What do we hope to accomplish by discussing religion and spirituality on a forum such as this?

Question

We cannot all claim to be open minded people. It is quite evident that some are, and some are not.

So, what exactly do we hope (as a collective body of question answerers) to accomplish on answering questions in this particular section of Yahoo Answers?

As far as I can see, the majority of what has been "accomplished" on this forum is a breeding of hatred, contempt, intolerance and, dare I say and most unfortunately in some cases, idiocy.

Now, I am not going to answer my own question, so what are your impressions?


To quote Aristotle:

"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."

Answer 1

I am sure that this is literally untrue. Figuratively, it may appear this way, especially in this type of unmoderated forum where all sorts of persons are free to hide behind anonymity and act out.

I have taken a position that if a question is explicitly targeting "atheists", "non-believers" or something similar, that I will not answer (but may read for my own edification) the question since I obviously do not fit these labels.

Likewise, if a question is labeled "believers", "theists", “Moslems”, “Jehovah’s Witnesses”, etc., it would be polite if those not fitting the label would not respond unless the question specifically fits. I also ignore questions that obviously violate the new community guidelines posted at http://answers.yahoo.com/info/community_guidelines.php, and especially those that are flippant, hate-mongering, vapid preaching, or are just chatty.

It seems to me that only if a question is non-specific should responses be expected from any and all persons.

We all learned this behavior in kindergarten but seem to have forgotten how to play nice with one another. We were taught to not speak unless spoken to, answer the question asked, and be polite. We also have learned, as George Elliot noted, "Blessed is the person who, having nothing to say, abstains from giving us worthy evidence of the fact."

Why is it that when some are older they feel they can reject all semblances of politeness with shallow and strained arguments for free speech, just having fun, etc? In truth, these are not the salient issues, but only excuses for bad behavior.

The real issue is what enables these forums? The answer should be clear--it is the questioner. The questioner is the driving force in these forums and should be able to designate a specific population for the responses they are seeking. For if there are no questions, there is no reason for a Q&A type of forum. Thus, my focus on my response is what the asker thinks of my question, not any other answerers who may also respond. If the asker doesn’t like my answer I usually hear about it and learn from them. That said, I write cogent responses that I hope are useful to others who may take the time to read them.

I create my answers from an academic theologian’s perspective, as this is my “day job”. Yes, my answers are often wordy, but I honor the questioner with enough details to help them learn more. I believe that what a person sets into writing is a greater act of consciousness than what a person speaks from their mouths. So, when a person writes some of the vitriol that we see in this Forum, especially from self-professed believers, this person is giving deeper evidence of the state of their faith to others. In short, some may know the Word of the Lord, but they demonstrate by their actions that they do not know the Lord of the Word.

If we respect the questioner’s desires for specificity, this forum will be something worth spending our precious time in.

Answer 2

Well, here's a good example:

So far, I have had many challenges given to me via, email (from this very site).

I have responded to each of these challenges and provided the necessary information (In my case, being an ex-Christian, I have provided evidence and reason against the Christian religion).

So far, I have de-converted three out of the twelve people I have been communicating with.

Seven of the remaining nine agree that they do not care about reason, logic or rationality. They are beginning to question why they really believe what they believe...

the other two are unreachable. They are thoroughly brainwashed.

My sole purpose is to de-convert Christians 1st, then Muslims, then Jews.

That's all.

Answer 3

All can not know all the things under the sun. Each one may be proficient in a particular field or subject or some may not know about any thing. Hence the idea of questions about religion and spirituality serves the purpose even if one genuine questioner interested in knowing about the subject can get correct answer from those who are well versed in the subject. All the other irrelevant questions and arguments may not be palatable but even if one gets correct answer that is well and good. nagarajan.

Answer 4

I hope to accomplish a transformation of a small and profound nature. I hope to change a mind holding thoughts such as yours, into a mind that can see the world as a collection of people trying to better themselves and the world around them.

I hope you learn to see a greater number of "minorities" instead of the "majority" that you seem so critical of.

Embrace a new outlook, take a deep breath, and just let the positivity flow.....

Answer 5

Well I only have intolerance for those that beleive the world is six thousand years old when we know it's not. I don't think that is intolerance but only a disagreement. Of course I still agree with you though but I love pissing off religious people so oh well. And you love doing whatever you do and are just trying to get one up on everyone else by claiming to be the enlightened one. That sees no divisions and believes in only love when hundreds have done the same.

Answer 6

If I can convince just one person that people really will be more willing to take them seriously if they pay attention to spelling and grammar, and actually read over what they have written before they post it, then I will feel my time here has not been in vain. In the case of our esteemed interrogator I am obviously preaching to the proverbial choir.

If there is anything even vaguely approaching a "Bible" in my world, it is surely the Holy Dictionary.

Answer 7

Mainly this is an entertaining waste of time...

Mainly, there are "herds" here of an 16-20 year old range, some mid twentys here.

I am for the most part bored and amazed at the mindless questions and answers given.

Answer 8

Explain open mindedness? My mind is open to the truth that is the word of God only. If that is being closed minded then I humbly stand before you and accept my new title. When has anyone who having been subject to any question answer debate, discussion, etc. at some point not felt every emotion known to man? It is in our nature. No two men are the same, as individuals we express ourselves accordingly whether it be out of pure sincerity or obvious maliciuos intent. Personally I find at times some of the questions I read are just foolishness, and I make the choice to not even take a second glance. But to the sincere question, whether or not I agree with the questioners opinion, I will share my knowledge of the subject. I pray continually that those lost souls may be searching and as an instrument of God if it is his will, Here I am Lord Use me. I can only hope to accomplish planting a seed and let the holy spirit do the rest. I do not try to the best of my ability walk into a conversation tossing out my two cents without prior knowledge or understanding. Romans 12: 7-8 Paul instructs that if your gift is serving, devote yourself to serving others. If it is teaching , devote yourself to teach others. If it is encouraging, devote yourself to encourage others. If it is sharing, share generously. If it is leading, lead enthusiastically, if it is helping, help cheerfully. So whether we find it beneficial to ourselves or not, because of the showing of hatred, contempt, intolerance, or idiocy shall we then turn our backs on those who seek the truth? Jude 17-23 , But, dear friends remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, "in the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires." These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the spirit. But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear- hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. (taken from the Holy Bible NIV) This is my personal hope to accomplish.

Allow me to add two cents with this quote from Octavio Paz,

"Wisdom lies neither in fixity nor in change, but in the dialect between the two."

Answer 9

You are not looking hard enough!

What did you think that you would run into a heap of enlightened people here? Just like you do every day on the street or at work??? hm?

you said it yourself.... you are not "open minded"! and so how can you possibly expect to find them?

I answer your question for those who are to come unless you listen to Aristotle's words very carefully.

Answer 10

Entertainment. I hope to accomplish entertainment for myself.

No one who really wants to accomplish anything does so by hanging around on silly websites answering questions.

And don't ask me how to accomplish something, because I spend my time hanging around on silly websites answering questions.