Religion and Politics, why do you answer?

Question

First of all, before I go any further, this is not about my preferences in religion or politics. I will not mention either and for the purpose of this question, it's not important.

I've quit answering questions in both the political and religious categories. For the most part, they are just a gorified pissing match. Regarless of what side of the fence (again, no preference) there are people on all sides, either asking questions purely intentend to upset a group, and the same is practiced in the answers.

So my questions is, why do you answer those questions? Why do you ask them? I just don't see any evidence that anyone is doing anything to advance thier cause. I haven't seen evidence of anyone comming to an understanding or an agreement. There just seems like there would be more effective ways of working for your cause. Or, is it just for the fun of it?

Specifically, I am talking about Yahoo! Answers only.

Not ALL questions and answers in those two catagories. Just the ones ment to inflame, degrade, etc.

I'm not trying to ban either of the two. Don't read any secret intent into the question.

Answer 1

Personally, I ask and answer those questions because either I want to know or I am writing papers for class and would like others opinion (no matter how rude the response) on the subject.
I try my hardest not to judge others but to ask questions to better understand them.(not unlike yourself)...that being said....

most people i see on here just do it to make themselves feel better about their stance on it all. And I think alot of it is just juvenile chatter.

Answer 2

I agree with you that both areas are full of controversy and stir things up. And it creates a lot of hard feelings.

But it's like TV and the internet, there is a lot of garbage out there, but if you use it wisely you can learn something.

From this board, I've learned a lot about other religions and that is a good thing. However, I've also seen a lot of negativity come out of it.

I find that I'm at my best in a different subject where I'm a resource for others who are there to find out information.

Do I want R&S or politics banned? No. But it would be nice if people would learn to click to the next question if it is an offensive one. It's our choice on what we read and what we answer.

Answer 3

I myself don't ask questions in these sections but I answer them. I tend to answer those who ask confrontational questions to remind them we need to be more tolerant of each other and that one person is not better than another. Sometimes people need a dose of a reality check. It's so sad and pathetic that people ask certain types of questions, not to get a legitimate answer, but to either tick people off or to see how many people side with them. If people stood back and read what they wrote and put themselves in other peoples' shoes as if they were the other side reading it, they would see how immature their statements are and realize how rediculous they sound. But....like a lot of people, they are closeminded and childlike and could care less about what others' think. I wish more people would be more humble and caring about their answers rather than continue hurting others with their words.

Answer 4

It's fun battling against the people against you, putting them in their places every time they try to prove you wrong. Yes a "glorified pissng match" but it is fun. That's why it's such a popular section of Y!A.

Then again you do get some people who really do try to learn about a religion and they get caught in the crossfire of words and never really get an objective serious answer. Same goes for politics.
Yes, questions that read like: "why are christians lame" aren't always the best around but you don't have to open them. And you can't stop them popping in. Yahoo does enough censorship around here.

Answer 5

I think it comes down to how we want to be governed. We can elect someone of the peoples and hope things get better, or we can go to our local church and pray things get better. Both sides are very passionate about their beliefs cause it's something that touches all of us. Who do I want looking out for me? Democrat or Republican? Muhammad or Jesus? It cuts into culture and beliefs and when you combine the two together you get fire. To talk about either with a hidden agenda and secrecy over the Internet betrays both sides. Back in the day you had to go out to the people to really be effective, I still think that it's the same today. What it boils down to is - who do you want to govern your life, aspirations, and future?

Answer 6

If nature is not a good evidence and proof of what is religion, then it's a mindset, no one can answer, politics totally by people, evidences are always being buried, how to proof without evidence..

Answer 7

i am not advancing my cause.
i am hoping to help the asker have a different perspective.
they are stuck in a paradigm/frame that is limiting.
they are victims of a polarity.
i try to help them out of that polarity.
my cause is helping people see a different perspective.
my cause is not the issue at hand.
i don't care if you are atheist or monk. or both.
i care that you have compassion for the other perspective.

Answer 8

Gender: Male Orientation: Bisexual Politics: Republican (yet no longer unavoidably conservative). merely like Cowardly Lion: Fiscally Republican, Socially Democrat, i could be Libertarian if it wasn't this form of waste of my vote. faith: None

Answer 9

Well.. Brad.. I just do not understand your question in its entirety.. If you are referring to someone on the street striking up a conversation with me about either politics or religion.. I just politely say I am not interested and do not talk about it.. IF that is what you are talking about....

Answer 10

If they are questions like "Why are democrats such idiots?" then they're not worth the time. But honest questions, such as "Who was the founder of the Mormons?" deserve a fair answer.