Why is it that those who answer in favor of freedom of religion get so many thumbs down?

Question

I was reading the answers to a question someone asked on "which religion is right" and I noticed something. Many people on there answered that the right religion is "whatever feels right to you" or that "you should choose whichever one feels right to you", etc. The crazy thing is is that all these answers that stated this had at least one thumbs down and most of the time they had more. I've seen this question asked many times before with the same results. So I'd like to know what you would give to this kind of answer. would you say "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" to someone who answered a question on the right religion with "whatever feels right to you" and why?

Answer 1

1) Most theists don't agree that all religions are equally right. They tend to think theirs is the only right one, and all others are wrong

2) Claiming the truth of religion varies from person to person is, to some nonsense. It leads to contradictory "truths". It is like saying "To me, that animal is a dog, but to you, it is a chicken". If A and B contradict, they can't both be correct. (In the case of religion, however, it can't be demonstrated with 100% certainty which, if any, is correct)

While I am in favour of freedom to adhere to whichever religion you like, the fact you believe it doesn't make it true.

As to whether I would thumb it down or not, that would depend on the argument defending the position. A clearly flawed argument gets TD, a particularly good argument gets TU, and most answers (like your examples) are just left.

Answer 2

Personally, I would give such an answer a "thumbs down", because I think it is a mental cop-out.

If "religion" is nothing more than a mental and social hobby, not involving eternal things, relationships with God(s) and Humans, right, wrong, life, death, etc. THEN, and ONLY THEN, can it be said that "whatever you feel is right, do". At that level, it is no more revelant than collecting butterflies, or painting watercolors, or reading poetry.

However, "Religion" is SOOOOOOOO much more than that!

When people ask "What religion is right?" they are really asking "Who is God, and how should I relate to Him?".

Knowing God is serious business! When a person enters into some sort of relationship with God (or some being claiming to be god), that relationship alters that person's life. Moral issues are raised: what pleases God? What does NOT please God? Does God want anything specific from me? What sort of being is God, and how well can I get to know my creator? How will following God change how I relate to my family, my spouse, my kids, my boss, my annoying neighbor across the fence, the kid who delivers my paper?

Life-altering relationships are not entered into on a whim, and truth is not decided by how we feel on a subject. We do not determine who God is and what God is like, any more than we can influence the personality of a person on the other side of the planet. We mold to fit God, we do not mold God to fit us.

That is why I would give the "whatever" answer a thumbs-down rating. It is an intellectual surrender!

Answer 3

The whole world are under the great influence of the left , the anarchist and hater of men; where right is seen as wrong and wrong is seen as right.

What else can you expect when the majority are given the freedom to vote ?

Will they vote the good guys in or the bads ?

It's such a redundant question.

The worst thing is for the good guys to still around and do nothing and soon there be so few of us left that we will be literally be pushed into the sea and Hell on Earth will reigned as the norm like you see on the movies.

Good people will have to hide in mountains and undergroung whereas the bad ones rules as masters of the universe.

Scarry but it's already taking shapes and hell to pay if you good guys are not gutsy enough to SPEAK UP AND OUTSHOUT THEM DOWN AS THEY ARE DOING THAT TO US ! PLEASE STAND UP AND BE COUNTED !

Answer 4

I can only assume that it may have been classed as unhelpfull,religion is a funny thing some people get so excited about this question.....without the fear of upsetting anyone ...some people say this is the best religion or thats the best religion...well meaning of course...it really is all about ,I believe a question of sides..whos side are you on dont get me wrong but you are the best judge with what sits right for you...personally Jesus works for me...the compassionate one....I quote patience everyone, time is limited,spirit is not you are spirit,,,

Answer 5

I am an atheist, and I do not give thumbs down to good answers like the ones you mentioned.

I can only imagine that the thumbs down were given by those that feel that there is only one right religion (and it just happens to be the one that they follow), and everyone should follow it.

Answer 6

"you should choose whichever one feels right to you", etc

That answer assumes that there is more than one " right " choice . Those that are 100% sure that there is only one "right" answer ( theirs ) see that as a false choice , a path to temptation/hell, & a challenge to their whole belief system . Within their perogative to give it a "Thumbs Down", as it's an honest assessment of the answer . They see that answer as giving advice that could ruin a life ( & afterlife ) .

That said , some are just plain nasty & do it with anger . Might also be some doing it , who don't care either way, just trying to stir the pot .

Answer 7

I get tired of looking at all the thumbs down. Most of the time, there is absolutely no reason for them.

It really depends on what all the person said. If it was just that one-liner, I probably wouldn't even vote up or down. If they went on to explain, added a personal experience, or had a witty comment, I probably would have voted thumbs up.

Answer 8

First, let me give a huge THUMBS UP to "Tom's" answer.

I am a Christian, and I do favor freedom to choose one's religion... all "true" Christians do. We don't foist our religion, we "witness" to our faith, which many interpret as "forcing" religion.

Your question, however, concerns the THUMBS Up/Down issue in regards to freedom of religious choice. Personally, I find many atheists who answer these questions give snide, nasty, disrespectful comments or insinuations in their answers. This is why I will Thumbs them down. I find it amusing, in a way, that atheists bemoan the lack of "respect" that Christians show them while many of them show just as much disrespect for our faith. Practice what you preach... you want respect, you show respect.

I try my best to respect those with whom I have a differing opinion. And, yes, I will thumbs down a Christian who also shows such lack of respect.

At the end of your question, you ask,

would you say "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" to someone who answered a question on the right religion with "whatever feels right to you" and why?

My answer is, the answer "whatever feels right to you" is the correct answer, and for me and my house, Christianity is what feels right for me.... THUMBS UP!!!

Answer 9

I think it is because those in favor of religion, are believers because it is where they feel safest and most comfortable. Saying that other religions might be right implies that maybe they are wrong. That is a scary thought for many of people.

I speak what I feel. I have learned to expect to get thumbs down for my answers ;-/

Answer 10

I am one of the ones who gets the thumb down...