Basically, after studying many different religions, belief systems, and philosophies, I have come to find it rather quaint that most religions or belief systems seem to have their own "built-in fallback" (for lack of a better term). In other words, devoted believers are seemingly giving the allowence to judge others and their works, with relation to their own. For example: Christians, with the Bible, are quick to claim a new idea as false (heretic) if it does not follow their doctrines precisely. (This, of course, is just an observance)
What is the result of this? To me, all I see is a world where a "Better than..." complex seems to be the norm.
It is this "Better than..." complex, in my opinion, that seems to be the stumbling block for most of our earthly conflicts these days. Everyone seems to want to be "Better Than" something else, while not many individuals seem to completely understand that -ALL- of the teachings of the world point to a complete equality amongst mankind.
2007-01-31 07:16:16 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
In otherwords, we must look at ourselves as "The Best" within and of ourselves; not "Better Than" others.
Yet, most religions & belief systems hold strong to their Truths as being THE Truth! In otherwords, an "Our Truth (our belief) is Superior and 'Better Than' all the rest of the Truths in the world" type of mentality. At least, that is what I see on an individual level for many people and their beliefs.
Why is it that we can't seem to come to the understanding that the Truths within this world are equally dispersed within the world in -ALL- of the many "Stories" that we like to call our Teachings; our beliefs?
To me, and what I believe, is that as long as we do NO harm to ourselves and others, there is no story that is "Better Than" any other story in this world. There are only that which each story-teller would call "Their Best" story.
2007-01-31 07:16:35 · update #1
Who are we to be the judge of which story an individual should listen to and relate to, as long as it leads them to the same Truth that lies within these stories; Joyous Love and Acceptance.
Do some of stories have a divine origin, as the authers want us to believe?
Well, that is only up to the interpreter (the believer) to distinguish. My beliefs are my beliefs and they make me a happy and loving man, but my beliefs are no "Better Than" anyone elses beliefs. They are only the beliefs that I hold as "My Best!" Who is anyone else to tell me that I am wrong, and "condemn me" for the beliefs that I hold within my person?
2007-01-31 07:18:14 · update #2
My peace has been said. Feel free to comment.
I would love to hear how everyone feels about this.
Thank You Kindly!
2007-01-31 07:19:12 · update #3
To the first to answers...
I have plenty of knowledge under my belt. Buddhism is actually the closest belief system that I align with.
So I guess I should say that I am asking this question more on the personal level of mankind.
No, I do not believe this is everyone, but we do see it within our world.
2007-01-31 07:25:54 · update #4
I also feel ones beliefs are his and no one is better because of theres.Life should not be a competition,but cooperation among all.It seems to be an ego barrier that separates many from what is really important.love and compassion and basic kindness and descency.Who cares how rich you are or how smart you are or the job you have,it is your morals and goodness and not having a superiority complex that are important among other things
2007-01-31 07:37:43 · answer #1 · answered by woodsonhannon53 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a pretty long ramble, but you'll most likely find as you learn more that religion can serve many different purposes. Most of us feel very comfortable knowing the truth and having the loving companionship of Jesus in our lives. Does that make us better than others? Whatever. Who spends their lives thinking about that once they get out of the ridiculously self-perpetuating cliques of high school.
Keep up the education. You'll learn that all of these issues are rich with fun complexities. Whoever said that the simplest answer is usually the right answer was just being lazy.
2007-01-31 07:23:31 · answer #2 · answered by Love Shepherd 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's really pretty simple isn't it. If I claim the doctrine and dogma of my church is the word of God and I believe it. It doesn't really matter what you think. If we agree your ok and I'm ok. If we disagree you better have expert knowledge of what my book states about non-believers it could be hazardous to your help.
So in my eyes I have to treat you differently if your non believer. That different treatment creates animosity fear and hate.
the rest is history.
The so called Jewish Problem in Europe stemmed from the fact the Jews would lend money where others were prohibited by Religion. THe JEws also expected to be repayed and economies rise and fall. When people couldn't pay it was the Jews fault. Fortunately we have come along way since then but sometimes I wonder if we really have progressed,
2007-01-31 07:35:36 · answer #3 · answered by steve20423 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion is a Psychosis, existing only within the electrical impulses of the brain. If it was otherwise Christians would have the tangible proof that mere belief never provides. This mental state demands absolute obedience, anything beyond the habit, is considered wrong/deviant/heretic, only those of equal delusion are accepted, flocking together in the comfort, familiarity, and reassurance of a mutually shared delusion.
2007-01-31 07:28:33 · answer #4 · answered by ED SNOW 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't wiegh my beliefs against other beliefs. I think there is only one truth. And based on my life experience and everything that I have seen and felt, my faith in Jesus Christ and the Bible is that one truth. I have not just blindly said "this is what I believe, no matter what". I have witnessed many miracles that came from prayer. I have seen the Word of God come alive right in front of me.
Based on that, I cannot accept alternate teachings to the Bible. It is not a matter of "better than", there is simply one truth
2007-01-31 07:26:41 · answer #5 · answered by mmilner_24 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Raised Catholic, drifted away to believe in a higher power because I though the catechism was morally wrong, then to atheism based on my own quest for the truth and just keeping an open mind to atheists. Now I am an atheist, I dislike religion and support activism because there are stereotypes and people need to think you can live a moral if not more moral life without religion without any doubt about it.
2016-03-28 22:37:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Completely incorrect. If someone is a true follower of Christ they are utterly forbidden from judging another person. Likewise, a Christian should not compare themselves to others because religion is a personal matter, a relationship with your Savior and God. Of course a particular group will not agree with a new idea if it is contrary to their beliefs. As God does not discriminate neither should His followers. If they do it is sinful. Maybe you have just run into the wrong religous people.
2007-01-31 07:32:57 · answer #7 · answered by straightup 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well there has to be an absolute truth, not just one that you and I think is good. That truth is Jesus Christ revealed in the Catholic church. If people are teaching with love and correcting with kindness then they shouldnt come across as "better than" anyone, just someone who loves you and wants you to hear the truth.
2007-01-31 07:30:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well put brother!
as a Buddhist I often feel that other religions are too judgemental and that there is a 'my way or the highway' approach to worship...believe it all or you are not a believer...even the stuff that makes no sense or the stuff that contradicts other stuff...in buddhism we expound upon people finding the "Way" or the Tao by walking the Eightfold Path...through right actions, thoughts and living...find your way in the universe by doing what is right for you, as long as you are not bringing suffering or pain to others...
2007-01-31 07:26:16 · answer #9 · answered by techteach03 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Apparently you don't have a good understanding of the basic tenets of Hinduism nor Buddhism... I think Wicca might fall into that category outside of your understanding too.
As a Buddhist, I can declare that we don't have any such arrogant declarations of "better than".
_()_
2007-01-31 07:23:15 · answer #10 · answered by vinslave 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋