Why are most christians incapable of understanding other theologies?

Question

I ask this, not in the sense of why can't a christian say believe in what a hindu or buddhist things, but rather in another way. I've discussed theology with friend and online before, and despite the fact I am an atheist I am quite capable of digesting the information of a particular theology and discuss it's aspects within the context of that particular religious belief. The vast majority of christians I have either met however, or talked to online can't seem to escape their monotheistic abrahamic religious context with trying to discuss other religions. So why do you think that is?

Answer 1

I'm not going to type a screed here ,so very simply. They are brainwashed Clones, usually from birth, they can't think by themselves they have to go to Church and have a Priest or whatever think for them with the aid of an out dated bastardised book of nonsense... If "God " told them all to jump off a cliff then how many wouldn't do you think?? If it's not in their precious book then it doesn't exist or it's heresy.. What a sad mob of misguided people they are....

Answer 2

In my experience almost every monotheistic religion has difficulty comprehending other religious beliefs beyond a certain point - probably because they're inculcated with the belief that theirs is the only 'true' religion, and so they seem to observe the others from the sidelines as if they were sociological phenomena but didn't have the same force as their own.

But I personally am cheered by the recent discovery that you can't convert to Sikhism. If you try, apparently, the response is: 'If you're a Christian, go be a good Christian; if you're a Jew, go be a good Jew, etc., etc.,' and I rather like that.

So to go back to your original question - you're almost certainly looking at the legacy of years of childhood conditioning in the beliefs and practices of other religions. (On a personal note: my father wouldn't let me go to church, Sunday school, or join any organisation that required swearing fidelity to a belief system or a monarch. As a result of this I was usually singled out at school as 'the only one who doesn't go to Sunday School!!!' and sometimes made to stand in the corner with my shame - but I stuck it out. Guess the teachers didn't much care for a six-year-old kid saying 'My father wants me to make up my own mind when I grow up.'

Answer 3

Growing up in that religion myself (Conservative southern baptist) I think you would be surprised the amount of propaganda and brain washing that goes on. The religion teaches that it is at war with the principalities and powers of this world and that any power not ruled by christianity is the enemy. Therefore to have an open logical duologue with an opposing viewpoint would be tat amount to fraternizing with the enemy. The sad thing is they don't even know it.

Answer 4

Most Christians are taught not to educate themselves about other religions or beliefs because it may create doubt. It takes a lot of energy and focus to keep the doubts at bay. Their God says not to.

Answer 5

Because it's not their religion !!!
Just
like this person I know,he respects other people's religion but he won't get into discussions about them.

Answer 6

because the bible says theyre right and even though the qu'ran say muslims are right and te vedas say hindus are right, christians believe the bible is the absolute authority on all things and if you disagree, to them you must be wrong.

the response under me only further proves my point.

Answer 7

It is written "My sheep know my voice and they follow me. A strange they will not follow for they don't know a stranger's voice."

Other religions (theologies) are strange voices.

Answer 8

weird, because most of the christians i've met can do that perfectly fine. most of the people who go to interfaith conferences are (gasp!) christian.

Answer 9

Read Revelation.

King of kings and Lord of lords refers to the Lord God Jesus Christ.