Why do religious people...?

Question

Denigrate everyone else's religion? Why do they believe that only they are right?

Where in my question do you see the word "all"? No where, so tell me again why everyone is wrong but you?

KNOW THIS.I am NOT an atheist. I have faith and I do not need religious affiliation to prove my faith. Some of you are so sure you know everything, but what you don't seem to know is THE DIFFERENCE!

I gave you all thumbs up!

Even the answers I thought were overly reactive!

Answer 1

Yes.

It makes them feel powerful to lord things over those who have naught. They pretend to be pious but instead parade themselves in front of their false gods hoping in vain that they can establish a "holier than thou" identity and therefore seem more devout than their neighbor.

Ever see those Christian concerts where the people hold their arms up and close their eyes and sway to the music. It is all an act to pretend to be something they are not.

A good defense is a strong offense. They can deflect any analyses by attacking. I call this the George Bush fallacy, because in the long run, analysis will reveal that their stance is faulty.

Answer 2

Good question. Here is another: why do people stereotype religious people? All religious people don't do this! :-)

Ah, but it is true that many do. So I don't mean that as an insult to you. Ultimately, the answer to this question has nothing to do with religious people. It has to do with people in general. When you believe in something, anything, and something else appears to contradict it, then naturally you will be against the something else. Often times, however, it turns out that it is pure ignorance. In the case of religion, the fact is that most religious people barely understand their own religion, let alone someone else's religion.

In any case, I am a very deeply religious person, but I actually think you are onto something here. You ask, "Why do they believe that only they are right?" That is a very good question. There are many differences between different religions, but the fact is that there are also many similarities. Factor in the fact that we are all very diverse and different people, it is highly possible that some religions are right for some people, and not for others. If someone believes in God and that God created us, then they have to recognize that God created us as very diverse and varied people. Why can it not be that he created different religions to give different people different ways of accessing God? If religion is real, and I believe that it is, then the possibility of MANY religions being right seems probable. More people should concentrate on the similarities of religion, and spend less time worrying about the differences.

I hope that answers your question satisfactorily. It's just my opinion, but I think it has some sound principles in it. Have a good one!

Answer 3

Normally such people are an extreme minority within any religeon It can be fuelled on by fear, history, upbringing.
I guess unfortunately there are some folks out there in which their own arrogance and ignorance fuels them on into believing that theyre right, and that to understand and be open minded endangers their own beliefs and value systems.
There is no such thing as right and wrong, but more to do with perception of what is acceptable with the individual and the crowd.
Attempt to define: good, bad, right and wrong, it would take a lifetime and then some.

Answer 4

I think that everyone has their own opinions on what they think is right or wrong. Most people can't except the fact that other people do not share the same views as them. Its sad really. But their will never ever be a way to resolve anything in this world if people dont stop judging others and being selfish. Most need to open up to other views even if they dont believe their ways. Ya know?

Answer 5

First, they love the drama but second they have this need to be right and it seems more important to them to be right instead of accepting. They don't want to understand that there are many paths, not just one. They are scared they might be wrong and so they need to take everyone with them so that they are not alone. Most religions teach that there is only one way and it just happens to be their way. They will eventually find their own way, but their way is not necessarily your nor my way. Bless them. Religion does not hold the answer, spirituality is the path and you are here to find out who you are. Life it's an adventure! Don't let the people who are truly lost get you confused. Stay to what you know about yourself and ask "What would love have me do?"

Answer 6

First off, I think the only religious people that denigrate other's are the ones that think their religion is the "one way" and who as individuals are actually insecure in their belief. Their criticism actually belies their conviction.
Secondly, as soon as you have a religion you have a group and as a member you are part of this group, part of "us". If there is an "us" there must be a "them". Some methods of holding a group together include creating and re-inforcing a sharp divide between "us" and "them". Criticism, fear, superiority, etc., take your pick

Answer 7

not all religions do so, i think it all has to do with pride. They know what they believe and believe what they know and want others to do the same and if others refuse to do so because they already have their own religion they hate the others. sometimes a certain religion hates another religion probably because of history, like the muslims and the jews i guess. they believe that they are the only ones right and that the others aren't and think that they are poisoning people and then there is conflict. some religions have beliefs and rules and if a person of another religion breaks their rules, then they hate them and think that they are in sin

Answer 8

SOME religious people do that. Not all. Some of us respect other people's beliefs. By making that blanket statement cover all "religious people" (quite a diverse group, really) you make an unfair and judgmental statement which is probably as bad as those folk who denigrate other religions.

Answer 9

I'm religious, but I don't believe that only I am right. That's unfortunately the bad name that hypocrites have given those of us who honestly are devout.
I believe in acceptance & respecting other people's beliefs. Although I am supposed to be an example of my spiritual beliefs in my everyday life, that doesn't mean that I'm supposed to go around bashing other people's beliefs & disrespecting anyone who doesn't practice the same religion as I do.

Answer 10

They don't ALL do it, but some religions, or sects of them, DO do that regularly, like the Muslim Brotherhood and its offshoots, or the Christian fundamentalists. They each have an agenda: conquer the world and force everyone to think what they do! Too much time on their hands, not enough education, is my explanation. They're also manipulated by political people, like our current administration and those of countries like Iran & Palestine. (Notice I left JEWS out, since they don't proselytize, although the gov't of Israel needs an overhaul!).