Why do different religions always put each other down?

Question

I'm not religious myself (yet), but why can't you all be happy that you have found the path to heaven or whatever else you may know it as.

prairiecrow great answer, cheers.

Answer 1

Some of us are quite content to leave others to their own path, and generally only fire when fired upon. As a Wiccan, I believe that all religions are potentially valid paths to the Divine, and that atheism and agnosticism are honorable perspectives on the mystery of life. It is not up to me to "sell" my religion to anybody -- in fact, to do so would be profoundly disrespectful, both to my faith and to those I try to convert.

Answer 2

Not all do.

But the largest and most popular ones do, i.e. Christianity and Islam (excluding Hinduism).

The language of heresy and "un-believing" that is to be found in these religions explicitly encourages its followers to "put down" members of other religions or heretical sects.

Judaism doesn't force itself on others the same way Christianity and Islam do, that is because in the later proselytizing is a religious duty while the former is content in, and finds it necessary to be, living in complete isolation.

Answer 3

I would say that is simple. Either that person putting another religion down actually believes that their idea of god, heaven etc is correct and the others are all at best wrong and at worst liars or the want to retain their authority over their followers so have to put down all the other religions in order to maintain their credibility. The fact that they must all be wrong is neither here nor there.

Answer 4

Your right and I wish I had the answer for you. it seems most religious teaching are about how we treat each other, too walk in peace and love. Jesus said follow me and I will give you peace. He also said we are to worship with others who believe in him and his teaching. If we want him in our life we are to live like he lives do what he does. Show mercy forgiveness, patients, love, kindness towards one another. Jesus allowed him self to feel other peoples pain It is his love for us that heals us. If we all focus on his love and what he has done for us. Then we should do something good for someone else each day that we are alive the world would be a much better place.

Answer 5

I think it's generally because we don't understand each others' beliefs properly. Muslims try to make Christians believe in the One True God, whereas in fact Christians already do, though they believe him to be personified in three ways. Protestants try to stop Catholics from worshipping Jesus' mother Mary, whereas in fact Catholics don't worship her, they simply have great respect for her as a model christian.

We're all searching for the one Truth and there is truth in all religions followed by people of good will. What religion we follow is generally determined by our upbringing and who has influenced us during our lives.

As for me I'm a Roman Catholic. Despite popular misconceptions and the embarassing history of the Crusades, we now respect other religions, we dialogue and pray with followers of other faiths, and we acknowledge the truth in them. Yet we believe that the surest way to salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God. By accepting him as our Lord and Saviour we become children of God and hence are part of the family of God. It's kind of like trying to get into Buckingham Palace. If you're part of the Royal Family you just walk right in.

To directly answer your question, yes, I'm happy that I've found the path to heaven and salvation and I happily respect other religious people who are sincerely seeking salvation through their own religions. I would never stop someone from practising their religion, (unless it were something completely opposed to christianity, such as Satanism or Black Magic) but I would always be ready to offer more in terms of truth.

It's never right to stop someone of good will practising their religion, but it's always good to offer more in terms of Truth.

Answer 6

On a whole, they don't. A certain percentage aren't tolerant of other faiths, but they can't in my eyes be truly religious people. I follow a Pagan path and I am quite happy to listen to people of other faiths and their opinions. Sadly, not all of us are like that.
I hope this answers your question.
Brightest Blessings!

Answer 7

Interesting question, but all the answers would be personal. My guess would be Baptists and Catholics (if not everyone else).

Baptists are always quick to label every other church a cult, even if it's older then them. And catholics tend to be against Protestants in general but more particularly the baptist because they are a break-off from, a break-off, from a break-off.

Answer 8

It is not true that every religion has his own way on base of belief but people tried to suggest that their own is better than other. I will not criticize someone who has done that you said but I wish on the middle of way to take my life go on smoothly. I'm Buddhist in Thailand.

Answer 9

Christian churches always do that. But no one church has all the answers or the only way to God. The only church I've ever heard of that does not believe they have the "only way" and if you don't do it their way, you're going to hell, is Judaism. They don't try to convert anyone, but respect each person for their beliefs.

Answer 10

It's not just religious people who think they are right. I mean you wouldn't hold beliefs you believe are wrong would you? I don't have any problem with respectfully disagreeing with anyone or them with me. Again those who don't hold relgious beliefs are free to disagree as well.