Why do we demonize people who have a different religion then us?

Question

For example,

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ah6W6CBCX5vD9LEKbcgDAs_sy6IX?qid=20070122084822AAcYxUL&show=7#profile-info-xSKcY0sNaa

I just scroll on down and see people who say mean things about people who don't share their religious view.

Why do we do that?

Why do some not all Atheists think that Theists are all annoying or mean,

And why do some not all Theists say that Atheists are all annoying and insignificant.


Why would a theist say that an atheist is insignificant?

What would cause a human being to suggest another human being is insignificant?

What would Jesus do? Would Jesus say the atheist is insignificant. Why do Jesus followers have such a hard time following their lord and master?

Am I demonizing the Christians (some not all, maybe that one in specific) for saying hypocrite?

Am I myself a hypocrite? If so, such is my lot in life.

Answer 1

I only commented on Southern Baptist because I was one for many years, and I know how they are. Everything the entire time I was in that sect was no matter what I did or didn't do, I was going to hell because I was basically a worthless sinner regardless of what I did. So yeah, I guess I'm biased against Southern Baptists a bit. lol

Answer 2

I try not to offend anyone, I just try to prove my point without insult. I think that a lot of people on here just want to try to bad mouth differing opinions. And, their ignorance leaves them no other alternative but to insult others. Religion is a touchy subject that an atheist cant understand. Insulting a Christians core beliefs is like walking up and spitting on someones mom. Atheists should thank Christians even if they are annoying at times, at least they are peaceful. Try going to Saudi Arabia and saying some of these things about Alah, you would be wishing they were Christians in a hurry

Answer 3

i understand what you are asking here. There are people in this world who think that if you do not subscribe to the 3 main religions in this world that you are worng in your beliefs. I am currently in love with a Heathen, I have good friends who are Wiccans, I met a Witch yesterday, and all of their beliefs are similar to my own.
Ignorance and fear are the two main factors for others putting down or diacounting what is not considered "normal" to them.
Personally, as much as I try, I cannot grasp how people put more faith in a religion that believes in only ONE god when there are so many natural powers that surround us every day.
Respect for individual beliefs and practices is practically non-existant today. There has always been religious persecution throughout the ages and it will continue long after you and I leave this Earth.
Stay strong to your own personal convictions. Keep your mind open to all people when they speak their beliefs to you. Learning and understanding someone else's point of view is key to ending the ignorance that abounds.

Answer 4

It's an unfortunate fact, some people will discriminate against other faiths. Discrimination has its roots in misconceptions, and once those are cleared up, the discrimination will cease. I know I'm guilty of harboring misconceptions of other faiths (or lack thereof), but I'm doing what I can to learn more about them.

It's interesting how so many paths arose to reach the same goal, and yet people just don't see it that way. Hopefully one day, things will change.

Answer 5

I dont think many people here, or in real life realize that a lot of Atheists, Christians and those of other faiths, generally get a long pretty well. I can honestly tell you that of the people I am closest to in my life, only one is a Christian (my girlfriend) all my other friends and family are Agnostic, Atheist or Catholic.

It's a superiority complex of those (from each walk of life)that think only those who think like them are valuable.

Answer 6

I think people demonize the followers of other faiths because faith is the one thing that cannot be proven. By definition, faith is a belief in what cannot be proven. People demonize others because they get caught up in the "I'm right and you are wrong" argument. Very few are willing to consider the statement of "What I do is just as right for me as what you do is right for you." A lot of that stems from some faiths saying "We are right and everyone else is damned/condemned/foolish" and those not of their faith being offended and immediately taking up the argument against that faith.

Personally I believe faith is a matter of choice and you are free to choose whichever one (or to choose no faith) you wish as long as it harms no one else. As a matter of fact I spent 6 years in the military defending the rights of Americans to make that choice.

Blessed Be )O(

Answer 7

I don't see why we should respect any religious belief. Since it's not based on reality, I can think of no reason to give it my respect just because someone chooses to hold that belief.

I won't respect primitive views that are based on mere guesses and irrational belief in the supernatural. See my question about respecting religious beliefs and you'll see no one could think of a rational reason I should. (Just stuff like "because you should.)

I don't respect racism, sexism, homophobia, etc. Should I just because someone was taught that this is what they should believe? I have to respect every single superstition people have as well?

Answer 8

Hypocrite (Greek for Actor)
Humans do this because they are insecure.
They do this no matter what religion they are.
For all Humans are actors in the stage of life.
Jesus did not force his will on others.
And yes there is a great evil out there!

Answer 9

I completely agree with you! I try not to 'demonize' other people's religions, it seems so hypocritical like you said. I am a christian and the Bible says to love your neighbor and not judge them. So why would I stick my nose in their face and make fun of their beliefs when they could do the same thing to me and I would say, "Respect my beliefs!" while at the same time I am not respecting theirs.

Answer 10

Because that is what religion does. On one side of the coin they profess to preach love, tolerance and acceptance, but on the flip side they teach nothing but hate, bigotry, racism and discrimination. Even Christianity does this.