I am a Pagan, and I have friends of many varieties... Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Agnostic, Atheist, Buddhist, Hindu... but what am I doing wrong here on the Religion & Spirituality section to be treated the way I am?
I do not tell Christians that their God is evil and that they are going to burn for an eternity for believing in him.
I do not tell Atheists that not believing in a God is idiotic and illogical, and that they're delusional.
Quite the opposite. I believe there is more than one truth possible, and that truth is quite subjective.
What have I done wrong to be told that I am insane? That my beliefs well get me placed in Hell? That I'm misguided? That I believe in stories?
I thought everybody would follow the Golden Rule of "Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You".
Am I wrong to expect respect from the various religious groups (and lack there of) on my religion if I respect each of them? Especially here on R&S?
2007-04-09 11:41:03 · 27 answers · asked by Lady Myrkr 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There are some extremists that haunt these boards. Don't let their hate bother you.
Besides, at least I still love you. ;p
2007-04-09 11:43:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 2⤋
The internet always has people who's only goal is to create trouble. Unfortunately people like being nasty. On the other hand you are on a site where people are passionate about their beliefs. You probably shouldn't post here if you can't handle that. Having said that, sometimes you have to take a stand. You can't stand in the middle of religious debate and try to stay nuetral, it just won't work. All religions weren't created equal. If you believe that everybody's religion is valid then by default you make others religions pointless. For example: Some people say "all religions lead to the heaven, their all praying to the same God". I believe in the Trinity (God the Father, Son & Holy Spirit as One God), Muslims believe in one god. Those two cannot exist together. I believe that Jesus (God the Son) came in the flesh and died for our sins (Yours too) but that would make him crazy if he came and had His feet nailed to the cross while others could obtain that same goal without even believing in Him.
One's faith is an important. This is one time you have to take sides or sit on the sidelines.
You are right about one thing, people don't have to be so nasty. It appears to be a sign of the times. But unfortunately we all have to put up with it. Good Luck.
PS: If you pray, ask God, with an open heart to show you the truth. It is a matter of life and death. I'm praying for you.
Peace!
2007-04-14 23:08:31 · answer #2 · answered by learning_lyfe 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many people will look down on anyone that doesn't believe the same way as they do. It is a social stance that many religions have adapted. The Christians look for the lost. The atheists just think every god fearing person is nuts. SO on and so forth. There is nothing that you can do about it. Sorry that is a fact, that is why many pagans only talk about their faith to the inner circles. Bend and be silent in the wind of discord. Allow the ones that stand against the wind to snap in the storm of religious righousness. In cruder form, stay quiet about your faith and they will waste their time and energy on someone else or get attacked by someone else.
2007-04-17 16:45:26 · answer #3 · answered by bluesagedragon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the problem here is that your friends have a foundation on which to base their beliefs where yours are more, as you say, "subjective". Your friends have a concern for you out of love, I believe, based off the knowledge they have received and the countless tesimonies that they have based off their religious beliefs. No, you are not wrong to expect respect from your friends, but you too should also respect their beliefs.
2007-04-17 02:15:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds to me like some ppl just gotta hate,bash on u.
Got nothing better to do to make themselves feel better.
I'm 1 of Jehovah's Witnesses' & we are taught to be respectful of all people of all nations; walks of life; religions etc...
I had a conflict going on in my family, where I quite literally wanted to pulberize her face & body. I took it to the Scriptures, did alot of research and this is what I got (in short)....I'm trying to be a Christian, she is not...in other words...I can't expect her to be kind,loving or forgiving, as I strive to be.
Don't let 'em get cha down.
Keep ur head up.
And keep respecting ppl as u do
p.s. Yes, I'm a Christian, a Witness of Jehovah,that does mean I'm not human, & if some1 tramples all over me/ disrespects my family, etc... that I wouldn't want things set right. And so it was....about 3 yrs., later she apologized to me, I accepted, and then she got divorced moved out of the State. She's no longer in my life.
2007-04-17 16:23:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'll keep is as short as I can. in your case, ignorance is not bliss. it's stupidity. unfortunately for those with a brain, people fear the unknown, uncommon (in their world) and differences. Their words are cowardess, not hate. if any of them took the time to really believe in what they follow, they would know that to demean you of your beliefs is very hypocritical. so I say, try your hardest to find the underlying message is their words (if any) and turn the other cheek. there is no use trying to figure out people that don't haved it figured out themselves. I apologize from one human to another if you were hurt by anyone on here...because you are right: everyone should follow the Golden Rule. but in this day and age my dear, that's easier said than done. Try to gain knowledge and strength from your feelings. it sounds to me that you shouldn't have to difficult of a time doing that. Good luck!!
2007-04-09 18:48:56 · answer #6 · answered by desireme112 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
What are you whining about? Your a pagan. If you decide to remain a pagan you will have to face the backlash from anyone who questions your beliefs. It makes no difference whether you are Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Agnostic, Atheist, Buddhist, Hindu. It is just a fact of life. So if your a pagan... I respect that. Keep your chin up and defend your beliefs instead of crying in your soup. The world is an interesting place because so many of us are so uniquely different. You are a facet of a diamond... so let it shine baby.
2007-04-09 18:47:31 · answer #7 · answered by ddead_alive 4 · 4⤊ 3⤋
We've done something wrong in a past life... bad karma. Best thing to do is to meet what you perceive as "bad treatment" with understanding (knowledge of the causes and conditions that make people act that way), and compassion and just let it go. Try to stop real harm and suffering when it's caused, educate others where you can, and the rest is best to let go with a calm mind that is not blown about in the wind like this.
Just a thought. Hope you feel better soon.
_()_
2007-04-09 18:45:46 · answer #8 · answered by vinslave 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋
You know what the problem is? Everyone has to be 'right'. Too many people are fanatical about their beliefs and nonbeliefs. Too many have the 'You are wrong, I am right' attitude. Too many spend their time defending what they say rather than challenging their own virtues as well as others and doing it in a way that is not degrading or insulting to others. Stick with people who are more openminded and less hostile.
2007-04-09 18:46:54 · answer #9 · answered by Maureen B 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
True,i believe everyone deserves to be respected for their own choice.However,it is not a disrespect that some of them say that you get placed in hell.It is what they believe,only that maybe they didn't say it in the right way. There should be no compulsion in religion.To you be your religion,and to me mine.Best of luck.
2007-04-16 14:55:53 · answer #10 · answered by ajoke77 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just make you belief a bit more stronger, these people will automatically get less importance by you and hence would give up.
All the best baby.
2007-04-12 07:22:40 · answer #11 · answered by Vinni 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋