I have always believe in my own religion, Buddhism. Many times, I would accompany my friends to their church and listen to them telling my about Bible.
I believe them and respect the Bible, but I still strongly believe in my religion. However, I occasionally come across people who force me to believe in Christianity. And if I say I still prefer my own religion, they began to insult me and the religion I believe in, telling me how bad my religion is. It's hurting as I can't believe people do that to each other.
I believe in every religion and I give respect to all. Why can't people respect each other and love? Why must we criticise? I hate seeing people fighting each other, over a religion. Can't we just respect each other and love? Please tell me how to change their minds, and allow them to respect each religion.
2007-03-21 18:15:26 · 20 answers · asked by _bears_ 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Fact is... if you check out almost everything that Jesus taught goes like Cookies and Cream with Buddhist values. Many Buddhist Schools consider Jesus to be an emanation of a Bodhisattva.
Now if you check it out, Jesus NEVER insulted anyone during his ministry, he was Kind, Gentle and Loving to ALL without exception ( doesnt that sound like a Bodhisattva?)
Later... after he died ( then ascended to heaven physically, these are also common in buddhist teachings if you read about the Mahasiddhas of Buddhism like Nagarjuna who also physically ascended to the pure lands ), an apostle that has never actually met, communed nor lived with Jesus ( like Peter, John, Luke, Matthew, Judas and the rest) began preaching Jesus' teachings. Instead of being Kind, Loving and all Embracing, he was pretty much caustic, fierce but charismatically powerful. He brought discipline to the scattered devotees of the time, BUT he also became MORE of an icon for modern Christians to follow, than Jesus.
Most preachers emulate Paul more than they do Jesus. Church goers emulate the preachers who emulate Paul, with the thought, if its ok for my church leader to be this way, then it should be ok for me to this way too.
You cannot change a mind that doesn't want to be changed, and if the timing for change is unripe, the karma for change is not present, no matter what you say, nothing will happen. But if the timing is ripe, the karma is present.... even without saying a word... they will change on their own. Such is the law of karmic reality as said by Buddha 2500 years ago
Be at peace, Be an inspiration, Be a light to them who sadden your heart and deaden your spirit, and uplift yourself for their sake and yours.... for if you yourself are despaired, no way will you inspire respect and love in those who belittle your faith from blindness and ignorance
2007-03-21 18:50:23 · answer #1 · answered by Tenzin 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Alright, for you die-hard Christians:
If you don't have anything positive to say (and blasting anothers religion, in a thread where she's bemoaning this practice, isn't) then just don't answer. Didja realize that Christianity is a relatively new practice, and based on many other beliefs, which have been around for much longer than yours? I have no problem with any religion, (although Satanism sounds pretty bad) but I hate it when fanatics tell everyone else they are flat-out wrong. What gives you that right? Just say that you have a different opinion, if you must answer at all.
As for the OP, you should continue to respect others religions, and if they get to be a pain, politely dodge their remarks, and go about your own business as soon as possible. It may feel as though you should lose respect for others, as they don't respect you, but it's really not worth it. In the end, you're the better person, and you should never forget moral and ethical standards cause of a few ignorant, rude people.
2007-03-21 18:36:58 · answer #2 · answered by Kat 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I'm sorry that you feel insulted by some Christians. Perhaps they are not going about things in the best way. No one can "force you to believe in Christianity" though. That doesn't make any sense. Your beliefs are your own.
Also, I don't see how you can believe every religion. That is illogical. Some religions contadict each other too much for that to be possible. For example: Christianity says that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father but through him. You can not believe in Christianity without believing that accepting Jesus into your heart and believing that he is the son of God and the only way to heaven. If you believe in another religion, you cannot be Christian.
It is good of you to respect religions other than your own though. Keep talking to people. There's nothing wrong with asking questions and keeping open dialogues about religion.
I hope that in the future you get the chance to talk to more Christians who are more respectful in the way they discuss religion with you.
2007-03-21 18:37:35 · answer #3 · answered by mars 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Not all religions can be right because... THEY CONTRADICT EACH OTHER! Do you get what I am saying? Any religion that says multiple religions can be correct is a lie. Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father EXCEPT through me." Does that sound like it leaves room for other religions? NO. Sorry man. And I am sorry people that treated you poorly. I know I may have done it a few times and I fully regret it. I truly am all about love now! If you have a bible you should read 1 John! It is awesome. All about love! Same the revelations that Paul had... Well depends on how you look at the bible but I would say the whole thing is about love!
Well God Bless.
And sorry again for what people like myself have done to you! I truly regret it and I am very sorry!!!!!
2007-03-21 18:36:47 · answer #4 · answered by cgort1 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Churches were made by man, not God so it is not likely that they will ever be perfect. However, if the person giving you a hard time is a Christian, they are going outside the teachings of Christ. Christ loved all people even if he didn't like them because of the things they did. Truth is a very subjective thing and we always seem to think that our way is the only way. Sorry, but I doubt if it is going to change any time soon.
2007-03-21 18:21:39 · answer #5 · answered by Poohcat1 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Thank you for your honesty.
I am surprised (probably out of lack of wisdom). How is it possible to be a firm believer and yet accept "other gods"?
If I was to respect other religions, I would act against the will of God.
The peoples that introduce you to God, the father of Christ, they do it in love and care for you. It can be frustrating to observe people walking away from God, but we must keep in mind: We as humans can not convert anyone to become followers of Christ. Our task is to present the truth of the one and only living God, then step back and let the Holy Spirit do the work (third person in the Trinity) for only God has this power.
See the criticism as a expression of love and concern for your soul, forgive them if they handle the situation in a manner that is hurting to you and try to understand we are commanded to love one another, and helping you to see God is a way to show you this love.
Not for your sake, not for mine, but solely to Glorify God.
Soli Deo Gloria
In Christian Love
Simplex
2007-03-21 18:48:36 · answer #6 · answered by SimPlex 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I used to be into Buddhist and Taoist practice. One of the things I really liked about them was the relative de-emphasis on all this phony "love your neighbor" crap. In fact, in Taoism there's none of it, period. Taoism and the higher sects of Buddhism are about training the mind and body to stabilize at an existentially higher state of being.
And yeah sure, even in Taoism evolved Beings are usually nicer than unevolved ones. Taoist masters don't go around hurting people for the same reason normal grownups don't go around stepping on ants....
Because it's a stupid thing to do, not because they have a moral obligation to ants.
Nimadan
2007-03-21 19:00:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 1⤋
All religion teach people to love and respect others. But it's human being whose are narrow minded and selfish. When two people fight over religion, I will only see two stupid fools fighting. So, let them be.
2007-03-21 18:41:39 · answer #8 · answered by Tan D 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm a Christian and I really respect Buddhists, because of their kindness, spirituality, and their attitudes towards others. I would never tell a Buddhists to be a Christian. I respect Buddhism a lot!!!
2007-03-21 18:31:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
You sound like a beautiful person.
The only thing you can do is continue to have peace in your heart - and live that way. The peace starts within each one of us.
And you're absolutely right! Religion should never get so important that we forget to love each other!
Namaste!!
2007-03-21 18:30:43 · answer #10 · answered by liddabet 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋