Do any of you ever think of learning more about other religion?

Question

For example, Islam.

I am serious, not just believe stuff because you just heard it on T.V. from the media, or read it online somewhere in some
anti- muslim web site.

Answer 1

I love learning about other religions. I think it's essential in choosing what works for you. It's like how do you know your favourite color is blue if you've never seen any other colors? I despise how people quickly judge a belief merely by what they've heard from a friend or the media. People should investigate the facts before making quick judgments on things they know nothing about. And on top of that, even if they don't agree, appreciate diversity. How boring this life would be if we were all the same.

Answer 2

I try to read about other religions. I have a book somewhere that I read awhile back which gives the bread and butter of each of the major world religions. It was interesting. I think if people actually opened up their minds, and educated themselves purely for knowledge purposes re: other religions, there would be a lot less hatemongering on here (or anywhere for that matter). For instance, many people attack Islam because they hear minimal information about it through media or on the internet (i.e. terrorism, Mohammed and a nine year old), but that's all they know. Most people never try to find out more about it, the good stuff. If you switch that around, and people were selectively learning about Christianity, then it would be just as easy to insult Christians, right? I could just hear about the OT violence and without ever knowing more, I could just as easily toss out insults. So, yeah it would be a good idea if people became a little more educated on religion.

Answer 3

I read about world religions all the time. When I go to the bookstore, the first thing I do is get a book off the shelf on a particular religion. Then I had for the coffee shop, take a seat and spend the afternnon. I find the study of belief systems absolutely fascinating.

Answer 4

I was born a Muslim, converted to Christianity at 16. Nothing hits it like Zoroastrianism though. It is the oldest faith in the world, but kept very hush hush.
Zoroastrians believe that Ahura Mazda created humans as allies (not his children) in the cosmic struggle against evil and that humanity will be resurrected and granted immortality once evil has been defeated. They further view the material world as a trap into which evil has been lured and in which evil will undergo defeat by divinities and humans working together.

Answer 5

I enjoy learning about other religions. I plan on getting a religion degree and teaching on a university level. I think that religion is an essential part of anyone's culture. Music history, religious history, and art history go hand-in-hand. I find that amazing. I agree with you. People should learn about different religions just for the sake of gaining knowledge and understanding about someone else. In fact, I took an Islam class one year. I loved it. I wish more people were strong enough in their own faiths to learn about someone else's.

Answer 6

I did, I used to be a Roman Catholic and I wanted to know about the Latter-Day Saints (mormons) and I converted after learning about it. I only learnt more about the church because, I was fed up being a Catholic and known=ing that very few people actually followed its teachings. I was very inactive in the Roman Catholic Church for this very reason and I hated being inactive, but I wasnt going to go back to a religion I had so many problems with.

Answer 7

Because of my apologetics ministry, I have had to examine the cults and -isms that exist in opposition to Christianity. It was not something I truly desired, because I figured that if I had the truth, why should I learn error?

While I still believe that, it has helped me in my ministry to understand where the cults and -isms are coming from.

I have read the Qur'an, the Book of Mormon, and own a copy of the New World Translation of the Bible. I have also examined Buddhism, Shintoism, and Brahmanism.

Answer 8

* I did study Islam for a year but didn't like some aspects - there are some very violent and intolerant attitudes encouraged in the Koran whatever mohameddans say in public. I think you have blind faith in statements such as 'Islam is a religion of peace.'
* I like Sikhism, as it seems to have best of Islam and best of hindu thinking.
* I think Buddhism is quite well thought out, although they don't have a revelation of God's nature like the one coming through the Jews and christians.
** I am a christian myself .. thats the only faith with sure forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Answer 9

I was raised Methodist, but had Native American, Scottish and Amish grandparents and great grandparents. I never thought the religion my mother chose for herself and us kids was the right one for me, so I tried to learn as much about other religions as possible and then made an informed choice as to which was was right for me. I finally feel like I am home now, after 18 years of searching.

Answer 10

Sure, it is always fascinating to study others beliefs. I was raised Catholic, but I always found Buddhism & Gnostic Christianity very interesting and even incorporate some of my beliefs from them. There's people who sit & talk trash about others' beliefs saying so & so is better than this & so much hate & prejudice towards others beliefs but one doesn't really have the right to downplay another religion or belief until they've UNDERSTOOD it.