Why are people offended when their choice of religion is criticised or the logic of its dogma is questioned?

Question

I'm doing some reserach and would like a cross section of sensible, intelligent opinions. Many theorists, Dawkins et al say that they cant understand why people are upset when their choice of religion is pilloried or deconstructed.

Answer 1

Lack of been able to debate

Answer 2

Good question. I don't get offended by it at all if it's genuine questioning based on correct information. It really depends on the spirit in which the criticism is made.

What does peeve me a bit sometimes is misinformed or ill-researched questioning (like the question earlier on Job, God and the devil), where the questioner obviously has an axe to grind and isn't actually interested in your response at all - unless you're going to agree with the 'fault' that they think they've found.

But it's not the reserve of the religious by any means. I've witnessed atheists and evolutionists get just as defensive and offended.

Questioning anothers beliefs can be done constructively. I am currently discussing these kind of issues with an evolutionist via email - it is turning out to be a quite enlightening experience, I hope for both of us. A little respect for others can go a long way to further understanding on both sides.

Answer 3

John Kenneth Galbraith said, "Faced with having to change our views or prove that there is no need to do so, most of us immediately get busy on the proof." This applies to every sphere in life, especially politics and religion. Criticism, in itself, ought not to cause offence, but a logical argument against a dogma is something that has to be faced up to honestly and dealt with, otherwise the only other course is denial, or an aggressive counter-offence. However, it needs to be said that logic is not the only, or even the best means of testing the validity of religious beliefs. This is why Dawkins can't understand, because he's a believer in the 'infallible' rule of logic. There's more to life than logic, especially a logic that rules out the possibility of the divine without being able to prove that rule!

Frustration is also a big factor. You see it all over this R & S site! Something seems crystal clear to one person; they tell it like it is, and get dog's abuse! Or, they reel off a list of proof texts from their scriptures, thinking they've explained it clearly, but others see those texts in an entirely different way. Arguing about words and interpretations can get people going round in circles, especially here where there's limited space for explanations and responses.

I changed from the religion I was brought up in to one my parents would have been horrified to see me embrace. The hardest thing I ever had to do was try to explain why, because they weren't really listening. They didn't want to know. They just wanted me back in their own safety zone. It's only when people simply want to know another point of view that they truly listen and don't take offence.

Yet another factor (not linked to logic) is when people see love being shown; that's more powerful than any arguments! Love can hardly be shown on this site, except by choosing truthful words in a courteous manner. There has to be person-to-person contact for love to be felt and its power to get to work. As John Wesley said, "Beware you be not swallowed up in books! An ounce of love is worth a pound of knowledge."

Answer 4

In the beginning of my journey here on Answers I was more tender timid because I have never been attacked for my beliefs like here.

However, it does not bother me anymore. I feel that my faith has been getting only stronger. I follow Jesus and I spread His word. He took the nails for me, so I do not mind little insults when I share my faith.

People here can be very sincere,but they can be very sincerely and genuinely wrong. I think it is a good thing to hear other people out. Then we can learn form each other. Then we can understand each other even though we cannot agree on all things. We can agree to disagree. I have grown a lot during these months.

Answer 5

Well, we all get upset when things we believe to be true, becomes an obvious lie. That's why I live by the belief that nothing is true, not even that statement lol!

But, I try and leave people to believe what ever they want, i only criticise their 'choice of religion' if they try and shove it down my throat.

If any Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Pagan or Jew tries to tell me that I will suffer after my death because I don't want to follow their religion or worship THEIR god, I will fight them and rebel against everything their religion stands for. Seriously, religion is not logical and it is definitely not rational thinking, but there is a hidden meaning in all of the mythologies, the symbolism that can make you understand things in new ways...

Answer 6

Your 0.33 note solutions all of it * non secular* you'll locate many more desirable others are believers yet no longer 'non secular' there's a huge difference yet now to not the non-believer. between the justifications people get so 'up in palms' with others who've no recognize-how of the bible is they go with to attempt to apply bible rates they have heard over the years yet they do no longer recognize the that technique of what they say. in case you go with to criticize then you genuinely extremely go with to understand the bible, and that takes years of studying to even commence to comprehend it. also the same applies to the 'indignant' they go with to first comprehend what it is about what you want and do, to really criticize you. in many cases those very similar those who say you act so indignant, they little question act indignant about a lot in life,, they're the pious ones.. authentic Christians regardless of the actuality which will take care of their conception vigorously adverse to the trinitarians and different fake beliefs.

Answer 7

When you question someone's faith, you are challenging their understanding of the world, their way of life and their families and friends. Yes, people can get a little touchy when the whole fabric of their existance is questioned - especially when you can so easily pick holes in faith that is not based on logic or science.
I also think that deep-down, every religious person knows that god does not exist. But for them, the implications for their supposed eternal soul are too great, (they're scared that death is the end) so they lash out.

Answer 8

It's tied in with people's self-concept (psych. - ego). People relate, psychologically, to a religion they're either raised with and identify with or choose one that they firmly identify with and people within that religious group. The stronger someone's self-concept is or if their ego is overinflated then you really can't criticize them about much of ANYTHING let alone their beliefs in religions. If you try to put things to logical deconstruction they tend to withdraw into their opinions, and shut down... a form of self-protection, or if they have a personality disorder they will function according to their pathology in defense of their position.

_()_

Answer 9

Many members of religious groups are raised with it from childhood. They are taught from an early age to accept what they are told and that questioning it is wrong, even if it doesn't make sense. After a while they adopt that attitude and so the cycle continues.

Answer 10

I am never offended by a sincere question. An honest critiquing by someone else is also welcome.

Without meaning to, I offended someone with another belief system. So I know it can happen sometimes regardless of intent.

I have a problem with insults, name-calling, and out-right lies about my religion. I know more about my religion than anyone on this site who is not affiliated with my religion. Just as you know more about your faith than I.

Answer 11

Say you had faith that the sky was blue. It seemed so obvious, you had seen it many times, whenever it's not cloudy, or night time, the sky is blue. Now I told you that the sky isn't blue, merely the light reflecting of I dunno the atmosphere, I forget 9th grade science, but anyway I tell you the sky has no colour (and if you look it up, you'll see I'm right). This would shatter something you have been so sure of for your whole life. You would start to question everything else, your life, your God, your family, it's all too much. Get it now?