If someone is telling you about their religion,?

Question

and you don't believe a word of, and think they belong to a cult.
Is it better to say nothing, and agree for the sake of peace, or challenge their scripture with your own.
Would saying nothing mean you are letting the Lord Jesus down. What do you think.

Answer 1

Actually, when a friend or stranger is telling me about their religion, I listen quietly and politely. I don't get in their face over it. I very nicely tell them about my religion and leave it at that. If I don't feel right by them, I don't accept any inventations to their church/place of worship.

Answer 2

First, it is deceitful to verbally agree with something that you do not truly agree with. Don't do this.

There is nothing *wrong* with saying nothing.


I am assuming that "challenge their scripture with your own" means that you are both using the bible. This attitude sounds self-defeating, since presumably we all have something pretty similar as far as scripture goes. "Question their assertions with scripture" is a better way of saying it, perhaps, and my advice here is: be careful. Normally, when someone is propounding his beliefs, he has an artillery of scripture ready to back up his position. Most people do not know the bible well enough to successfully challenge a prepared case without preparation on their own part. Challenge only what you are certain of (using scripture), and be polite when doing so. Instead of saying, "That's not right. Look what it says here.", say something like, "This scripture seems to say something different. How does this fit in with your beliefs?" You will most often fail to sway, but at least you stand a chance of not making an enemy who claims that you are possessed by the devil.

As an alternative, ask the person to provide the scripture supporting one particular belief that he holds, (perhaps the one you are most certain is faulty), and *then* take your time and *prove to yourself* with scripture that it is incorrect. *Then* you can approach this person again and politely ask him to respond to what you have found. At this point, you have the advantage and it will be up to him to try and disprove *your* belief.

So, saying nothing does *not* mean that you are letting Jesus down. But you *can* do more if you are of a studious bent and are willing to take the time.

*Whatever* you do, do not *insult* the other person's beliefs. That's a sure-fire way to make certain that you will have no chance of educating that person in your own beliefs. If they are using the bible as their basis, remember that all of us are (should be) seeking the truth of the bible, and that makes you more alike than unalike.

Jim, http://www.jimpettis.com/wheel/

Answer 3

You are asking whether one persons invisible friend is better than another....as only each person can see their own friend there is no logical argument you can beat the others with.

Additionally cult is really a point of view, Christianity is a cult, just a large one, being accepted by governments or people, publishing a book about your invisible friend's ramblings etc proves nothing to validate one belief is a cult whilst another is a religion.

You should ask yourself does this persons beliefs threaten their own or others physical safety or rights, if not leave them alone they have as much right to believe in a mythology as you do.

Check out the link, these people may be able to help you both.

Answer 4

I accept them. A person's beliefs determine how they choose to live. It would be foolish to think that the person is trying to sell you their religion, even if it comes across that way.

If you think it's all bull, you're under no obligation to believe it, are you? Sometimes listening to another person's religious beliefs may help you find your own identity.

I had this situation recently, and now instead of following one religion, I follow two. Okay, I suppose that's pretty much impossible with monotheistic religions, you know, with the one god rule and so on, but who's to say you can't mix and match beliefs and customs from each religion? My religions are both atheistic, and mix very well together.

Saying nothing, and listening is a show of respect. I'm sure respect is still tolerated in Christianity. I haven't been gone that long, have I?

Answer 5

If you think you know the truth about a matter, particularly a scriptural one, then that puts a heavy responsibility on you. Why hold back Bible truths? If someone is worshipping God incorrectly, surely you have a duty to tell them?

The only religion that comes round my area are Jehovah's Witnesses. They are the only ones who take Christ's command at Matthew 28:19 seriously: "Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations".

If anyone considers themselves a Christian and feels that Jehovah's Witnesses are part of false religion, then they should be doing as much as they do in preaching of the good of God's Kingdom (Matthew 24:14). In fact, the true religion should be able to do more than Jehovah's Witnesses, since they would have God's backing and blessing. Unless, of course, Jehovah's Witnesses are the true religion and demonstrate this each time they call at your door.

Answer 6

Couldn't you use another alternative and show some respect to their beliefs but feel free to ask questions about the areas that you don't accept... but if you respect them then you should ask hoping to receive an answer rather than thinking you already know the answer... this shows respect for both your views and that of the other person. Also, if the other person is finding their religion helpful to them and it is encouraging them to behave ethically then why are you concerned about it? What is it that is making you believe it is a cult? Hopefully it isn't just that they have different views from you.

Answer 7

Ok I am ready for the bombardment of " thumbs down", but as a non-believer, agnostic, atheist what you wish to call me, I will listen (now this is provided it is perhaps in a social setting etc and not one that comes pounding on my door or halts me on a street), but I expect the same respect in return, don't try to convert me trust me it will not work, and don't tell me because I don't share your beliefs I am going to "hell" I usually try to steer the conversation in another direction when you have two such total opposites it is a no win situation.

Answer 8

There's the answer to your question, typed by your own hand: "...and THINK they belong to a cult." (emphasis mine).

What you think may be another's reality, therefore you should leave it alone unless they ASK for your opinions or scriptures. It's more altruistic and compassionate that way... unless they're in a REAL definitive "cult" of which there are criteria for to define such, and seek better help to free the person if possible.

_()_

Answer 9

Providing they are not expressing beliefs that are physically or emotionally negative to others then I think you really have no need to even discuss it. If it sounds like they are being brainwashed into something daft or potentially damaging to themselves or others then you could express concern, but fundamentally it really has nothing to do with you. You can share your beliefs with them but there's no point hammering them with facts or telling them that you are right and they are wrong, it alienates people and makes you sound arrogant and patronising.

Answer 10

In a situation like that , I think it would be good to go to an indoor garage,shut the door,and start your car with the windows down. Then you could both argue until you are both blue in the face about such stupidity. Not only will you two get to argue but you will both have accomplished so much more.