why are people so closed minded that they cannot imagine...?

Question

any other possibilities thean thier own beliefs?

Answer 1

because it's scary to them, thinking their whole belief system could be a lie

Answer 2

Imagining is very different from embracing...

I can imagine many things, I can see the merit and strengths in different philosophical/theological systems.

I can also see the problems with many of them.

Evidence can get you to a point, but even for naturalism/atheism you still at somepoint have to take some leap of faith, as the evidence is not complete.

So, i guess it depends on what you mean by closed-minded. I am willing to have a discussion on just about any theological or philosphical topic. I can even be persuaded to modify a stance if given sufficient evidence.

I will not, however, endorse some system of thought that I think is not true. That does not mean that people do not have the right to believe that system, but I am not required to affirm that belief, only to respect their right to make that decision...

I would also add that truth by its very nature is exclusive. Truth excludes that which contradicts it... The minute you invoke the notion that something is true, you are invoking the notion of that which is contrary to your truth is false. Things cannot be both A and not A at the same time in the same relationship...

Soli Deo Gloria

Answer 3

I wouldn't call myself closed minded but I can't really imagine a belief system outside of my own. I don't have any experiences outside of my own belief system. I can try to imagine how people might feel but I don't think that I could do it accurately. To truly understand a belief system, one must live it. I can read and study about a religion for years yet I'd never really be able to understand it unless I've lived it.

I can understand that others have their own paths to follow but I cannot necessarily understand those paths in depth. I know what I believe and trust my gods. I can't accurately imagine any beliefs other than my own.

Answer 4

As long as they show some internal consistency, I can. However, the law of non-contradiction knows no exceptions, so I cannot imagine that both a and not-a are both true. Call this close-minded if you want, I call it being rational (something along the lines of "never be so open-minded that your brains fall out).

Answer 5

I have and if If you look at most of the other faiths you will find only one that holds up to the test of authenticity and historical reliability. The Bible and that includes following Jesus.

Here are some materials.
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Let_My_People_Think/archives.asp?bcd=4/8/2007
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Let_My_People_Think/archives.asp?bcd=4/15/2007

Or you can get these books.
Jesus Among other Gods - Ravi Zacharias
Case for Christ - Lee Stroebel
Case for Faith - Lee Stroebel
Mere Christianity C.S. Lewis

Answer 6

Imagining it is easy. Then I have to cast the idea off as a silly imagination. Knowing better works for me. You aren't asking people to imagine, you are asking them to accept your beliefs. If I don't believe it, how can I? If we listen to your point of view, that's being open-minded. That we do not accept it is not close-minded.

Answer 7

I do not doubt there are other possibilities. Obviously there are other possibilities!

Those other possibilities simply were not revealed to me as truth nor do they speak to my heart or answer my most pressing questions about our existence on earth or give a hope for the future.

But just because they did not do those things for me, does not mean I doubt they can do those things for someone else.

Answer 8

The way to heaven is narrow ( Matthew 7:14). I'm going to be a part of the " few " that find it and it won't be found by following but one way. So narrow we must be!

Answer 9

I'm not going to change my beliefs about crossing a busy street on a red light, and I'm not going to change my beliefs about eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Answer 10

Belief is one thing, like the belief that a small child has that Santa will bring him a new bike for xmas.
But knowledge is a FAR more useful thing. In EVERY situation.

Answer 11

Some of have studied other possibilities other than our own beliefs, those of us that have, tend to be more accepting of others faith.

Peace!