Why are 'theists' so closed minded to alternate religions or ideas?

Question

It just seems that alot of people just give basic unthought out answers which usually revolve round "believe in god" or "follow jesus". Why can they not actually give a structured reason? same with copying "bible scripture"? it's not an opinion, 9 times out of 10 they don't even comment on the quote they've put.

Answer 1

I'm a believer, and feel that I'm open to alternative religions and new ideas. I've attended many services outside of my own church and religion, and get along very well with the local atheists. I'm not threatened by the fact that others believe differently than I do. As for copying Scripture, I generally only do so if someone specifically requests a Biblical reference.

Answer 2

I suppose many theists would say that I'm closed-minded. And, of course, I agree with you - it's not that I haven't examined the evidence at hand. Like many atheists, I'm fairly confident in saying that I know more about the Bible (e.g.) than the majority of Christians. I simply think it's a load of psychopathy and superstition. Nor can I say that I keep an open mind that maybe Jesus really WILL come back and waste everything. Nor do I anticipate any other kind of apocalypse as envisioned by any other religion. Not because I'm "closed-minded" - because I'm a rational human being. I've reviewed the "evidence," or lack thereof, and reached a conclusion. If we toss that out of the window, then nobody can ever have any opinion on anything. If theists want to insist that I'm closed-minded on that account, I'd merely remark that on that argument, it's rather closed-minded of them to adhere to their religion of choice at the expense of all others. In fact, to believe that Jesus is God (e.g.), but not Zeus, or Brahma, or Huitzilopochtli, is actually MORE closed-minded than to simply relegate the whole pantheon to the realm of mythology.

Answer 3

Not true about all theists, friend. That is very general (prejudice doesn't sound like a good word to use.) I, considered a Christian, am in fact fond of studying about other religions like Islam or Buddhism. It's really all a matter of perspective.

Perhaps who you are referring to are fundamentalist theists? The main stereotype. Well, even in some of those cases, what you've said isn't totally true. There are those fundamentalists, and there always will be, but then there are those free-believers. Both can go too far, as you can stray from the main focus (God) easily either way.

I choose to be more a free, yet understanding spirit. I still believe in God, but I believe God has more answers out there than we conclude with (especially just because of religion).

Answer 4

You are assuming that 'Theists' haven't done that all ready. There is nothing wrong with rejecting other religions or ideas if they contradict your beliefs.
Not every religion can be true, there is to much contradiction between them in terms of their dogma.
If believing something is true makes a person 'closed minded' then may we all be closed minded.

Answer 5

I am not into Jesus.I think people follow him ecause thats all they have.Thats what they were brought up with.Thats what they were given.They're afraid to admit that it's not real.They were taught that fear.I say, if Jesus is real and we have a forgiving God, then God will forgive me when I die for believing in science.And if there is no God, then I have left behind my legacy.

Answer 6

Excellent question, my friend. Being agnostic, I can't answer it, but I'm interesting in what the responses will be. A whole lot of "That's not true," most likely.

Answer 7

When your religious beliefs are founded only upon articles of faith (i.e. no evidence), then it's natural to be defensive about it. If you had evidence, you could just say, "See!" and the argument would be over.

Answer 8

Because the Bible says.......just kidding!