when someone is looking for advice?

Question

even if they are looking for advice on a belief that isn't yours ...
why do some feel the need to preach and try to sway them ?

someone was just asking for advice on Buddhism and someone them told to find Jesus
why not just be helpful and give them the advice they are looking for or pass the question by ?
I am not Buddhist , but I knew of some information that would help them
If a Christian needed advice , I would try my best to give them any information I could
I have looked up churches , Saints names , Hindu Gods etc...
whats wrong with just doing the right thing and being helpful , instead of seizing a chance to preach ?

Answer 1

This is one of my own pet peeves here too, P. I am like you.. if someone asks a sincere question about a belief that isn't mine, I'm happy to give an answer if I can. I'll even go research it for them on the net and give links where possible.
Just yesterday, a christian was asking for some good gospel songs, and I gave her a link to one.
I've answered questions for buddhists, wiccans, christians, muslims, et al and not condemned them for asking by trying to proselytize them to my own faith. I find it appalling and totally classless when I see people do that.

Answer 2

Because many religions are by nature intollerant of other belief systems. They think that they're right and everyone else is wrong, and they feel the need to try to convince others to believe the same things they do. After all, in their eyes it is THE absolute truth. They thing they *are* doing the right thing and being helpful.

The way I see it, it doesn't make sense for any type of universal spiritual truth that may exist to be culture specific or revolve around a period in human history. It's something that humans can't grasp, which is why they have to come up with stories and metaphors. It's the only thing that makes sense to them. They attempt to personify spiritual truth because the concept of a diety is something that makes sense to them.

The way I see it, since none of us can understand the literal reality of a great universal spiritual truth, people *should* think of it in terms that they understand. The problem comes when they use their beliefs to create an "us and them" mentality, as humans are so very prone to doing.

Anyways, the answer to our question (imo) is that many humans are too insecure to not have a belief system that they hold as literal and absolute.

Answer 3

I agree with you and as a Christian if I see a question that I can not answer, I pass it by.
The other thing that bothers me is when people ask for advice, why people feel the need to be mean or nasty.
I have seen when a Christian asks for advice, some Atheists come in and say "there is no God get over it" or "The bible is a fairy tale" which aren't mean, but almost like the situation you described, but I have also seen people ask for advise and someone called them a loser, or a Ho etc etc
None of it is needed.

Answer 4

You are so right.
I have no particular 'religion' but perhaps feel more spiritual sometimes. But I do'nt try to persuade anyone else of anything other than their own sense of self-belief, respect of others & decency. (That alone sounds 'preachy' doesn't it?! But I think organised religion has always caused more conflict than peace. It's a very deep subject. Sounds like you've got a good heart & plenty of braincells & know the difference between the basics of right & wrong, which (all things being equal) should take you far. Unfortunately there are plenty of nasty people/things in life who may try to spoil things. Maybe you could find out about a philosophy group (or similar) locally where you could find like-minded people to discuss things with. (Remember you're not allowed to knock on anyone's door trying to flog it to them!)
Sorry if I've gone on a bit here, but I do hate to think of good braincells & caring natures going to waste!
Top-Tip: Always keep a sense of humour - if you don't laugh, you'll almost certainly cry!
Good luck.

Answer 5

As Christians we are commanded to preach the gospel of the coming Kingdom of God. Not to preach about Jesus is to deny Him. It's up to the individual to accept it or not. It's there choice. Nobody should ever try to sway a person away from their beliefs - right or wrong - but as Christians we cannot deny Christ.

Answer 6

I believe most people are narrow minded thinkers and it sounds like you are an open minded thinker like I am.I've been full on Jesus lover all my 56 years, but I am open to hearing other ideas and facts. Often they just reassure me I am feeling good about what I believe etc. So many things are passed down like hatred of some minority when you can't categorize a person by his race. Would you want to be categorized by your race if most of your race acted like idiots ? NO. But with religion and politics,people preach a good sermon on their narrow minded ways but so often don't live it. I just say, Oops, I didn't want your opinion, just some facts and that can end the conversation. Remember, the majority of people are narrow minded, it is just a statistic and often a survival mode.

Answer 7

I was writing a similar question the other day....I was raised Christian, but not as so many here seem to define their beliefs. I was taught to be compassionate, forgiving and tolerant. In college, I took religious studies classes, and eventually decided Buddhism suited me best. Interestingly, one can be a practitioner and still maintain ones' previous faith with no contradiction-unless of course, ones' faith demands it is THE WAY. Unfortunate.

Answer 8

I think people love to annoy people and there are a minority on here who are only interested in gaining the 2 points they receive from answering a question whether it is appropriate or helpful. It is really sad but you need to rise above them and offer the best explanation to the proposed question. Most people are intelligent enough to realise that there is nothing you can do about ignorant, unintelligent individuals. Pity them, do not dwell on them.

Answer 9

You expect too much of humanity, (which is good, but it can make you sadder than you should be).
I'm glad you think humanity can grow in your life time, I have given up on humanity in many aspects. This is why I check for Q&A you have given, as it reminds me that humanity has good in it.
Whatever you do to recharge after dealing with humanity - you should bottle and make some huge Ka-ching. (Of course this will change you - so better not.)
Sharks will walk in downtown Topeka, buying salads - before humanity respects each other to the point you do. I'm always amazed reading yours and others (DebraM, etc.) thinking humanity wants to improve. How do you guys do it?
Peace.

Answer 10

First of all, you are beautiful!! You have great eyes and a beautiful smile. If you wanted to try something different, maybe add a shimmery eye shadow (like the gel kind that you get in pencil form). Try a neutral color, like a tan or cream color. Add a little eyeliner to the bottom of your eyes and maybe some mascara. And if you wanted to be adventurous with your hair, maybe try straightening it to see how it would look on you. I think you look great the way you are though!