Why do people concern themselves with the beliefs of others?

Question

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, personally?
I'm asking again, explain please?

Answer 1

Very good question. If the examples that you listed were all that were involved, then it would be fairly straight forward to say "No harm, no Foul". NOTE: I'll use the term 'religious" to apply to all religions and try not to single out any particular one.

What is a problem is when all students are forced to pray to a particular god as opposed to giving them an opportunity to spend a moment to pray, reflect, meditate or whatever. The first is not called for, but the second should accommodate all.

A single, particular religion's view of creation should not be taught, on the other hand a survey of the major religion's creation veiws could be - this should not be done in contrast to science, i.e. it should be done in a respectful fashion without pointing out the holes in them. Evolution as a scientific model should be presented in the appropiate science classes.

Singing songs with religious referrences should be ok, however forcing all to sing songs of religious affirmation should not be. Individual expression using religious songs, writings, poems, etc should be accepted and respected.

A religion's particular morality should not be legislated for all to follow, for example some religions may think alcohol is wrong, but others who do not share those beliefs should be able to purchase it on Sundays.

Religious attire should be allowed, as long as it does not impair identification at airports or other places where terrorist activity may occur. In other words, religion can bend for a few moments to ensure safety for every one - any god that would find offense with that is, well, rather short sighted.

To sum it up, religions should be respected for all, but not forced on those that belief differently or not at all.

Answer 2

No, children singing in school would neither break my back nor pick my pocket. I've never said it would. The danger is in allowing the government and government run facilities to endorse, promote and even organize group worship &/or recognition of a specific religious deity or specific religious faith. If a child breaks into song in the middle of class, I expect the teacher to put an end to the disruption no matter what the song. If a child or a few children sing to themselves during recess, no big deal. If 50 students meet every day at the flag or the lunch benches, etc etc, and have a Bible meeting, that's another problem.

The graves issue is an entirely different issue, and it's only seemed to be an issue when it comes to military graves.

If gay and straight had completely equal property rights, that would be wonderful, but what do you mean, would gays be "harmed" if they were MADE to keep affection private? Do you mean no hand holding, no romantic touching a hand to a cheek, no pecks, no kisses, no sitting together, no referring to each other as "honey" or "darlin'" or "husband" or "wife"? How would that be enforced? WHY would it be enforced? Why enact that law at all?

A Muslim woman in a hajib doesn't hurt me. It's an oppression to HER. Sometimes I care that other people are being oppressed. Maybe that seems strange to you, but so what?

My religious FREEDOM is threatened every time the separation of church and state is violated. EVERYONE'S is threatened even if they are the ones being favored... they just don't realize it.

Answer 3

As far as children singing christian songs in school.... The atheists don't like it when their children are forced to sing the songs as well. Education is one thing, but pressing religion on a child when they don't know any better is something that should be avoided.

I can see where you're coming from, though. In a lot of cases there are the people (christians and atheists alike) who believe their way of thinking is better and they do not understand why anyone would think otherwise. For some reason the thoughts occupy more of their time than it rightfully should, and it causes them to become more active towards the group in an effort to change their way of thinking.

Personally, i could care less about what a person believes so long as their attitude towards me is a respectful one.

It's the same everywhere you look. Christians have to wrap themselves up on the subjects of homosexuality, atheism, gay marriage...etc.... they can't just let people live their own lives. They have to "save" people.

If everyone just "live & let live" this would be a much better world to live in. Unfortunately, i can't see that happening anytime in the immediate future.

Answer 4

Good question. Have you ever had someone try to force their beliefs down your throat? How about those who want to censor science for telling the truth because it does not agree with their mythical beliefs? What about all the people whose beliefs say that they should hate gay people and prevent them from having visitation rights to their partners who are dying in the hospital? Shouldn't gays be concerned about these people? What about the Atheist or Jehovah's Witness child who is humiliated and ridiculed by her Baptist teacher for not wanting to say the new pledge of alleigance? How about a young girl who is forced to become wife number 3 or 4 to a Muslim man against her will or whose clitoris is cut off at puberty? Should she be accepting of the man's beliefs? When other's beliefs are codified into law or imposed on people, they rightfully get upset.

Answer 5

I like to profess my personal faith. I wish everyone believed as I do and maybe the end of violence and hatred would succomb to peace and love.

I guess the faith that I believe in, is something I like to share with people of different faiths, or no faith, or the people that believe in a creator, but find no need to follow him at this time in their lives.

The real true Christian (me I hope) tries to love all people. I let people live in their belief and respect them for that. Faith is a gift from God and is not understandable why some have great Faith and others reject it or have questions about the "right" religion.

Some people have no concept of God and/or the history of the Bible. I think Christians have a responsibility to tell their stories about their belief in God and His Son Jesus. If their faith is strong and they have the Son of God as their personal Savior, people inquiring and seeking knowledge about this forgiving God; should be able to hear it from that Christian individual. But never should anyone be forced or ridiculed or told that they are going to hell. That is God's job handed down at the final judgement and no one knows God's love and forgiveness except his son Jesus;so we must not force anyone no matter what religion they believe in.

Examples;
If someone was drowning I would toss them a life preserver to help save them.

If someone came to me and was finding it hard to cope, I would tell them about how Jesus had to cope, and that they can get through it and I would help them too!

If someone was looking at the world and thought it flat, I would correct them with knowledge from science that it is really round.

I would give a personal testamony on how I sinned but followed God and got out of it.

So with that I think everyone has a concept of life and wants other people to know the way. Some are not Christian and some are half-hearted Christians.

So I guess my belief is bursting out of me but I don't try to change their belief and practices. Trying to be the best I can be, and actually preaching my religion through my actions is prime in my life. Actions of love and forgiveness are the center of my life. But if someone is placed in my space and faith fills my heart to talk about my relationship with my God and how He may help them, I will talk God and if they reject my help, I will still respect and pray for them. God is the final judge and not me.

Answer 6

i agree. i have learned some very disturbing things about religion since joining this site, especially about christianity - it's not as peaceful and kind as i thought.
being pagan, i have always encouraged my kids to learn about other religions, not just ours, so they can make an informed decision about how they want to connect to the divine (if at all). my older 2 (12, 14) walk my path of witchcraft, and my younger one (9) chooses to be somewhere between a witch and an atheist - lol - but thats ok with me. i have friends of many different polytheistic and monotheist faiths and enjoy learning about their customs, traditions, beliefs and most of all foods. my oldest's best friend is jewish/christian and most of the other 2 kids' friends are christian, catholic and pagan.

i don't think people should be so afraid to have someone else's beliefs around them, i think they should feel privileged that they get to connect with someone who may help them learn about life, or see things a different way.

Answer 7

I'm with you on most of it. I will say this whole middle east killing the americans because they are christians thing is my big issues. When people kill, torture, maim, threaten any violence in the name of religion thats where I draw the line on tolerance.
The problem is its typically "in the name of religion" and is most likely not an actual religious belief.

Answer 8

Like I have stated many times, I do not concern myself with them (or at most I'd be interested from a historical and mythology perspective) unless

- religion tries to sneak into science class (see creationism)
- tries to meddle with affairs of state (see separation of...)
- discriminate against groups of people (many examples, but see: homosexuality)

otherwise, I'm pretty much indifferent to other people's belief systems. Strangely, a lot of the stuff I mentioned seems to be happening.

Answer 9

there are people who are concern about other religions and their beliefs besides my own,so that i'll know the way they do their daily chores,like the way they dress,the days they attend to their prayers and that way i can live more hamoniously knowing their ways of lives because you cannot live alone in this small world,those who are 'threatened'by others'beliefs are people who believe in something which they are themselves have no faith and no confidence,in other words they do not know what they belief.

Answer 10

I've been trying tio get people to see this, but some people are so thick headed, they are filled with hate and the only place for it to come out is their mouth.

It's sad really,
unless an action could hurt me or my family,
I say whatever floats your boat.