If you were urging someone new to participate in R&S, how would you say that participation has benefited you?

Question

What happens in the Religion & Spirituality section that might make someone else want to join in the process?

How does the "give & take" help you to broaden your information, understanding, and experience of people with other belief systems or even with your own faith tradtion?

Answer 1

I have conversations with people that I just don't meet in my real life. They come from more varied economic, geographic areas and it ranges from very old to very young. Normally we tend to have these conversations with people in our own age group. That's the main thing I get out of it.

In "real life" you rarely talk about these issues. You need to engage in polite small talk. Here, we cut to the chase, and I like that a lot as well.

Answer 2

Great question, NH!
I've learned a lot of things that I wouldn't have bothered with had I not gotten to know some of the people on here. I've expanded my circle of "friends" here and have been able to learn about the views of others from all different parts of the world. It hasn't changed my own personal beliefs, but it has given me a broader understanding of some that I hadn't paid attention to before.
Mostly, it's just a lot of fun.

Answer 3

I firmly believe in my religion, but it's interesting to see what other people think, too. Sometimes (in this section) you see the best and worst sides of people. In this way I have learned a bit about the traditions of different religions (such as lent) and also the reasoning behind some people's particular beliefs.

Answer 4

Honestly at first I wanted everyone to stay away from this site. Not within my power lol. Now I advice peeps to enter with caution and protection of the Holy Spirit. If you wanna know about God, read your bible. If you wanna know about people, come here.

PS: There have been some very nice improvements here, since my first couple of experiences on this site.

Answer 5

It's actually taught me more compassion and patience... works well with my Buddhist studies. It hasn't broadened much of my understanding though, because apparently I've studied overboard and beyond what some do in exploration and analytical review of religions... oh well, such is life, and I guess I'll just use it to be of benefit where I can.

_()_

Answer 6

I was reacquainted with the fact that many people are scientifically illiterate and don't understand rudimentary logic. That was useful and necessary though hardly pleasant.
I also got a refresher course on arguments against theism. There were a couple I'd forgotten.

Answer 7

I actually have urged someone to participate in this forum. In real life, I tend to spend time with people who think like I do, which means that I don't get a lot of exposure to other ideas unless I seek them out.

Answer 8

It's helped me when I've needed prayer and I've learned new things....not just from asking questions but from reading & answering questions. I've also made new friends here, Brothers and Sisters in Christ that I look forward to meeting one day, if not on this earth, then before God's throne.

Answer 9

I've made some good friends that I otherwise would not have (since moving to my small town). Godzilla, Avatard, you, The Dude, Laptop Jesus, 11:11, are all good people I am glad to know.

Answer 10

I've learned some things here that I didn't know - some of it, I wish I hadn't learned. I've also had many, many laughs. More than anything, though, I've 'met' some really great people, and that would be the first thing I'd mention.

((dog sneeze))