"I can change you!"?

Question

When it comes to religion, do you believe that by forcing your beliefs on another person, you can change their fate?
If someone disagrees with your spiritual or religious ideas, do you argue with them until they agree, or do you smile and shrug?
What's your motto on religious differences? Is it more of a "One Truth" or "Every religion is based on love and eternal truth"?

Answer 1

There is something of value in almost all religions. I would never try to convert someone to my religion or tell them that my way is the "only way", the "right way" or "superior to their beliefs".
Buddhists are encouraged to study all the world's religions and philosophies and to take and use what is helpful in their lives and discard that which is harmful or not helpful. This is why Buddhists do not try to force others to embrace Buddhism. We would be sad if there were no other paths to follow.
Everyone should just follow the path that works for them and allow others the same consideration.

Answer 2

I don't think arguing with people will help them to become Christians. I do believe in one truth - Jesus, the way, the truth and the life. John 14:6. Faith comes by hearing . . the word of God - Romans 10:17 so we need to get the word out. But if people are not interested, we should be quiet and just pray for them. And move on to the next person (shake the dust off your feet - Matthew 10:14)

Answer 3

I believe how I feel is the truth that leads to Joy & eternal life- but no I do not feel one should EVER force their beliefs on another person. You can't change someones fate for them- they have to want to change it for themselves.

If someone disagrees with me- I also realize that Hey- I'm disagreeing with them as well - so we agree to disagree- Religion shouldn't agrued- so yeah- smile and shrug- and STILL love the person.

My motto on religious differences? God is a God of love- the best way (if I feel that I'm right) to have someone want to change for GOd is to love them- and hope that maybe they'll see there's something different about me and THEY'll want to change. I'm your friend whether you believe how I feel or not!

Yet- I do believe there is only ONE way to heaven. - but I'm not going to FORCE you to come with me. =)
Even if I dragged you by your hair to heaven with me- what good would it do you? If you didn't want to be there or go in the first place- you'd jump back down- and leave anyway!

Answer 4

i do not believe that by forcing others to your beliefs will change their fate. i believe that by showing them through your actions will have them think of changing their fate.

i used to argue with people who disagrees with my faith mores o, to those who insist that only in their church will a person be saved...and i realize that, each and everyone has his/her own beliefs and should be respected... i just shrug..

i don't have a motto never thought of that... but if im going to have one it'll be somewhat based on "Every religion is based on love and eternal truth."

Answer 5

I'm an atheist (with a small "a"), so I don't try to force my lack of spiritual beliefs on anybody. My motto is "Live and let live." If somebody gets too pushy with me (usually funadamentalist Christian church-nazi types who are determined to "save" me) , I just point out apparent contradictions in their Bible (which I've read and studied extensively) until they get flustered and back off. I can't tell you how many times I've been told I'm going to Hell "just because".

Answer 6

Personally, I respect the belief of other people, no matter what those beliefs are, even if I do not agree with them. I think everyone has the right to choose their belief, and I do not think anyone has the right to tell them they are wrong.

I do love to debate with people however, but amicably. I do not argue and mean spiritedly attack other people's beliefs, but when two people can sit down, debate and discuss each others beliefs without getting hot about about it, and without attacking each other, I love it. Some of my friends, including one catholic priest, I could sit and discuss spiritual topics all day with them.

Answer 7

A person should never attempt to force their religious beliefs onto another. However, as a Muslim, I must correct ones who have their facts wrong about Islam and must educate those who take interest in learning of Islam.

Answer 8

I'm too lazy to enforce my beliefs on anyone else, besides that I can hardly explain them properly anyway. There never seems to be the right words to describe how I feel and why I feel that way. Very often I'll think of a word, then double think and say to myself: "If I describe it using this word, this person will misunderstand what I say."

so basically, I try to leave it up to God.
(Except on my angry days. On my angry days, my mouth opens too quickly for my sensibilities to interfere)

My motto, I guess would be: Hey, listen to this story....

Answer 9

Motto: "All religions are pretty much the same.... crap"
"If there's a god she must be a pretty lady with big boobs"

You shouldn't try to change the person you love, cause by changing them, you are destroying the very person you fell in love with.

Answer 10

Well, I think that religion is what divides many people. It causes hate, and war, (as well as ignorance...I know that) but I think if there was no religion, we'd be better off

Just me personally, but I have plenty of friends who don't share my religion, but it doesn't stop me from loving them as people. They'd mean the same to me if they were Christian, Athiest, Buddist, Wiccan, or whatever.