What avenues are open to forge a peaceful co-existence if 2 religious beliefs tend to antagonize each other?

Answer 1

Common ground. People have more in common than they have differences, even if their faiths are polar opposites. We all want health, financial security, peace on earth, certain freedoms, well-behaved kids, etc. When we focus our energies on those things we have in common, rather than picking apart our differences, we will find we can calmly and peacefully talk about those differences down the road.

Answer 2

They just have to decide to live in peace together. An unlikely outcome. When religious views differ, most people are not happy to agree to disagree, and they set their sights on the differences between their beliefs instead of focusing on the reason and purpose of the belief in the first place. I know many Baptists who believe what they believe simply because it's what they've been told and have never considered any other possibility. I am related to some in the Pentecostal movement who do the same. I was, for a very long time, the same. It's just what people do. We fight over differences and never look at similarities to try to find truth.

Answer 3

There is no good research evidence of a correlation between bipolar disorder and "getting religion" in the middle years. A bipolar disorder is an affective disorder (e.g., significant mood swings) and is not usually associated with a thought disorder or delusions unless one happens to be experiencing a manic state or severe depression (even then not necessarily). People with schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorder, and some of you more severe personality disorders (e.g., schizoid, borderline, schizotypal) may have a thought disorder, delusions, and auditory hallucinations. Sometimes (but not all the time), their idiosyncratic beliefs have strong religious associations. The first "psychotic break" typically occurs in the late teens to early twenties. Interestingly, there is a body of research which suggests a strong association between mental health and a sense of spirituality or religion. The real DSM IV "acid-test" is about the consequences. Does it inhibit or compromise social/vocational/interpersonal functioning in some meaningful way? If not, it wouldn't be considered pathological. In other words, there is nothing inherently pathological about the extraordinary belief that you met an angel. The debate as to whether you and millions of theistic "others" are deluding yourselves or not, will probably never be completely settled. It would be much better to focus on your level of functioning and not be too caught up in labels like "bipolar" which is often over diagnosed and lets not go overboard with the idea of "magical thinking". A belief in a vist from an angel is not sufficient to qualify. (this is comming from an atheistic-leaning agnostic). Plus, we all have some degree of magical thinking. Good luck!

Answer 4

Dear Mr. Pisc,

i think the two individuals have to value that the other person's beliefs are different, and respect the other individual's right to believe what they believe. That being said- there is room for discussion about differences but that depends on the nature of the exchange.

It's hard to say without knowing the exact context that you are speaking of. Something like two co-workers vs a husband and a wife are two different situations and affect different people (ie: if there are kids involved between a husband and a wife).

i say this as a Pastor who has a brother who is an atheist. i love my brother to death and i've shared my beliefs with him and vice versa. We don't agree, but that doesn't preclude me from loving him.

Feel free to email me with more specifics and i'll be more than happy to offer any advice that might help.

Kindly,

Nickster

Answer 5

Depends on the religions and their convictions. From what i have seen nothing. No peaceful co-existence can be achieved between two waring religions until only one is left standing and the other has converted their rivals masses through fear and force.

Answer 6

It is already laid out via the plea recorded in 1 Corinthians 1:10. If so called 'christians' will only take time to read and think about this verse. And that's only referring to people under the same umbrella group!

Answer 7

Even two brothers raised in the same family will disagree to the point of fisticuffs, so why worry? It will pass, and peace will reign.

Answer 8

Ditch the religious beliefs and be kind to one another.

Answer 9

hey now - that sounds an awful lot like stirring the pot here between the athesists and the fundies....
play nice.

Answer 10

Self-control, understanding, compassion.