express a true interest. Please do not think us foolish if you should even consider coming home and we turn into blathering, celebrating idiots! We simply want our brothers and sisters at the table with us.
You see, we do have a fundamental block in seeing each other's perspective in that to be an atheist, it does indeed require the complete absence of faith. Likewise, to come to an awareness of God's presence requires a seed of faith, and a journey. To find God, it is necessary to ask him for the Grace with which to find him! If you've already fully embraced atheism, it might be time to try to be empathetic to the faithful by trying the faith thing.
In any case, God Bless,
MoP
2006-10-23 14:46:18 · answer #6 · answered by ManOfPhysics 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I have this same problem. Christians (or theists in general) seem to think I'm attacking them by saying I don't agree with them. I am not anti-God. If there were evidence that he exists, I'd be the first to admit I was wrong. Nor am I trying to talk any theists out of believing in their God. I just don't chose to join them because they have a book that says so. When they ask me to defend why I don't agree with them, I take them up on it, but I make a point of not trying to actively attack their decision to believe.
2006-10-23 14:35:00 · answer #7 · answered by Mark M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what you mean by "religious tolerance". If you mean simply that we respect eachother's right to our various religious beliefs, yes, we can have tolerance like that in spite of differences in those beliefs.
But if by "tolerance" you mean "pandering to absurd positions". No, we can not have that type of tolerance. Tolerance is applied to humans, not belief systems (or lack thereof).
When I bash Christianity and Islam all day, not once do I suggest Christians and Muslims should be prohibited from believing what they believe or practicing their religions (to the extent such practice does not step on my rights).
2006-10-23 14:34:13 · answer #8 · answered by lenny 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Isn't it amazing how some Christians won't ALLOW us to speak ill of THEIR GOD in R+S? Like Yahoo! Answers R+S is their private church in which to baptise us all.
THIS IS A PUBLIC FORUM PEOPLE!!! I can say I hate your god the same way alot of the so-called Chrisitan people here specifically say they hate my gods. I can say I think the Bible is a load of horse manure, and I'm allowed to say it BECAUSE YOU DO NOT OWN THIS FORUM!!!!!
We cannot have religious tolerance as long as people try to convert non-Christians into Christians. And, yes, it's only the Christians. I have never - NEVER - been approached by a Muslim, Jew, Buddhist, Pagan, Wiccan, Deist, NON-CHRISTIAN who has tried to win me over to their side. Christians think it is their right - no their DUTY - to find as many non-Christians as they can and convert them, save their souls, and play cards with them in Heaven. And, if you disagree, you're burning in Hell. Ridiculous. If Christians would realize that to be Christian means to live like Christ did, they would realize Jesus NEVER ONCE forced people to follow him. Your 'spreading the word of God' has turned into forcing your beliefs down other people's throats!
I have no problem with what other people believe. Religion is a private, personal thing that is up to the individual. Until we respect that right, that precious right, to believe what we want, wars will be carried out in the Christian God's name and people will die for religion. Not even for 'religion' itself, but for not believing as some do. For excercising their right to believe freely what they desire.
Remember, people, it says in the Bible that God created man with free will. FREE WILL = PRO CHOICE!!!! God wants you to question and debate and decide - for yourselves, not just follow blindly. If He wanted that, He'd have MADE YOU ALL BELIEVE THE SAME THINGS!
2006-10-23 15:25:41 · answer #9 · answered by Steph Gas 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sadly, I don't ever see it happening. There are too many stubborn people who will either A. push their religion or B. criticize those who follow a religion. And that just sparks off a huge flame war.
Remember, in a war it's not who's right but who's left.
2006-10-23 14:38:22 · answer #10 · answered by sister steph 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋