Do you ever read material that challenges your belief system or disbelief system?

Question

I am just curious not wanting to jump on anyone. I am just wondering how open minded we all really are?

I should add other than on this forum.

Personally I do think this can be beneficilal. Also I'm leaving this one up to the voters so get your best answers...one liners or whatever in.

Sorry for yet one late add on. If we don't is there a reason? I realize we can't read everything or even afford everything.

I think if for no other reason than to be able to effectively critique a viewpoint it's is good to hear what the person has to say in thieir own words so as to avoid distortions and misrepresentations.

Answer 1

Thanks for asking respectfully.

Yes, as an atheist, I do all the time. Particularly as I work at a Catholic institution. We pray there, and I respectfully bow my head and keep silent despite not believing a word of it.

Answer 2

I still read non-fiction books about the other religions I've studied on a regular basis. It's only logical to do in order to keep an understanding going. Things change in religions, and so do viewpoints, but they're never really a "challenge" to my Buddhist studies... I've found a philosophy that's not been refuted in thousands of years... going back would be, for me, like believing in Santa Claus all over again... I can't do it, it'd make NO sense.

_()_

Answer 3

Yes, I try to read things that challenge my belief system. Since I try to base most of my beliefs on rational thinking, it's nice to know opposing views.

However, I've never read anything that challenges a disbelief system. I don't have a "system" based on disbelief, since that makes no sense. However, I did read about unicorns, and I don't believe in unicorns, but it didn't challenge my disbelief. Moreover, it's impossible for any written material to challenge my disbelief of the supernatural (god, unicorns, magical elves, whatever) since it won't do so on a rational basis.

Answer 4

I know that my mind was closed for many years to any new information regarding my beliefs. Because of a new minister and his knowledge, I have come to believe what I have always known in my heart to be true, I just needed someone with a greater knowledge to affirm it. If your belief system includes the old and new testaments of the Bible, I know that the writings of Jewish historians such as Philo or Josephus helped me greatly to see things from a new perspective.

Answer 5

I love to read about different religions and beliefs. I believe that we can all learn something from every culture and religion. My personal favorites are hinduism and wicca. Anyways, I really believe that all religions are the same one that has been adapted to fit for different cultures, because there are so many similarities throughout them all. Anyways, Im sure I will have some people freaking out on me for saying that, but oh well!

Answer 6

I'm completely open minded. I'll read anything and everything without prejudice. Although I'm an atheist I studied Christianity as part of a humanities degree and I found it interesting even if it didn't make me believe in it.

Answer 7

I do. I'm fascinated by just how delusional people can be. I go to Xian apologetic sites frequently and read everything the JW publishes. Not to mention the bible, of course. The bible is the best argument against Xianity that there is. I lose more and more faith in humanity with everything I read.

Answer 8

All the time. Personally, I don't understand how anyone can claim to believe in something that they've never really thought about, studied, or debated with others. It's amazing how many people believe in something merely because that's what they've been spoon-fed all their lives.

Answer 9

I have no problem reading material that challenges my belief system. I have yet to find anything that has done more than challenge. Nothing has changed my mind or my heart.

Answer 10

i read A LOT but i guess the book that first got me questioning my Christianity was a book called "Judas, My Brother" by Frank Yerby given to me by my elder sister when i was 12 yrs old. it's a historical fiction novel and doesn't pretend to be otherwise but it got me to thinking that maybe there are other ways that the Jesus story could have come about.