Why can't believers and non-believers simply agree to disagree? Why is it so embedded in our natures that we must be right, and others must acknowledge that we are right?
2007-01-17 17:52:23 · 19 answers · asked by *bittersweetchocolate* 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Religion is where people differ the most. We seek out our opposites. It's a learning process.
2007-01-17 17:57:33 · answer #1 · answered by Sifting 1 · 2⤊ 2⤋
There are so many questions about religion vs. science. I personally don't see as much of a conflict between religion and science as many people do, and I see it as a manifestation of our secular culture and educational system that so many people seem to believe that you can't do science and be religious. I find it sad, actually, because I think our educational system has done them a great disservice by teaching them about current scientific theories but not teaching them that theories should always be under suspicion. Everything we teach from scientific discovery is "the best we have so far", not gospel truth, as it were. It would be a poor scientist indeed who was unwilling to abandon an obsolete theory when a better one came along.
And, so, I think the reason for much of the debate on R&S is caused by people's misunderstanding of the scientific process and the apparent inadequacy of our educational system in actually teaching people to question their beliefs. They are only questioning religious beliefs, but seem unaware that they should also be questioning scientific ones. And the fact that they seem to be unable to reconcile religious and scientific beliefs leads to the debate -- some would even say proselytizing -- to try to get people to believe only in scientific theories but not religious teachings. I personally think the best way to go, at least for now, is to recognize that I can't reconcile all the information I've been taught from both scientific and religious sources, and keep the question open for when more information comes along.
All this is interspersed with questions from people who seem to be really struggling with issues of spirituality in their lives and those who are simply trying to learn more about the beliefs of people with other faiths.
I personally want to share the truths that I have learned through my religion with others because I know that they are true and they can benefit mankind. But I think you are right -- some people on here seem to have a very strong desire to be "right". Perhaps they want to be right so badly because they're not sure they are.
2007-01-18 02:13:26 · answer #2 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because deep down people are searching for the truth. If they ever find it is still unanswered. People question each other and their logic. Some stick to their own views as being the only right answers. This is where the debate comes in. Those that are so full of themselves want everyone to know and believe in their opinions. It all really goes back to pride, the absence of humility.
2007-01-18 04:12:22 · answer #3 · answered by kcyesye 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because, the (so-called) "be-LIE-vers" have to keep coming up with new-and-improved excuses/"reasons" for the ridiculous claptrap that they espouse, each-and-every-time science discovers something/s that 'go-against' a particular religious-belief.
Seriously though, people don't 'like' mysteries, we are inquisitive, people 'want' to have explanations for things,...'not-knowing' can make (some) persons 'fearful'/feel-not-in-control,.. so, ascribing the 'unknown' to an imaginary entity, makes the unknown, 'explainable' to them, and therefore they are no longer afraid/feel-IN-control.
IMO
It's just that some people prefer to learn by observation, experimentation, and actual testing of their theories/(beliefs) and are then willing to CHANGE their (belief/s) as a result of new information, thereby leading to a greater understanding of the natural-world, whereas others prefer to take the 'lazy-way-out' and are perfectly happy with being 'told' how things are in perpetuity, world without end,.....ect......it's MUCH 'easier', but inherently less 'accurate'. IMO
One can either 'trust' in a worldview/s that are 2000+ years 'out-of-date' or take advantage of the strides humankind has made in the last 2000+ years and continue to build on those experiences.
They're both a fine choice, whatever floats Your boat,....I guess.
2007-01-18 02:14:57 · answer #4 · answered by Realistic Viewpoint 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think "believers" have a tougher time letting go of the debate.
Most non-believers I know just want to be left alone by the believers, especially when it comes to laws of the land (like abortion and gay marriage).
2007-01-18 02:00:40 · answer #5 · answered by knowmeansknow 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Because religions are taught it is their mandate to "spread the word" and Atheists see the future as a much better place for their children once education replaces the ignorance of backward superstitious beliefs.
2007-01-18 02:01:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Their heart is divided; now shall they be found guilty: he will smite their altars, he will destroy their pillars. Surely now shall they say, We have no king; for we fear not Jehovah; and the king, what can he do for us? They speak vain words, swearing falsely in making covenants:
2007-01-18 06:40:19 · answer #7 · answered by Deleted 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because religions deal with the ultimate Truth which is not achievable.
2007-01-22 01:43:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i ask the same questions, i wish people just except that i believe in god! i dont bother them about why they dont!! i just wish everybody would believe what they will and leave the subject alone
2007-01-18 03:26:21 · answer #9 · answered by Amber 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only two possibilities: Either no one knows the truth, or know one wants to accept the truth.
2007-01-18 02:01:00 · answer #10 · answered by Garius 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋