Isn't it to your benefit to explore other religions....?

Question

even if you think your way is THE WAY. Isn't it best to know "your enemies". You can't know your religion is the only one unless you know the others are wrong. And the only non-ignorant way to do that is to learn about others.

To those who refuse to explore other religions, and don't have a reason why, don't you find that your arguments are probably a little weak in presenting your care that your religion is THE ONE? I mean, can you actually have an educated debate with me on religions of the world, or just a one sided conversation about how "right" yours is?

Isn't learning to your benefit, just like the rest of us?

Answer 1

I totally agree with the question. It's like saying, "This is the best burger I've ever had, and you all better agree," but it being the only kind of burger you've ever had. It just doesn't make sense to make a comment like that.

If I had to relate this in another, more serious way, it'd be to slavery. Keeping people from education, and not allowing them to make decisions for themselves, is a key element to slavery.

Answer 2

A rather complicated question there love. Actually, i was raised a Baptist but spent a lot of time reading about other religions/philosophies - Hinduism, Buddhism,etc. I even read parts of the Satanic bible - not impressed. Having said all that, i think i can talk about other religions with some knowledge. And i can say that while other religions have their good points they all rely to some degree or another on good works to get the eternal rewards - if there are any. Only one offers salvation based on faith and that is Christianity.
As to the rightness of it? Did you know that the Treasury Dept. guys whose job it is to combat counterfeit money study the real thing so much that they can spot a fake one quickly? That's sort of my attitude toward other religions. If i know mine well enough when a knock-off comes along, i'll know which one's real.

Answer 3

Exploring different faiths and belief systems are very intellectually gratifying. It broadens your horizons, teaches cultural sensitivity, and how to think outside of the box. I love learning about everything so I ask a lot of questions about everything. Sometimes people think I'm "a dumb hick" for asking a lot of questions, but I can hold my own in an intellectual argument or debate and contribute greatly to intellectual dialogue. I think, in part, because my parents introduced me to different religions and philosophies at a very tender age that forced me to appreciate the beauty of diversity and become more sensitive to other people. In other words, learning forced me into a humanitarian (perhaps an obscure humanitarian, but a humanitarian nevertheless).

Answer 4

There is nothing wrong with knowing what other religions teach but be sure you use common sense.don't be afraid to look for the origins of symbols and traditions in books to help clear up what is the right thing to do. a good book is The Two Babylons,its old but I think that you can still order it from book stores. You need to know your enemies but in the process of getting to know them you can be misled. The bible says" they will tickle your ears" tell you what you want to hear. Find historical sources and you should be ok learning what they teach without being swayed by "sweet talk". watch out for research on the internet...you can be given alot of wrong info there.

Answer 5

Absolutely,

As a Bahai we are required to do what the thy call independent investigation of the truth,

What that means is Although we believe in All of the religions we are actually required to know about our faith and the others,

Gods word, is the closest thing we have to Him, We must gain the knowledge, All the knowledge he has sent for us to Learn.

Especially since in the end when we meet with God, we must be prepared, knowing it Half way just doesn't cut it.

Meg
http://www.bahai.us/

Answer 6

Good point. We should all be striving for the truth. It would seem silly to believe in something unless you can really defend it. And the only way to defend it is to know it and the other religions, false as the others are. Your beliefs ought to be the most important things going in your life, so one should take them very seriously.

Answer 7

it can be!
i read the gospel of thomas, and i saw very clear satanic abuse of a teacher of righteousnes, but i saw words that described very bizarre behaviour.
i read the quaran too and found many things similar to christianity
I was disappointed in some of the actions of the prophet, i wouldnt have chosen the same paths he walked. i dont believe the same way he did.
i listen to the radio and hear the commentators of priests of other religions too. I disagree with them as much as i have disagreed with many of the people of the church I was baptized into.
disagreements happen throughout all the world, NO disagreement justifies killing of someone else.
At least on religious beliefs. Let all people grow their own gardens and offer their gifts and oblations and sacrifices to the lord. Let the LORD choose which offerings are worthy of reward.

Answer 8

'Enemies', 'Arguments', 'Debate', 'Right' 'Wrong'???? This is the kind of language that insights religious wars.

Yes it is good to be open to the teachings of other religions, but your argument that the only REASON for learning about another religion to prove it is wrong is missing the point about education.

You're judging others the way you (I presume) have been judged!

Answer 9

Yes, I believe it's important to better understanding our fellow human beings.

"It is the duty of every cultured man or woman to read sympathetically the scriptures of the world. If we are to respect others' religions as we would have them respect our own, a friendly study of the world's religions is a sacred duty." ~ Mohandas K. Gandhi

Answer 10

Yes, it is to your benefit to learn about other religions! Those who question have the greatest faith. You will find that all religions have strong similarities, just different sets of dogma and creeds.