christians,what's the point of a faith that's so fragile that you're scared to read opposing views?or is that

Question

just the opinion of this particular guy?please read to the END ok without giving irrelevant answers.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AmezlvXAadbgiYqCn95O0.Xsy6IX?qid=20070528194116AAIu94D

ok this Q asked how many christians had read material with OPPOSING views to christianity...and the 2nd answerer "k k " had said "It's just that it's so hard for even the strongest Christian to believe at times, that we shouldn't pollute our minds with any reason not to believe. "

and in another question http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Aryp6a2bWSrkczae1Ta5itLsy6IX?qid=20070528192852AANdeQn a lot of christians had said that they had "better things to do " and stuff....or had read just about ONE book...

why is it,that if christianity makes such perfect sense and you're completely sure of it's validity ,do you REFRAIN from reading other material?
NOTE:no generalizations,i know many VERY eduated ones

Answer 1

I know very few people who read outside their own circles, regardless of religion, race, or political bent. At least you got an honest answer.

I am very well read in atheist philosophies and I find them stimulating and helpful in working out my own faith. I don't think everyone needs to do this or even has the time, but I am glad I get the chance to read and explore ideas.

Answer 2

I see the answer to your question contained in what you've written. When you ask "is that just the opinion of this particular guy" and when you also say "NOTE: no generalizations,i know many VERY eduated ones"

Yes people are different and what you read is the opinion of one person. Although there may be others who share his opinion there are many that don't. Generalizations are always wrong in the greater sense because groups are comprised of individuals - especially a group like "christians" - there are over 9000 different Christian denominations throughtout the world. Whether someone is atheist, or whether someone is a Baptist, Muslim, Catholic or whatever, some people like to be challenged and others don't. Many people believe what they believe because it's easy, they've been told to believe something and so in blind alegiance to their family and culture they believe it without questioning. Other people question everything. Not everyone who questions arrives at the same conclusion. For some it's the series of questions and searching that led them to their faith, for others the same process led them to reject faith, they have instead come to believe that the idea of some kind of higher power is somehow primitive and unscientific. There are priests and preachers that have become atheist, and there are scientists who have become true believers of any given faith.

Apologetics is the field of study concerned with the systematic defense of a position. People who enjoy the challenge and enjoy the debate often become apologists for the position they take, whether that position be for atheism or for their faith. Although many see atheism as the abscence of a faith, in many ways atheism can in itself be a sort of faith. People are just as zealous and just as evangelical about atheism as many are about their brand of christianity.

I think that any intelligent person would enjoy the challenge of a debate on any subject, and there should be no fear in reading an opposing position. I personally was agnostic and then atheist for a good part of my life as a teen and young adult, but later developed a very deep faith. Most of the books I read are books written by authors who share my perspective, many from the early period of ancient Christianity, however I have read many books including the book mentioned "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins. I have also read "The Selfish Gene" and "The Blind Watchmaker" by him as well. I found his books interesting, but not without flaws and some weak arguments, none the less it was interesting. If your faith is that "fragile" as you say that you are afraid to read opposing views then you simply don't know enough about your faith.

Answer 3

You're confusing Christianity with individuality. When utilized the faith of Christianity is strong and stable. It is the individual that may carry weakness.

Some followers are just rather loyal. You are not usually advised from pastors/priests, even in the Bible, to research or be enlightened by the text of other religious works. Christians are also God-fearing and do nto want to take the change of doing anything to defy him. God tells us we should read His Word; He does not say anything of any other word.

Its just simply being a loyal, God-fearing follower. The only reason I have read other texts is solely because of school. while reading, I know it solely education and knowledge. I will admit that some of the thing I've read can be considered positive and inspirational, but I will not allow it to persuade me away from my Christian belief and faith.

Again, their just loyal, God-fearing followers...don't be so judgmental.

EVERYONE has a right to make their own decisions about what to be enlightened about. There is absolutely nothing wrong with deciding to read only the Book or Word of your faith. Is YOUR faith...why on earth would one be compelled to read that of another faith if they are loyal and committed to their own? I'm not discouraging it...its just that its not a horrible thing.

As far as the conversations of opposing ideas...well, I've never heard a conversation between people of different faiths go very well...sometimes even I avoid such comments...its not that we are afraid...we just simply don't feel like getting into it.

again...be less judgmental and more respectful please.

Answer 4

Although I generally do not take time to read about other faiths, I do often listen to the viewpoints of others. My faith is not shaken in the slightest by an opposing view as I know that God exists...and because I have a personal relationship with Him, I know that Christ also exists and is currently with God. I don't try to make a religion out of my faith. It isn't needed. I do what God tells me to do....even if I don't always understand exactly what He wants me to do and those instructions do not come from a book...although they are often in agreement with Bible text.

Answer 5

Well, even if the Jehovah’s Witnesses are absolutely correct in their doctrines, reading what the opposition has to say would better equip them to confront falsehoods in their field ministry. For example, if I want to explain to an evolutionist why the theory is wrong, it would behoove me to develop a working understanding of the topic by actually reading some primary sources. Otherwise, I’ll come across as a buffoon.

Answer 6

It sounds to me like someone who's never really questioned their own faith. DOUBT is the seed of all true faith. Once you have questioned everything, let the chaff fall away, then you will be left with the kernel of true belief. When you know not only what you believe but why you believe it, at the deepest part of your being, there is nothing to fear from other points of view. In fact, when you really understand WHY you believe something, you can usually relate better to other points of view because you can find the common truth in them.

Answer 7

How do you know we haven't read anything else?
I have read many different books and literature on different religions. That is why I choose to follow Christ. To me, there isn't anything like being a born-again Christian. God, Jesus and, the Holy Ghost just makes perfect sense to me.

God Bless You

Answer 8

I am not scared of reading opposing views. I was on that side and I know first hand how it is. I am teaming up with God, and I know that He will win in the end. That is a great feeling.

Answer 9

yes,the first question was mine and i didn't get many responses for it....as a buddhist i try to find out all the problems that people have with buddhism as well...i believe that that's essential to find out if what you think is true

and study of other religions as well can be very enhancing....i really enjoyed my study of christianity,hinduism,islam and paganism...it makes life much more interesting

Answer 10

How can we AVOID opposing viewpoints. They're being drilled into our heads by hollywood, news magazines, our atrociously expensive public schools, court judges and politicians when they're not begging for our votes.

And yet we are still willing to pray.