What compels people to spread vicious lies?

Question

I see questions about Wicca and many answers from Christians that do not state anything factual.

Here is a perfect example...
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ArJjNw48aC5VYZ58Vl72BGrsy6IX?qid=20070821122747AAYiUuP&show=7#profile-info-doGbwQFMaa

Thank you Samuel for your uneducated answer.

Answer 1

For the most part they aren't thinking for themselves. The lies are what they have been taught as truth. The ones who say these things are repeating what they have been told. I get the impression that a lot of them are younger (teens/early twenties) and at that age you repeat without thinking about it. They don't know any facts because no one taught them. They don't seek to find out about the truth because they think what they've been told is the truth.

Some people escape the prejudices of their parents. They learn to open up and think for themselves. The learn to seek the truth about opinions different from theirs. Others don't break out of the mold. The just learn to parrot what they were taught.

Patience, love, and peace for all.

Answer 2

Well in his defense I'm not sure he knows anything about Wicca, at least from the way the question is phrased. If the guy in the example really doesn't know then he doesn't know. It's interesting how he says he's a happy Christian because he sounded like he's worried about someone seeking converts, so I wonder if he does know at all. People from pulpits do tell many stories of how people who have gone to college have become Atheists and they tell people to not explore other books of religion. I just saw a cable tv special where a man said the best way to interpret the bible is with the bible. Read the book of Job. That entire book is an apologist work. After all Job was supposedly put through god flies into a rage when Job even dares to pause and ask why. In that book Lucifer is allowed to roam heaven freely and it's a disagreement between him and god that encourages god to hurt "Test" Job in the first place. But I'm sure someone has an explanation for that.

Answer 3

I think the reason people spread vicious lies is a basic insecurity about one's own beliefs. For example, here in these answers is an answer from someone who thinks that Wicca and Witchcraft are completely evil and that the bible is the only way, etc.

I think that the vitriol that permeates such responses is largely due to the inherent indefensibility of monotheistic theology. When one's theology compels the believer to cling to the idea that his/her way is the only way, period and end of discussion, the difficulty of maintaining such a front becomes readily apparent, particularly in this world which is full of so much spiritual diversity and so many people who disagree with the monotheistic religions.

Also, a person who is a member of a monotheistic religion must feel challenged must feel challenged spiritually when others do not believe the same as they do. What they are being told by these people of other paths is essentially that their way isn't the only way, which leaves the believer with his/her beliefs in the rightness of his/her beliefs not being universally accepted.

It's hard for them, and I think the more insecure they are in their beliefs, the more vitriol and lies they will spew.

Answer 4

People lie because they can't answer any other way. They feel like they are superior, and although they don't have the education or knowledge of a topic, they think they can lie theiur way through it and look "smart" and righteous". It's a shame really. I have consistently asked why others can't just take the intiative to learn something about what they don't know, before bashing it or making up untruths.

Answer 5

I believe honestly that they are often told this or say these things because of fear. They fear a religion that encourages people to think for themselves, that is more ancient than theirs and that has no real reason for being hated. Saying that we worship Satan makes them have an excuse to hate us where otherwise they would have none as well as, keeping the people they control in their grasp.

Answer 6

I'm so sorry it's pure hate born of demons of religious intolerance. Know the truth about yourselves and believe there are some out here that would stand beside you in love and support. I was a Pagan and now I'm a Gnostic follower of Christ who taught me not to judge. My friends are all people seeking truth and love. You are my friend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh-1JVctSOY
♥Blessed Be♥
♥=∞

Answer 7

It's not surprising. The sad thing is, those people actually believe what they tell others. I normally just ignore that sort of thing because I have found from experience that they will not listen to anyone who gives a different definition than what they have... it only causes them to become violent and lie about it even more.

Answer 8

Truly, Epona, after spending a year reading some of the things in this forum, I have come to the conclusion that many people simply don't know any better.

Answer 9

In the case of one poster here, her lies about Wicca seem to be the result of mental illness.

I assume she's not a Christian, either....she certainly does not resemble any Christian I've met.

Answer 10

A lot of people fear what they don't understand or they disparage what they are told to by someone or something they perceive as larger than themselves. Some will educate themselves and learn the truth, but sadly, most won't.