How can you expect...?

Question

If you want to tell someone else your beliefs, are you equally willing to hear theirs?

If not, how can you expect them to have an open mind about your beliefs when you're living proof that people don't want to hear about beliefs beside their own?

And if you say "I'll listen, but I won't believe", what makes you think anyone else will believe as you do?

How can you expect an open mind without having one yourself?

Shalom: I don't want to change anyone's belief. I have found, however, that a disproportionate number of people would much like to change mine, and could care less that I already have my own beliefs and don't want to hear about them. I find that disrespectful at best and usually highly offensive.

Answer 1

I never expect someone to believe me if I tell them my beliefs. I do expect to get the other person to think a bit. I'll listen to their beliefs, but they have to expect that I will ask questions about it and give opinions about it. Likewise, they are free to ask me questions about what I believe. Usually, this turns into a discussion or debate about various points of belief and neither one of us is really changed by what the other person says, at least not at the time. After listening to enough people and getting various views, your outlook may change some or even a lot, but it generally won't be an instant conversion.

Also, I generally don't offer my opinions on the topic unless asked or if it is an appropriate forum, like this one, to discuss such issues.

Answer 2

First of all you present belief is based on listening and accepting what you heard. so surely if i want to tell someone about my belief i expect i expect them to hear me out. Also if they have a different viewpoint i listen cos i want to know why they believe what they believe.

Life generally is a silent teacher so by listening i might learn something new or even get a better understanding on my own belief. The best thing then is to listen with an open mind. If the person can give me convincing proof beyond reasonable doubt about his beliefs surely i would accept such. All i need is the proof and not just the sayings of the person or the majority rules or popular opinions.

Answer 3

I know I'm supposed to be answering, but I've a question for you.....why do you want to change someone else's belief? I listen to what other ppl say, but I dont necessarily believe them....I just have to appreciate that they believe whatever they're saying and its important to them...unless they're talking about something that's absolutely wrong (a crime...sin etc).

More important than believing is understanding. You may not believe another person if their views contradict yours. But that's alright, because ppl dont have to agree about everything. You can agree to disagree. That's the key to an open mind.....understanding differences.

Answer 4

The only people I share my beliefs with is people who seem completely ignorant of them. And if I have no knowledge of their religion, I'm more than happy to listen. It just annoys me when people (mostly Christians) will continue to preach to me even though I know what Christianity is about and don't care for it.

Answer 5

Why is it that if a person states that they will listen that they have to believe
A person can be a good listener and the two people can come to a compromise

Answer 6

"Good speakers are good listeners"

I always put that in mind when I'm talking to other about any topic.
You can't indeed expect someone to listen to you, unless you listen to them, or at least willing to do so

You can't expect an open mind without having one yourself

Answer 7

That's just a matter of flawed logic. You can only speak or listen. Not both at the same time.

Answer 8

when i share the love of christ with others i don't speak to their minds but to their hearts. so i do not expect anything more than an open heart.

Answer 9

I'm not interested in your opinions, so go away. Now let me tell you what I think ....

Answer 10

you tell it sister