Why is it so difficult for many christians to understand that their religion is not the only one?

Question

I was reading through answers in response to a question about bibles in schools, and was shocked to see how many people think they should be allowed.

Why do so many people just not understand that their religion, and this can apply to other faiths as well, is not everyone's religion? If you want to study the bible or whatever book, go to your church or a religion-specific school, not public school. That's not just offensive to others, it's downright ignorant. Why can't those who believe this, just accept that others have beliefs that are just as important to them?

Answer 1

*Putting fingers in ears*

LA LA LA LA LA I'm not listening!

Christianity is the ONLY religion!

Kidding.

I think that people should be able to study religion at school, but it should be an independent study course. At the end of the term, they can write an essay on what they've learned about other religions. For example, comparing and contrasting Buddhism and Christianity, or the study of Plato's and Aristotle's philosophies as compared to Hinduism, Buddhism, or Christianity.

I also see nothing wrong with schools having a moment of silence. AND if the majority of students vote to pray to Allah, Jehovah, or WHOEVER before an event, they should be able to do so. If a child wants to bow their head and utter a silent prayer before eating their lunch, I don't think anyone should be able to stop them. If they want to read the Bible, the Koran, or any other holy book at times where it won't disrupt their study, they should be able to so.

In other words, they should have the Constitutionally-granted right to freedom of religion. But I do NOT believe that at any time can the administration endorse a particular religion.

Answer 2

I personally know and believe that Christian is the one true religion- however if the bible has to be taken out of schools, so should other "religious books"- a school district in California is teaching the Islamic religion in the public school system, and having the children live one week as the Muslims live. I do not agree with the Muslim religion, but even if I was not a Christian- doesn't that sound a bit like double standard. If Muslim religion can be taught why not Christian?

Answer 3

Perhaps you are unaware, but the Bible is a text with cultural and historical significance in addition to its religious significance. For example, the first book printed on a printing press was the Bible. I attended a public school, where I was able to study the holy texts of Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, several Native American cultures, and many other world religions. Checked them all out of the school library at one time or another. However, I was not able to study the holy texts of Judaism or Christianity because they were not allowed in the building. How's THAT for discrimination?

Answer 4

I agree. But I think there should be an after-school or lunch-time bible/Christian group allowed at schools. My family tried to get our local primary school where my brothers go, to allow one for those kids who want to go to it. But the school refused. I also think that any other religion should be allowed to have their own group (outside of class-time) if they want to.
I think religion should be taught at school. People should know what all the main religions (and atheism) are about, from a non-biased viewpoint. I understand that non-biased is hard to find, but I know that it is possible. Having religion as a subject could help spread tolerance of and respect for other religions and their believers - and that is really important.

Answer 5

Just a point of clarification. Not all religions believe theirs is the only "true" one. There are many religions that are quite tolerant of diverse viewpoints. Buddhism comes to mind, along with many African traditional religions, such as Vodoun. The need to proselytize is something unique to Christianity and other Abrahamic religions. It is either a severe form of insecurity, arrogance or both. The really ironic thing is these "one and only true God" religions are the youngest. Perhaps tolerance is something that comes with maturity.

Answer 6

Christians don't believe that their religion is the only religion. However, it is true that Christians are the only ones that believe that you must be born again of God's spirit in order to receive eternal life.

As far as having bible study groups in schools etc. you don't seem to be aware of how lenient schools are when it comes to the practice of other religions there.

Answer 7

It's not that Christians don't acknowledge other religions. We know there are other religions. But for one thing if you're teaching history, it's hard not to cover basic Christian beliefs, you also can't ignore other faiths' basic beliefs. Mostly Christians feel that if we have religious freedom then you should be free to not read a Bible and we should be free to read ours sitting next to you.
You also have to keep in mind that Christians are taught to 'Love your neighbor as yourself' and that those who do not believe are going to Hell. So if we truly believe these two things, it's painful to imagine someone going to Hell. Christians don't evangelize to be annoying or offensive, we evangelize because we love you.

Answer 8

If they were to bring bibles into schools, the class would be optional. The government can't make everyone participate in a specific religion.

Answer 9

Because they would then lose their crutch, and have to think. It is alot easier to spout dogma than it is to think about how to live. Christianity is not the only religion that thinks it is the only one, christians are just more annoying. Anyone who espouses a turn or burn platform is cruel and heartless. Most religions view god in thre worst of man's image...jealous, vengeful, and downright mean. I myself practice Metta which is loving-kindness. I have had christians tell me that my 13 year old dead son is burning in hell because he was not born again, but that I could still come to jesus and be saved!!! AS IF!!!!!! One really nasty one even told me he was now satan's boy-toy.....Marx was right...religion is the opiate of the masses...some are just more doped up than others.

Answer 10

Well, mainly for the face that most believe they have the "best" religion. Or the religion that should be believed in by all.
All religions have this.
Most just like to shove it down your throat and make you feel like crap if you believe in a different religion than that of their own.
I myself dont believe in christianity or anything.
Im athiest. Not because I hate god. Not because I believe in nothing. But because its just easier than having to hear people tell you right from wrong about your love in your religion. I dont worship satan or anything either. I just simply dont want the hassle of a religion. The end.