Why are people so thin skinned when it comes to their religious beliefs?

Question

The amount of personal attacks, threats, and unnessecary violation reports in this section have blown me away. It seems that if someone posts a view that doesn't mesh well with one's own personal religious beliefs they are opening themselves up to scorn.

Religion should be aproached with an open mind. I myself, being an atheist, am still open minded to the possibility of there being some god... the problem is there hasn't ever been any good evidence provided, and what we actually do know about the world seems very contradictory to any religious view.

Why is it that merely questioning someone's religious beliefs is sometimes just as bad as calling them names because of their race or medical conditions? Religion is a choice you've made, it's not something you are born with. It's almost like recieving a death threat for saying "chocolate ice cream is the best and everyone else is wrong."

Answer 1

A lot of people get touchy when they are trying to show you their truth and you make a valid or logical point that doesn't fall in line with their beliefs. They are too stubborn or too afraid to admit there may be other possibilities because they have been conditioned to believe that you are damned to hell if you question any part of their particular religious doctrine. Therefore, if you don't take their word for it even if they can't show or prove they are right, the only way they can fight you is to shut you up or get rid of you so you would have less chances to influence anyone else to question what they deem to be the ultimate truth.

Answer 2

First, if you're open to the possibility of a god, then maybe you're closer to agnostic than atheist? Just a question.

As to the thin skin, there are many who, feeling they are right, assume that everyone else is deceived by some darker power, or that they are simply ignorant. In either case, these people shouldn't be considered, or should be considered as simply wrong and leading people astray.

Most don't look at religion as something to be discussed. There can be no middle ground as you are either Heaven-bound, hell-bound, or severely lacking in mental capacity.

If you consider yourself open to other viewpoints, some believe that is a sign that you aren't properly comitted to your beliefs.

In the end, some have a martyr complex, feeling that if they post things that get them reported, or many thumbs down, that they are somehow glorified. Some believe that some higher power dictates that they expound the truth, and condemn the beliefs or actions of others.

From an atheist viewpoint, I'm not sure. How they feel that they might have some higher purpose to educate those who whish no education is beyond me.

In the end, it's all petty human attitudes showing through in anger, vitriol and acrimony. People can't play nice for the same reason that they stormed away with the bats and balls from the playground back in fourth grade. If you can't play their way, they'll try to make sure you won't have fun at all.

Answer 3

I believe that it may be because religion is so deep seated within a man. Christians to this day suffer and die for their faith. This they can only do if they firmly believe that Jesus is truly who he said he is. The same can be said for the muslim extremeist who flew planes into the twin towers. For someone to do this they must truly believe their religion is right. The list of examples can go on and on. People feel that their religion is the true one. Some are raised up with these beliefs. Others are raised in a culture that a particuliar religion resides over the entire country. The only thing is is that when considers what is truth, they must be willing to except that beliefs they have held, no matter how deep seated could potentionally be wrong. In terms of religious beliefs this can be devastating. Everything we believe, we should be willing to examine. We shouldn't take offence by questions raised, but we should be willing to consider the evidence. I'd like to recommend a book to you. It is by a former atheist, C.S.Lewis. It's called Mere Christianity.

Answer 4

You're not really an atheist if you are open to the possibility of god's existence. You are agnostic.

I am atheist. If the truth were told, I am as close-minded as a believer. I have no doubt in my mind that god doesn't exist. The difference is that a believer feels compelled to try to spread the 'truth' as they see it. I don't threaten or attack anyone UNTIL they try to convert me to their religion and cram their religious beliefs down my throat. And, yeah, I do get very angry when they say things like ' A raped woman who has an abortion will burn in hell'. I find this a vile thing to say. I have never, ever reported anyone on here and never will simply because it's a petty and pointless activity.

If they didn't interfere with me, I would be perfectly happy to leave them alone to their beliefs but they seem unable to do that.

Answer 5

Some UK universities are talking of banning Christian groups because they are in violation of the universities codes. They will only accept Christians into their groups and will not entertain non believers to speak to them. Yet they openly pray against gays!!!!

Well - I have always thought that the Christians real problem was trying to force their religion down others throuats - can't be in this case can it?!!!

And praying against gays - Yes, I recognise the hypocracy in that and the violently extremist way that these Christians are going!

Simple answer is the Christians are on the defensive with a religion that they do not have enough faith in. They simply cannot cope with any challenge to their beliefs - particularly an intellectual or logical one!

If you think Muslim terrorists are bad just watch that space with a cross above it!!!

Why is it that non religious people find it so easy to live in peace together and the religious simply cannot?

Answer 6

extra Christians died for their faith interior the 20 th Century than interior the previous 19. That style is persevering with into the 21st. As many US citizens, you seem to assume that the international ends at the same time as you gain Canada or Mexico, there's a extra robust international interior the industry. Nowhere, to boot america could the term 'Christian precise' have any resonance. extensively, in Europe and in distinctive places, the Church stands on the left.

Answer 7

The religious use subjective magical-thinking, dogma and blind belief to perceive the world. The non-religious use objective rational thinking, revision as they learn more, and curiosity to perceive the world. Only the latter operates with an "open" mind.

Answer 8

I personally never get upset when someone questions my religious beliefs. They have a right to do so. You do realize that not all atheists word their questions as respectfully as you have. I have been called a fool, stupid, redneck, delusional, and some other things I can't repeat because I do have faith. So, it comes down to some people are disrespectful and others are not, regardless of their beliefs.

Answer 9

well, questioning and/or disagreeing with a religious zealot is tantamount to questioning and/or disagreeing with their god. gods can get very nasty and wrathful if you don't bow your knee in complete submission to their edicts. religious zealots merely reflect the "with me or against me/submit or suffer forever in hell" mentality of their god. sadly for the religious zealots on this forum all they can do is spew holy venom and report those who do not submit. no doubt they would be far more severe in their punishing of heretics if they had the power.

Answer 10

This is because it is only sensible to defend your beliefs if you have no slight doubt that it is the right one.Otherwise it is useless to follow a certain way if you are in doubt as to where it will lead you.