In what ways are you afflicted by the religious beliefs of others?

Answer 1

It scares me when politicians forget about the whole "seperation of church and state" thing. Religion is becoming a huge deciding factor in our political races and that is an outrage. I don't like to see people use their religion as a way of saying that they're better than everyone else. Also, when they state their beliefs as fact, so if you don't believe like they do, you're evil and going straight to hell. I prefer to be able to have educated discussions with open minded people that can handle the fact that not everyone agrees with their opinions. I have no need for the childish ones that take cheapshots at other religions or non-religions because they're different. When people use their religion or lack of religion to be hurtful towards others, can they really be doing a good thing?

Answer 2

I am not religious, but I don't mind others being so. I respect the dedication and faith it takes to truly commit to a religion. So, I am not really "afflicted" by others beliefs at all...to each his own. More than anything I find the believers fascinating-that one could go against all common sense and devote themselves anyway. I also believe that religion serves as checks and balances for some, without it they would do whatever they felt like. Some people would be lost without it.

Answer 3

This is a free country here in the US...freedom of religion included. No one should be AFFLICTED by anyone else's religious beliefs here. They should not even be affected by anyone else's religious beliefs against their will.

Answer 4

I find great joy in hearing about all the things people believe and that neither they nor myself can prove one way or another.

Isn't it wonderful that we can explore such ideas!? Isn't it wonderful that we can gather with others with similar beliefs? Isn't it strange that others would deny us the chance to do so by insisting that only their beliefs are allowed, and all others should stop (though I can accept the idea that I am bad/cursed/going to hell, just not those who would actually stop me HERE from whatever I choose to believe).

Freedom of religion. Wonderful thing.

Oh, I'm not religious.

Answer 5

I know of a woman who is denied contact with her grandchildren because her son-in-law "shuns" this woman's partner.

[same son-in-law also has "disowned" his own mother (and stepfather)] (who are "office-holders" in the same denomination .... )

this son-in-law holds intense religious positions

sure makes "fruit of religion" look toxic

/*****/
affliction #2:

... is it possible that wars are being fought by behaviours resulting from religious beliefs?

if so, an enormous amount of social strife ensues

social strife degrades quality of life for almost everyone

Answer 6

My life is afflicted by christians in general...because this country is comprised of mostly christians...they don't want to allow gays to marry...they want bible studies to be taught in public schools...they want devotionals and prayer to be lead daily in our public schools regardless of others' beliefs...they want laws to tell a woman what she can and cannot do with her own body...they want to stop stem cell research even thought there are many diseases that could be cured through stem cell transplants...those are just a few...

Answer 7

LOL...well, yeah, I'm gay, so there ya go.

Not that I consider myself to be "afflicted." It's not like they can actually stop me from living my life, as much as some of them might want to. They've barred me from getting hitched in the name of their religion, working through the medium of politics, putting my rights up for the popular vote (and of *course* anti-gay amendments pass, because people generally just think "Why should I give a damn? Screw 'em"). But, you know, so what. I don't doubt that I'll see that change in my lifetime.

I think it sucks that there are so many attempts to hobble our public school system with creationism in science class, as if it were 1925 all over again. I think it sucks that grown adults who believe that "The Rapture" will occur within their lifetimes are allowed to vote in my democracy, and that they vote accordingly! I think it sucks that people continue to put their "faith" in fairy tales, and allow themselves to be deceived and manipulated by so-called authorities who tug at their heartstrings.

But, ya know...lol. What are ya gonna do?

Answer 8

I dislike having to listen to old men telling me I'm going to burn in hell as I wait to cross at the lights in my capital city.

I worry about decisions (that may affect me) being made with reference to a 2,000+ social code & understanding of the world.

However, I am also concerned that without liberal religions, there is no-one to teach children to be polite, considerate and kind.

I am an atheist but I prefer interraction with children raised by liberal Christians, Muslims, Buddhists etc than those brought up with no moral or social guidance.

Answer 9

Well, religious beliefs of others block medical research, medical care, cause wars in foreign places, etc.

In general, I have a greater chance of dying because of the religious beliefs of others.

Answer 10

Honestly? I fear. I am terrified for my kids in world of Southern Baptist. Thou shall not suffer a witch to live. Some ppl take that more literally then you wold ever believe. I am worried that they will be teased or outcast for MY beliefs. They haven't found thier path yet. I am scared of what will be pumped into them, what they will "believe" to be like thier friends. I am afraid they will follow a path out of fear instead of honest belief. I am afraid of what laws pass based on Christianity and nothing else. I practice in fear, I don't pray out loud for fear of others judging me. You have no idea how much it affects my life. If it weren't for my kids I could care less what ppl think of what I believe. For my kids? They have no idea what it all means. I don't want them hurt because of what some bigot tells them.