does anyone from another belief system?

Question

get you thinking ?
do you ever hhmmm at things they say and ponder on it more than others ?

I have seen myself do it with some of the Buddhists ( Mirage and vin especially )
and considering looking more in depth at the philosophies of Buddhism and Hinduism due to some of their Q&A

Answer 1

Of a certainty! I just love it. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (ie I'm a Mormon). I've developed a greater appreciation for the truths found in Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Celtic pagan religions (to name a few). These religions all seem to be coming from love, respect and devotion to God. It is beautiful to see unity in action amongst people from so many different backgrounds.

I must admit, though, the bickering between atheists and Christians is somewhat off-putting... and hasn't let to any kind of "enlightenment" for me. I'm sure Christ has a lot more to offer us in terms of love and wisdom than just John 3:16. I wish other Christians would start thinking (and reading) more in their Bibles that just this one scripture. I wonder if they have even read John 3:16 in the context of the entire chapter?

Answer 2

I gather you are saying does any one from a different belief gets you thinking. I started to read today Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hanh and I like to share something that I read; ''Do not think the knowledge you presently possess is changeless, absolute truth. Avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views. Learn to be open to receive others' viewpoints.'' I have read this from others also and in college we were encouraged to leave some margin at either side, so I definitely think that others beliefs makes us think and also enriches our way of thinking, only self-centred people do not allow outside input.

May you find your way
Best wishes

Answer 3

I have studied a few, I owe my life to Zen, Buddhism, Hinduism and the native spirituality of this country. There is truth in all but one must know how to look. ~ : )

Answer 4

Islam and Christianity, the "daughter" religions of Judaism, have hundreds and thousands of years of war and suppression to their names. The original, Judaism, is peaceful and never made a religious war on those who believe differently.

You have, of course, the Crusades as the prime example.

The reason for the conflict between Israel and the Arabs is that the Arabs, plain and simple, refuse to accept a Jewish state in their midst. They invented this whole idea of a "Palestinian people who deserve a state" just to use as a tool to dismember Israel.

Arab violence against Jews has been going on long before there was an occupation, long before there was a refugee problem--indeed, long before there was a political Zionist movement. Need I present more painful examples? Perhaps even further back, where I hope everyone will agree that the Zionist movement did not yet come into being:

In the centuries after Muhammad there have been periods when the Jews were able to live in relative peace under Arabs, but their position was never secure. They were generally viewed with contempt by their Arab neighbors, and their survival was always predicated on their abject subordination and degradation to them. Mass murders of Jewish "protected people" started in Morocco as early as the eighth century, where Idris I wiped out whole communities. A century later Baghdad's Caliph al-Mutawakkil designated a yellow badge for Jews (setting a precedent that would be followed centuries later in Nazi Germany), and synagogues were destroyed throughout Mesopotamia in 854-859. In Tripolitania, Jews were considered the property of their Arab masters, who would bequeath the Jews to their heirs upon death. In the 12th century, after anti-Jewish riots, the contemporaries commented that their population had 'greatly declined.' ( Middle East Digest, September 1999)

As to how to solve the problem, the only way would be for Israel to defeat the Arabs overwhelmingly, and then dictate the terms for peace. Otherwise, the Arabs will never stop trying to destroy Israel.


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Answer 5

Most religions have the similar roots, you'd be surprised at the similarites between early christians and buddhists philosophy, it's the modern world that has stuffed religion right up

Answer 6

Thanks Pangel: Hinduism does not condemn non-hindus to hell nor does it hate atheists.

Hindu philosophy (Sankhya, Vedanta, Tantra & Yoga) deals mainly with the mysteries of universe, God, life and death.

We do not say other religions "Fake" as some narrow-minded frogs of the well have written here

Hinduism's main prayer is

May all be happy ... May all be enlightened... as whole earth is my family

Answer 7

Yes, a lot of people actually. But for me it hardly has anything to do with their beliefs.

From all sides of the spectrum I see opinions and philosophies that I find nice and can make me think. But the opinions that make me think never have anything to do with their beliefs in gods or whatever.

Contemplative Chanteuse is by far my favorite Christian on this website. I will never share her beliefs in her God, but she has opinions about subjects like child-care and education that amaze me, and truly make me think and learn something.

Edit: note to Loka: I have never used reverse psychology! Ha! :p Okay, maybe once. Or twice. Or thrice. Or, what comes after thrice? Quatribium?

Answer 8

I must admit - yes
but usually the "hmm's" come when I can't difinitively answer a question. I sometimes have questions of my own and that encourages me in my faith because I know there is much to learn....

blessings my dear Pangel :)

Answer 9

Yes. I've learned much from Vinslave's posts about Buddhism and from Proud Muslimah's posts about Islam.

Probably what most makes me think is the conversations I've had with Atheists on here. As well as conversations with you my dear Pangel.

Answer 10

It is definitely worth doing. It takes a lot of study, meditation, reading, going to Dharma teachings, a regular group etc. Keep contemplating, and eventually mental quiesence becomes the gateway to insight. Then...... you stand on the threshold, which may occur in a tiny moment of a never ending infinity, which itself is in the tiniest of moments.....................................................................................