Has reading the answers to various topics here at Y! help you learn more about other religions and viewpoints?

Question

I belong to one faith, but do think it valuable to hear what other people think. Who wants to be ignorant right? And I have heard some thoughtful answers. I don't agree with all, but put on the lightbulb..."so that's why they think that way". And I think it's great that the flames and smart-alec remarks are kept to a minimum. Just wondering if Y!Answers has helped you be more enlightened or just more convinced you have all the answers.

Answer 1

What I can say is that by reading the questions being asked and also reading what people are saying has made me think. I can fully appreciate that each of us has the right to believe as we choose. I never fully believed that my religion is the right one. Who can honestly say, all I know is what I have been taught since a little child. An open mind is what everyone needs. If you don't agree with what a person has to say, then so be it. No need getting into an argument.

Answer 2

I've learned a little that's been interesting. Unfortunately, I've also learned that there are an incredible number of people on here that cannot get beyond their own dogma and version of religion. They believe so righteously that they are right, superior, and all who do not believe exactly as they are destined for hell. That's rediculous! I've also found myself believing less in christianity due to the intense beliefs here about literal biblical interpretations, picking and choosing verses, and overall hypocrisy. It's, well, disheartening.

Live, learn, grow... accept, love, value others for their differences... these are not at all what many here actually practice. That said, there are others here who do. Like I said, a little learning, mostly learning how intolerant the relgious loud mouths of my country are. Quite disheartening!

Btw, I don't think I have anywhere near all the answers. I'm just fairly certain no one does when it comes to before and after life despite the many obstinate claims to the contrary.

Answer 3

It is a valid question. For myself I've found it interesting, the value is in that. I don't feel more enlightened, yet I do feel more compassion towards these Souls that believe so vehemently that they are right. It must be very difficult to put so much faith into these things and still have to live in reality. The serious nature of religion is fascinating to me, as I'm not serious; and this format has given me some insights into just how serious some folk are about it. That blind faith in this concept is beyond my scope of understanding but the willingness of so many to follow whatever they are told, regardless of how unreasonable it may be to myself has taught me a lot about human nature and reaffirmed my belief in Humanity. I can sell anything now!!!

Answer 4

*nodnods* Yeah, it's been enlightening thus far. These kinds of forums are always a great way to learn more about other cultures and lifestyles because it allows for more individual and first-hand points of view. The more helpful ones (thankfully numbering many here) will sometimes even offer a link or two for more information, but the flamers (sadly also numbering many) just seem to be more into shooting insults and gibberish... which, I'll admit, CAN be quite amusing sometimes. But, yeah, all in all, it's been very educational. I will be using what I have learned here and will learn here as applying it to my day to day life.

Answer 5

The atheist 'community'? Dude, I'm the only atheist in a family of heavy Christians. We aren't organizing anything. Atheist get togethers, lunches, brunches, parties - they don't happen where I live at least. It's not becoming a religion because the idea of religion is to get together in a place of mass worship. We don't worship anything so therefore can't be a religion. However I think it's a good thing atheists want to group together to show people 'look, this is what we believe and if you've got a problem with it - we don't care' because I know how it feels to be oppressed for what you (don't) believe. I was forced to go to church until I was sixteen. And by the way - most atheists don't actively 'approve' of religious people getting hurt. And you'll find belief is a spectrum. You've got people who love God and hates anyone who doesn't. You've got regular churchgoers who believe in God. You've got churchgoers who go at christmas/easter/etc. You've got agnostics. You've got atheists who don't think God exists. You've got atheists who know God doesn't exist. And you've got atheists who know God doesn't exist adamantly and laughs in the face of anyone who thinks he does. You can't place a whole group of people from different backgrounds in the same place on a MASSIVE spectrum.

Answer 6

No, I haven't learned very much here. It seems like this is the playground for athiests who are in wait to pounce on anyone bringing a question or point of view that isn't logical to them. I have been called an idiot for openly discussing religion and my spirituality in the Religion and Spirituality section. If they want to debate science vs. faith take it to another area, but this is an area for spirituality.

Answer 7

yes, I have learned some and I think others have to unless I just caught it on a good night last night. At least the majority of the people last night were calling us Catholics Christians instead of every other sort of thing. One of the drawbacks I think though is getting people to go back and read all the other peoples answers.

Answer 8

I agree with the person who posted first -there's an awful lot of hatred and intolerance being spewed by people who call themselves Christians. And like anything else on the internet, it's open to anyone who wants to post, and some people have nothing better to do with their time than troll message boards and places like this and post stupid or obscene drivel.

Answer 9

What's happening on RS can only be described as an all-out nasty unholy war. But I am not surprised. The virtual war only reflects the real war going on in various parts of the world

Answer 10

Some what ,but I see mostly a stubbornness on all sides to prove they are right . There is always name-calling and goading to incite a war rather than a constructive dialog .