I have a bumpersticker that reads: "Against Abortion? Then Don't Have One!" I just cited this as one example. This question is NOT about abortion!! It is about whether you feel it is right to FORCE others to do something, or not do something simply because the majority believes it's right! No matter what the issue is!!
2007-04-22 17:40:42 · 45 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No one is going to say yes to this because the ones who are doing the shoving down the throat thing don't see it that way, the see it as "saving" you from yourself and your own ignorance.
2007-04-22 17:44:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
Forcing belief on others takes dozens of forms from subtle psychological controls to certain death. To tell a lie is most often a means of forcing your belief on others.
To kill people who do not agree with you; is considered the most effective, especially if they have no desire to support you in the manner to which you are accustomed.
Even political spin is a method of maintaining (forcing) certain beliefs.
The answer to your question is a big, solid no. However you must realize that telling or presenting the truth, as best you know it, on any issue can never be considered as forcing belief on anyone.
It is only when you attempt to bypass a persons will that force becomes an issue. The fact that I might be offended by the truth is not an issue of force; nor is a body count of those who agree or disagree an issue.
Finally your question spills over into the democratic process where a majority vote rules. The vote should prevail over the minority.
If it comes to a question of your sacred honor, then you have the choice to put your life on the line. This has always been true despite the form of government.
2007-04-22 18:16:57 · answer #2 · answered by Tommy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you really think it is possible to force some-one to believe what you want them to by force? I know that the question is not abortion but you used it as an example and your example is ok for me, lets take abortion as an example, then,no matter what the issue is does forcing the issue really force some-one to change their view if so why are there still abortions going on?and if you say what aboutreligion then why is there so many atheists if you can force your beliefs on others?I know it's not possible to force someone to your belief because it has been tried on me, but I refused and have kept my ownbeliefs that I have researched .just like any other person cherishes their beliefs so did and do I and everyone else does also, this is why it is impossible to force someone to believe something against their will. No,Nothing done by force is acceptable.
2007-04-22 18:20:10 · answer #3 · answered by I speak Truth 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, I don't think people have the right to force my beliefs on others. However, society has the right to put limits on what people can and cannot do in order to maintain a civil society. In the abortion issue you brought up, I believe women have the right to an abortion, but I have no problem with banning "partial birth abortions"......a restriction that does not remove a woman's "rights".
2007-04-22 17:45:58 · answer #4 · answered by zowar1363 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you saw some innocent person about to be robbed and murdered in a dark alley, wouldn't you take action to stop the killer from offing his victim? At least call the police? Or would that be "forcing your beliefs" on the killer, just because the majority believe that robbing and killing people in dark alleys is wrong?!
The law of the land forces people to do things all the time-- drive with insurance, not kill people, not steal from stores -- simply because the majority thinks it's right.
If you see some guy in a trench coat with a gun kidnapping a kid from a schoolyard, are you going to DO something about it, or just walk on your merry way, knowing that you're not "forcing your beliefs" on anyone by preventing the man from hurting a kid?
It seems to me that your logic needs an awful lot of rethinking...
2007-04-22 17:50:51 · answer #5 · answered by mollykees 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think it is good to share one beliefs, but never force them upon another. That would require them to bend to someone else's Will. And that would be against Gods reasoning to give people Free Will to choose for themselves as He has.
Besides there is more to the dynamics to the reasons why people do what they do. I will still love them no matter what their decision is. I don't have to understand their reasoning on their choices. I just need to stand by them even if I disagree with them.
Those who FORCE others to do something is no better than FORCING Africans into slavery. Or the Egyptians FORCING the Jews into slavery. If we must compare as far back as that. And when Jesus walked the Earth, He did not FORCE people into thinking the way He did. Or to believe His teachings. Did He stop loving them? No. And He loves them still.
2007-04-22 18:36:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nay, I say nay. Now about your abortion bumpersticker example. I am rather curious. What say ye, are you to force another person to have or not have an operation; or was it only a suggestion?
2007-04-22 17:49:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forcing religion upon its inhabitants has been done in Muslim countries for over 1200 years or thereabouts.
What is done is that one doesnt get a job or even security if not a believer or a participant. And death is the penalty for changing to Christianity or any other religion.
In a free USA society, sure one can walk away, but in a Muslem country "walk away where to?"
Forcing is done thru cohersion and the word of God, the Koran, commands it.
2007-04-22 17:48:17 · answer #8 · answered by Shamir 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
So a simple sign is FORCING beliefs on others? As far as I read that it puts a questionmark after the against abortion..and it gives a solution to those who are against it. I mean there is such a thing against freedom of speech..expressing views is not begging, forcing..telling, demanding etc anyone to go along with it..it is expressing a view..and those who wish to think about the view are free to do so, to act upon it, agree with it or not..sheesh are we not allowed to speak any more??
Do drinking ads on tv force you to go drink? Does the constant news reports on drink driving accidents force you to go do the same?? I mean come on now!
2007-04-22 17:46:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I feel that you bumber sticker advocates free choice, which is what this country was founded upon. Our constitution was actually drafted because our 'Founding fathers' did not want 'the majority' to be able to rule. Suppose that a majority of people wanted to restrict our freedoms completely, and abolish our constitutional rights; this would not pass because it goes against the constitution. It would go to the supreme court, and they would, probably, over turn it. While the majority is supposed to rule when it comes to the elections of politicians, the majority cannot over ride the constitution.
2007-04-22 17:50:55 · answer #10 · answered by haywoodwhy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't understand why when someone speaks their mind about a subject, and someone else hears it or reads it that it can be construed as Forcing your View on someone. Just because YOU don't Agree with Them. Did you ever think for one moment, "Maybe they ARE Right"? Or Maybe "I'm Wrong"? Most people know what is Truly Right and what is Truly Wrong! Besides that, You can't Really Force your beliefs on someone else, they have Free Will!
2007-04-22 17:46:33 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋