Convincing someone to change religions is rare. So what is the best way to manage the diversity of faiths?

Answer 1

Have a mature understanding of what you believe. If you find yourself becoming angry over a discussion with someone, excuse yourself from the conversation.

I would rather talk later, than to not ever talk to someone again over a heated debate..

Answer 2

Its rare because I don't think any one can convince another person to change religions. People believe the way they do either because that is the way they grew up or the religion they are in seemed to be the right one at the time. All you can do is be an example to that person of Gods love and pray for them. I agree with some of your other writers about managing diversities. You have to be respectful of other peoples rights to choose what ever religion they wish, don't be judgemental, Pray for them and show Gods love in your life. Let your life be a light unto them, but don,t try to tell them they are wrong, because it will drive people away.

Answer 3

Oh dear, where is Rodney King when you need him? "Why can't we all just get along?" yeahrightwhatever.
Yes, I personally do think that we should respect others right to believe in anything that gets them through the night as long as they don't try to impose it on those of differing faiths or lack therof, etc etc ~ but we have found that many of those others not only do not feel the same way, but also feel perfectly justified in propagating their beliefs whenever they feel so inclined. People of most religions treat their own articles of faith as though they were axiomatic.

It appears that on the whole, it is not as acceptable in many circles for someone who does not subscribe to any religion to voice their opinions without starting a chain-reaction of disbelief, shock and awe; with most people simply unable to grasp the fact that if you don't believe in SOME form of "higher power" to defer to, there must be something awfully wrong with your character, or you just haven't "got it" yet.

Since many equate the term 'atheist' with rejection of all that is right and good, they jump to all sorts of absurd conclusions about what your philosophy actually is, mistakenly considering it must be a negative, empty one..

It is too pat, though politically correct and acceptable, just to say we should respect everyone's right to believe in what they want. In a perfect world, perhaps, but the spectacular lack of this sentiment is to be seen everywhere today, and has been from time immemorial.

The only large-scale answer to managing the diversity of faiths which exist in all countries, is to fiendishly and tirelessly protect the division of church and state against all assaults, in your own country at least.

The whole issue defies logic and reason, but when those two are so tirelessly assaulted, and religions clothe themselves in the mantles of righteousness, I can't just be philosophical about it all and throw my hands in the air and let it go when I am confronted by it.
We'll still be asking the same questions a thousand years from now, I'm sure. Maybe it's just a part of being a member of the human race. Oh joy.

Answer 4

I don't hold with the "leave people alone" or "don't discuss religion" ideas. Communication is key to our survival and evolution as human beings. What must be key in our minds and hearts though is respect. Respect for cultures, and faiths, that are different from our own. We must remember that we have more in common as human beings than we have things that separate us in our belief systems. We share the same sun, the same earth. We need water, and food, and purpose. We are of equal value.

It's that last line that tends to give some people trouble, because the moment you introduce an ideology of the "right" thing to do, then it follows nautrally that you will believe some people are "wrong" not by virtue of their actions, but by nature of their beliefs. We need to get over this hill in order to build a diverse society.

Answer 5

Live your faith authentically. Those who are searching for faith will be attracted to your faith. This is the process for change if change is needed.
I think the only difference between the authentic practice of the great faiths of the world, is cultural rather than theological.

Do you think Buddha and Jesus would have problems getting along? And from what I have heard of the Koran, Mohammad would not have any trouble joining in their conversation.

We get so caught up with whose side we are own that we forget the basics of kindness, respect and humility. As Gandhi said, he didn't think anyone had really lived Christianity. We all fall short of our faith ideals. If we worked on them we might look more attractive and be less divisive.

Answer 6

There is a way for us to live in harmony. Though we have diversity of faiths, it doesn't mean we have to divide among ourselves. The best way to cope with this differences is to stop thinking that one's faith is better than other faith or the only way to God. We must convince ourselves that there are many paths to God. There are many way to nirvana. Seeing beauty in other faith while one's keeping his own faith is the way to live together peacefully

Answer 7

Seriously, the best answer is LOVE. Love them past their differences. Respect them past their differences. Be open to learning what you can from each other that's right. Be able to admit when your wrong. Be humble all of the time. And let people live their lives, trusting God to help them along closer to the truth.

p.s.-I am a christian, but I know I am not any better than someone different than me. Love covers a multitude of errors.

Answer 8

This is simple...be tolerant of others who have differnt faiths, and understand that each faith contains wisdom that you can use in your life. The fact is that most religions share the same set of core values (i.e. "do unto others...") though they may be stated and illustrated in differnt ways. The rest is icing on the cake or lace on an otherwise plain dress.

Answer 9

Respect of what other people believe. Attempt to have a (respectful) discussion of their beliefs, and your own - or about who God is, or the purpose of life etc. Don't tell someone they are wrong. If they are willing to listen, tell them what you believe and why, and what experiences you've had (or what you've seen) that reaffirmed your beliefs. Be equally (or more) willing to listen and try to understand where others are coming from. In my experience, most people don't seem to be THAT interested in religion or spirituality. At least, many people seem to think its something too controversial to discuss, or else something that they don't have to think much about - they believe what they want without really critiquing their beliefs, or developing their beliefs in any way. I think its really great when people are willing to discuss and think (deeply) about beliefs and what they (and others) believe. The worst reason to do anything is because "the bible/Qu'ran etc etc says we should" - people need to base their actions on what they know about their God (eg. he is good, loving, just) - would that God approve of some parts of the bible/Qu'ran/holy books? I think it is much more important to base our actions on God, rather than on some specific, translated, hard to interprete accurately, sentence in a holy book.

Answer 10

1. Give each other the grace to be human.

2. Assume the other person has good intentions.

3. Talk, share, and discuss your thoughts, feelings and opinions.

Men talk to communicate information. Women talk to increase a bond and build relationships. Let's all start talking like women to each other.