About the question, of do Religious people have open minds?

Question

From my point of view, i feel comforted by the fact that i do not know all the answers, and am searching for knowledge of why we are here. Which is a rewarding quest in itself.

So from my point of view, anybody quoting parts of their scriptures, with the intent to convert me to their faith is basically hinting that i am following the wrong path.
This is something i never to to religious people, i would never dream of telling you that what you believe is out of line or perhaps needs a change of direction.

WOuld it be fair to say that these people have a closed mind?
WOuld it be fair to say that all strongly religious people have a closed mind?

I am impartial to all, a slave to logic.
Live and let live.
Respect other peoples beliefs, even though you think they are misguided?
Is it truly possible for you do do this?

Do not pity.

Answer 1

The essence of all regions is the giving up of reason. Martin Luther actually identified 'reason' as a force Christianity should fight against as it is the antithesis if 'Faith'

Imagine that say, in a coal seam, a fossilised human skeleton was found. Then all scientists in the world would start changing their beliefs about evolution.

But no matter WHAT is discovered scientifically, religion will not admit doubt.

As for respecting their beliefs, well that's up to you, but I find it difficult to respect people who condemn despise and even kill on the basis of books written thousands of years ago.

Answer 2

I guess I'm in a strange position. I am in a weird position of feeling very strong about being a part of my religion, but I don't believe in god and I never go to services. I can't remember the last time I went to a service. But as a lot of my friends have said, maybe this is one of the strange things about being Jewish you can do this, you can be Jewish, be religious, but not at all a part of the religious part like going to temple. I do follow all the holidays, but in my own way, which actually is more strict than a lot of other people, but I grew up in an orthodox household. Somethings just stay with you.
But, I do think that a lot of religious people do have closed minds, and that definetly goes for people of my religion. Religious people are born with ideas stamped in their minds and those minds have little locks on them. They are willing to give you their ideas but not at all willing to listen to your ideas. They believe they know best and what they know is the one and only way. It's as if they have been brain washed. I think of religion almost like a cult at times. You have as much luck getting someone to change their mind about their religious beliefs as you do getting someone out of a cult.
I do believe that everyone has a right to believe what they believe, as long as they don't push what they believe on to me. I guess that's why I resent, it's not Mormons, I have a block, the people who come to your home and try to convert you, the people who write the Watchtower. You can't get rid of them, they grow like roaches, they don't take no for an answer. I used a few of them to fix a house I had and I felt like I was constantly being quoted passages from the bible, no matter how many times I said - Jewish, not going to change, and then realized they did so many things that were not really true to their religion.
Well, enough of this. I am with you on most of what you have to say. You have a very good open mind.

Answer 3

I just believe something different than you. I think you are basicly trying to hint that we HAVE a closed mind by asking this question. See, I can just assume too. :)

If you are a slave to logic, then read revelation, the end of daniel, and look up the signs of the times. When you see the events leading up to the end happening more and more often, your "logic" should tell you it's true and to accept it. If 1 part is true, it all has to be true. Find out for yourself if you are misguided, nobody can force you, they can only show you the door, it's your choice to open it.

Answer 4

I don't pity

Listen, if you really believed that someone was taking wrong steps to their detriment wouldn't you tell them about it? Would you just let them get on with it? I think it's loving thing that people who are convinced about their beliefs try to tell you about it. Okay, I agree definately that anyone with a condescending or arrogant way of putting it should be ignored because obviously their worship isn't working in their life & they are not practising what they preach basically.
But if they are nice in how they put it to me then I listen, they may be right after all. I think also that if God is in their life then it will show.

Answer 5

I think people of more organised religions are less likely to consider other points of view.

I respect other peoples religions, as long as they respect mine. I don't force my beliefs down their throat, I'd expect them to do the same.

Its not fair to say every religious person has a closed mind though

Answer 6

guess what were not all bible pushers ...and do have open minds well I have been educated and respect others beliefs and wouldn't dream of forcing my faith on others ..everyone to their own just don't try to convert me even those who don't believe in anything faith wise that is .....logic is good and maybe I am misguided and your entitled to your opinion or logic as I am ....and when my demise comes about I shall find out as you will ..till then keep an open mind

Answer 7

I feel very strongly about my religious beliefs but I realize that they are not for everyone and that I have no proof that what I believe is correct - so it's easy to know that other people will have other beliefs.

It is indeed possible to be religious and open minded. Many who post here are. It's not exactly common but it's possible.

Answer 8

Interesting thought. I feel it is important to share my faith, but do I think I need to hold someone at threatening level to say you must believe of course not. I doubt if I can change anyone's mind. Only God truly can. My believe in Jesus is strong and I desire to share His love, but I also recognize I can not make others believe, I can only put the word out there about who I believe God is. Jesus is the answer to all life problems for me.

Answer 9

Is a person who accepts the mathematic tables as a fact, and uses them as a tool to solve problems "close minded"?

Or is he taken tried, true and proven principles and using them to help him to make logical and sensible decisions?

If a math teacher teaches his students that 3+3=6, does that mean she is implying that students are wrong and need to change their path?

Or is he presenting to them the wisdom which has come down from generations of dealing with numbers so that they do not have to rediscover mathematics themselves?

Just as I would not expect my child to be able to learn to count, add, subtrract, do fractions, ratios, per centages, balance a check book, do algebra, geometry, trig, calculus, statistics, etc. without same kind of guildelines, teachings, instructions, etc., so I would expect that a person could come to an understanding of the far more complex matter of God without guidelines and instruction.

Just as it took many generations, each building on the other, to reach our modern understanding of mathematics, so it has taken many generations each building on the other in the scriptures to reach a full understanding of God.

It would not be "closed minded" to refuse to learn from earlier generations, just "stupid".

Answer 10

Most religious people the ones we call the cults are brain washed.
They Just cant answer a questions unless they are showing you scripture, and the bit they want you to read is too long.
That is the way they are taught, so they cant help it. I think they find it impossible to answer you without a quote.