Do you think that people who actively hate are following their own religion?

Question

It does merit some thought, especially when so called peaceful religions are anything but peaceful.

Answer 1

I think intolerant haters simply use their religion to hide behind.

Answer 2

That very much depends on the religion. Of all the ones I've studied, only Satanism advocates pure selfishness and implies condonement of hate.

However, many religions which describe themselves as peace-loving make hate almost inevitable among their followers. When it is considered sanctioned to look down upon any other group, the door is opened for legitimized hate. That's one of the reasons I became a Pagan; I wanted to practice spirituality that focused on self-development rather than any judgement applications to others.

I think the best way to prevent hate it so simply examine one's own religion as a tool for self-improvement--and not apply it to others who may have chosen another path.

Answer 3

That depends on which religion. I can only speak for Christianity, and can say that thowe who actively hate are not following Christianity (and I don't care if it were the pope who actively hated, he would still not be following Christianity).
But I don't know if there might be some religions which, in their original teachings, might allow or promote hatred.

Answer 4

If Christians hate, then they are not following the teachings of Christianity.

But......if Muslims hate, they are following the teachings of their religion. This is not to say that their aren't peaceful Muslims, just that their "holy book/s" call for, and promote hatred.... considering anyone who is not Muslim as an "infidel"

Answer 5

I wouldn't say religion. Just emotion, sometimes misdirected.