I understand that people are curious about the beliefs of others, and have legitimate questions. I even understand that atheists might be curious about Christianity and other belief systems, and that people of faith might have questions about atheism.
What I don't get is how or why people seem to feel threatened by other people's beliefs? Would it harm the atheist if the Christian child sings "Jesus loves me" in school? Would it harm the Christian if Pagans got to put their religious symbol on their dead loved one's graves? Would it harm straight people if gay folks got the same property rights as straight people, or would gay people be harmed if they were made to keep their affection behind closed doors? How does a Muslim woman in her hajib hurt you, personally? Sure, these ideas may be strange to you, but so what? Unless someone actually has a sword at your throat or a gun to your head, how is their religion threatening you?
Explain please?
2007-03-25 16:13:37 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I find it incredibly interesting that, out of all the things mentioned, Beletje_vos' one concern was for the atheist kid in school with the Christian kid singing "Jesus loves me."
But, Beletje...you didn't say WHY the atheist kid would be "at risk"? Are there like, some sort of magic rays that blast him whenever he hears the name "Jesus"??
2007-03-25 16:25:37 · update #1
Hmmm...maybe if we exposed the Christian kid to a bunch of atheist kids going "Darwin was cool, Darwin was right, Evolution rocks, it's outta sight" or something similar, would that make it "even"??
2007-03-25 16:30:50 · update #2
I feel the same way you do. I actually posted a question very similar to this one awhile back. I feel like, religiously, as long as a person believes in something positive the enriches their life and doesn't bring harm to others then I'm ok with it. I get annoyed when people go off on other religions and waste time trying to argue with others over which religion is the "correct" one. It just brings up conflict and isn't positive. I also get annoyed when people of other religions try to force theirs on others. I understand that some say to go out and spread the word, but it's often done in a rude, condescending, or inappropriate manner and just gives the people of that religion a bad name.
2007-03-25 17:32:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunatly for most, I think it is more the "fear of the unknown" as opposed to a TRUE threat being caused by the others religion which threatens people. If someone trully attempts to understand anothers religion they would likely find there is no threat. There are people of every religion who are "kooks" and "extreemests" but I dont think this really covers the majority of believers of any given religion.
2007-03-25 23:27:37 · answer #2 · answered by Aurora 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The short answer is that religion of any sort is harmful, and society would be substantially better off if there were no such thing. For one thing, that would immediately cure problems in Palestine, Iraq, Iran, Kashmir, Chechniya, Bosnia, and a host of other places. More importantly, it would be the end of people failing to use their brains to figure out how the world works, instead of believing in superstitious nonsense. That would free people up to spend energy on activities that are actually useful.
2007-03-25 23:26:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
To me, the religion itself isn't threatening, it's just that some people of certain denominations do too much, as in, they go so far as to preach "the right way to live." I'm Catholic, and yes, I am curious about other religions, but I'm not going out of my way to demoralize someone just because he or she follows a different doctrine. Hate to single these people out, but Jehovah's Witnesses are known to go door to door, trying to convince us that our beliefs aren't right. And there is not right or wrong belief, there simply is. I know I didn't really answer your question, but this is my opinion. No one's religion threatens me, it's just that some people degrade me by looking down on my own beliefs, and that is what is disrespectful.
2007-03-25 23:22:47 · answer #4 · answered by someone in the world 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Would it harm the atheist if the Christian child sings "Jesus loves me" in school?
If the atheist is forced to also, or made to be quiet as the child sings... YES.
2007-03-25 23:18:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some were non-believers too at one time. Then they had first hand accountability, solid evidence that God does exist. Well this is great news that you have got to share and yes convince others. The problem is when it is not done out of Love.
As far as the gay issue. Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed for its ways. I wouldn't want to live in a town that was going to be destroyed for it's practices. Even King David and his son Solomon's united kingdom of Jews were eventually scattered by its perversion of biblical ways. The political correctness of the world can not change God's mind on what he deems as detestable. Some people choose death long before they actually die. ( spiritual death)
2007-03-25 23:36:45 · answer #6 · answered by Dennis James 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Because they think it'll earn them "holy points." At least for the religious folks. Atheists just get pissed off easily.
2007-03-25 23:16:43 · answer #7 · answered by Gordon Freeman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When one has found Truth one wants others to know this Truth.
You do not find a treasure and then bury it.......
You do not find something that makes you happy and not want others to have it so they'll be happy to.......
This is why people want to share the Gospel to others who do not yet believe.
2007-03-25 23:24:09 · answer #8 · answered by Veritas 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋