Why do some people seem so bothered by people who are religious?

Question

I'm a practicing Christian, but a few years ago was an agnostic. It has never bothered me when people had beliefs that didn't agree with mine.

I have had friends who were Muslim, Shinto, Buddhist, Hindu, and I have had many friends who were atheists. Disagreement is not a basis for fear, hatred or distrust.

Why are some people so unwilling to accept religious beliefs or ideas that differ from their own?

By the way, nobody forced me to become a Christian. I believe God opened my heart and mind to what I perceive to be the truth.

I should note that I was raised in a church, became disillusioned with it because of the way some people practiced their "faith." I am by nature a tolerant person and tend to resist intolerance in any form.

I became an agnostic when I was convinced that science left the existence of God in serious doubt, but I was always tolerant of religions and was open to conversion, and at one time considered converting to Judaism.

I was married to a woman who considered herself an atheist. When I divorced her I returned to the church in which I was raised and rediscovered my faith.

I remain essentially tolerant of other views and would never advocate burning anyone at the stake, nor would most other Christians.

I do think many people would benefit by becoming Christians, but I believe that must be a free choice that people must come to as I did, freely and having been exposed to the alternatives.

Answer 1

I agree with you 100%
Remind them that the common platform to talk doesn't mean they have any rights to question on what you believe as long as it's not harming them.

Answer 2

Personally I'm not bothered by other people's beliefs. They have the right to believe anything they want to; we all have that right. Whether or not I'll accept their beliefs - make them my own - is another matter. I am a convert to the Catholic Church, and I believe the truth can only be found in the Catholic Church. I have no problem with other faiths; just don't ask me to accept things that are non-Christian.

Answer 3

Well I have gotten to a place where I can agree to disagree also but it's very hard at times developing relationships with people that you believe are going to hell. It is very difficult to look at a person who is completely unaware of these things.
It is very difficult to watch or listen to someone blaspheme.
I have a hard time with it here and there. It's kind of like watching someone get hit by a truck and not say anything if you just keep silent. Let the truck hit them without saying a word.

Answer 4

I think people get easily frustrated by what they see as people blatantly refusing to accept scientific facts and logical proofs.

Also I think that there are quite a few extreme personalities on this website and that they in no way reflect the views of people at large. I have several friends of different faiths also and we never clash like people do on this board, rather we hold the utmost respect for each other. Go figure.

Answer 5

That same question could be asked of religious people. Why are some people so unwilling to accept logical reasoning or ideas that differ from their own religious agenda? If it contradicts the bible, then no amount of evidence is subject to change the belief of someone who is religious.

Answer 6

2 Timothy 3
1 You must understand this: In the last days there will be violent periods of time.

2 People will be selfish and love money. They will brag, be arrogant, and use abusive language. They will curse their parents, show no gratitude, have no respect for what is holy,

3 and lack normal affection for their families. They will refuse to make peace with anyone. They will be slanderous, lack self-control, be brutal, and have no love for what is good.

Answer 7

I think you were never truly an agnostic, then. I think a true agnostic knows that the answers cannot be known.

But to answer your question, we don't mind people with different beliefs at all, but we don't like the radical Christian right trying to legislate our lives according to their beliefs. THAT is where we get frightened.

Answer 8

As far as I can see from history, most conflict is between people of different religions, not between people who are religious and those who are non-religious.

As an atheist I am not bothered by people who are religious. However, it does seem to me that many religious people are willing to suspend any form of rationality when it comes to their religion. They demand evidence in most parts of their lives but are willing to accept statements in 2000-year old books even though they fly in the face of reality.

Answer 9

I'd be entirely happy for you to believe whatever you want, and practise that belief in any way you see fit - PROVIDED that you kept it to yourself.

Unfortunately some religions, Christians and Muslims in particular, are steadily impacting the lives of other with increasing weight. They want children taught ancient magic in place of scientific fact; they want laws protecting them at my expense, they want restrictions on what I say, read and do, and they want war with those whose beliefs are different.

And if they had it all their way - they'd doubtless burn me at the stake.

I'll stop my interference the day they do likewise.

CD

Answer 10

Because of your truth it is impossible for there to be any other truth. You are aligning your truth with exactly what Jesus says "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me." - John 14:6. This is extremely powerful. People hate Jesus. And when you align yourself with what Jesus says, you also are wielding the power of truth. The power of Jesus brings great conviction of people's sins. And people love their sins so much. This is why people are bothered by Christians.