What have you learned by participating on this site?

Question

1. What have you learned from others.?
2. What have you learned by rethinking your heretofore ideas about religion and yourself?

Wow! Great replies. In my life of 64 years, I have never seen so much honesty. -- Thanks, I hung on every word that was written.

Answer 1

That's a tough one. (almost all of your questions are) When I came to this site, I already had strong ideas about religion and myself, so it's not so much that they've changed,(we all make adjustments) it's more like they've been confirmed and reinforced. One example is: all religious and spiritual perspectives have a place in the grand scheme of things,(we are all related) and no one has a monopoly on Truth. Another important example is: within everybody is knowledge of the meaning of all existence. I see these and many other spiritual truths demonstrated over and over on R&S. It's never exactly how we see it, (there's such a wide variety of unique viewpoints) but there's a general consensus of opinion which has an affirming effect.

Answer 2

I have learned that there's a lot more hatred going on when it comes to religious differences than I would have ever dreamed possible. Naive person that I am, I thought that no one in their right minds could hate someone else purely on the basis of how they did or didn't worship. I never thought that the "yew idol-whurshuppin' heathern Cathlics is all goin' ta Hell, I say, HELL!" kind of prejudice hadn't gone the way of the dodo.

Oh well, it's certainly not the first thing that I've ever been wrong about.

However, I've also learned that there are some great people here who don't judge others on the basis of their beliefs, their skin color, or anything else except their tolerance and sense of humor. Props to all of you out there who fit that description. . .you know who you are.

As far as rethinking my formerly held ideas about religion and myself, I've come to treasure my religion even more than before. I'm not saying that it's *the* religion or even the right religion for everyone. But I value my Catholic faith even more now after the number of times that I've defended it against senseless, bigoted attacks. I love my church, and I'm proud to be a part of it.

I can't say that I tolerate fools any more gladly than I ever have. But at least I've learned to tone down the sarcasm a bit, and that -- for me -- is a fairly big accomplishment. All in all, my experiences here have been positive, and I plan on sticking around until the doors are closed. :-)

Answer 3

1.
I have learned that people who are not solid in their faith cry foul the most.

I have learned that the people who are solid in their faith smile and stay calm when explaining their side of things.

I have learned that there are many bigots.

I have learned that there are some truly good people.

I have learned that no matter if you state that something is your opinion, some jackass will tell you that you are wrong. (yes I can be a jackass too. ;-) )

I have learned that some people need to grow thicker skin.

I have learned that some people need to grow up and stop thinking they know how other people feel, when answering a question.

I have learned that some people are just cranky on some days and not others.

2.
I have moved past most of what is talked of here but I still enjoy reading what people write about their beliefs. I read to see if there is anything that may fill a spot that I might question. So far no joy.

Answer 4

1. I have learned many views of spirituality I had not thought of. I did a lot of searching and thought I knew more then I did. I have also learned what a wonderful gift free will is. I also learned that if I have a real question I will actually get a good answer if I sort through the responses.

2. I have learned more about apologetics in the last six months then in all my 40 years before.

I truly thank GOD for Yahoo Answers. Even the Trolls.

Answer 5

I have learnt of the existence of religions I'd never heard of, such as Ásatrú and LaVeyan Satanism. I've learnt that there are some truly smart and interesting people here. I've learnt that some Christians have truly weird beliefs.

I have discovered that I am not as 'hard' an atheist as I had previously thought. Perhaps not an atheist at all. I have discovered Y!A can be quite addictive (and not in a good way!)
.

Answer 6

The nine months I have been here I have changed from a fundamentalist Christian to someone who is spiritually undefined and questions all religions and beliefs but respects peoples right to choose for themselves

I have learned not to accept things just because the bible says so, that I do not need to hide parts of myself just because I don't fit a certain set of rules and that there are wonderful people in this world that will accept me as i am.

Answer 7

I have learned that regardless of anyone's belief OR faith, that we all have alot to learn.
I've learned that alittle love goes a loooong way
I've learned that my faith is alot stronger than I first perceived it to be and I continually thank God for that
I've learned that there truly are alot of hurting people out there.
I've learned that I'm much more compassionate that I thought I was - to be able to concern oneself with the deep emotional feelings of persons we don't even know personally is a complete revelation to me :)

blessings Uncle Wayne - yet again you succeed in allowing us the blessing of letting our guards down if even just for a moment
(((hugs))) :)

Answer 8

1) That there are many intelligent, mature, and sensitive people out there who know how to carry themselves in public.

2) That for every one of those folks, there are 20 more who don't know the meaning of respect, decency, kindness, or humor, much less how to use them in their daily lives.

3) That there are people out there who not only have a completely opposing view of things than I do but that I can co-exist with them.

4) That there are some people out there with nothing better to do than to show how far arrogance, fear, ignorance, vanity, greed, and immaturity can twist otherwise healthy minds into seething little toilets that they are today.

Answer 9

1. I learned I have a twin brother from a different mother
2. I've learned that there are people that are very offended by Christians no matter how nice we may be (I know not all that proclaim to be Christians are nice...but there are some of us that are)

Answer 10

I didn't know how deep the ignorance was.

Last week there was some post from some religious 'tard stating that god buried all those dinosaur bones and fossils as part of his plan. You could smack some people upside the head with a 2x4 and they'd still say the earth is flat, you know?