Joe Muslim is born into Islam thinking that Allah took Mohammed on a magic chariot ride through the sky. Better than that, he KNOWS it is true. Joe Muslim thinks that Christians are simple-minded to think that Jesus was the son of God and that the concept of the trinity is too weird to be true. Joe Muslim also thinks that John Mormon is ignorant to believe that Christ reappeared in South America because there is a lot of proof suggesting otherwise.
Jim Christian knows that Jesus is part of the trinity, and that John Mormon is lame to think that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are separate entities. He also thinks that Joe Muslim is violent at his core because he believes that when you suicide bomb someone, you go straight to heaven with 20 virgins.
John Mormon knows that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and that the Muslim and other Christian people are being led astray. After all, who could believe in that weird Pope, or pray to the East without looking foolish?
2007-09-12 10:11:29 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
What is the common denominator here? Each person was born into a certain belief system, and therefore, after years of being drilled by superiors that this specific religion was the only "right" one, came to terms with the fact that their own religion was never to be questioned. It simply was true, and that was that.
The interesting part about this is that when they focus on other religions, they have no problem with thinking critically about why these "inferior" views are unrealistic, based on facts. They are quick to point out fundamental flaws that cannot be true about the other faiths.
If the same facts were directed against their own religion, then suddenly logic gets shelved, and the rationalizations come out. They create justifications to fill the cracks in their own belief systems.
Why do you think that is? Why do you think that when someone researches religions, the one that they do the least amount of digging in their own? Hmmmmm.
2007-09-12 10:11:43 · update #1
I think you've hit the nail on the head. In the theater or cinema, people talk about the "suspension of disbelief" as a combined quality of the production and the audience. A good play or movie with a receptive audience will engender this suspension of disbelief.
Religion is much the same. A successful religion when preached to a receptive congregation works because the congregation suspends its disbelief.
Furthermore, just as a fan of mysteries might laugh at the contrivances of horror and vice versa, so too does Joe Muslim laugh at Jim Christians beliefs and vice versa. And like the movies, you can follow these divisions down to the minute level where nobody outside the cliques knows what they are fighting about. Think Star Trek versus Star Wars or the General Association of General Baptists versus the General Association of Regular Baptists.
2007-09-12 10:14:38 · answer #1 · answered by Dave P 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Having learn all of the solutions right here, I beg to fluctuate along with your evaluation of them. I have not noticeable a unmarried "impolite" reply. A minority have proven slim-mindedness, a few have proven deep-seated anger, a few had been one-sided of their observations. But I have felt that all replied politely regardless of their anger. As a Christian, I am saddened by way of a few of that anger available in the market. Yes, individuals claiming to be Christians had been impolite and hateful of their responses. I've spotted that from time to time. I'm afraid the ones should not have so much of an notion of what Christianity is all approximately. Some individuals come that method from the opposite facet as good. There is fanaticism at the side of a few devout folks, and fanaticism at the side of a few atheists. In each circumstances, it's as a result of a loss of wise humility. In any case, I recognize your remark. EDIT: I take it again, there may be one impolite reply. In reality it could be a reportable one, however I'm no longer a reporter by way of nature. I simply spotted a soccer query wherein anyone replied that the questioner was once a "idiot" for aiding a detailed workforce, so I wager faith does not have the monopoly on rudeness!
2016-09-05 11:46:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You describe three religions that make a point to say they are right and everyone else is wrong. But not all religions are like that, and not all spiritually-oriented people are religious. So, for example, it is not true that my beliefs are not open to scrutiny. Indeed, they have changed a good bit over the years. A lot of people I know have been like that.
Maybe to some extent it is my age cohort. I am a Baby Boomer who became a hippie, and we questioned EVERYTHING: politics, religion, medicine, economics, fashion, mass media -- everything.
2007-09-12 10:18:35 · answer #3 · answered by auntb93 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most humans are just wired to act that way, unfortunately. I'm sure there's an evolutionary basis for it. Perhaps it pays off socially to uncritically accept members of your own group and their teachings.
Look at all of the sites by Christians attacking Mormons. I'm all for attacking Mormon views but the Christians don't even get it that theirs are just as bizarre.
They willingly rationalize their own and don't seem to even realize it.
2007-09-12 10:15:33 · answer #4 · answered by Meat Bot 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Because each one knows in his heart that the other can not
be correct in their belief.
2007-09-12 10:23:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
ok, im Joe christain, im all tht stuff. but god-forbid, i agree w/ u. i really dont kno tht much bout other religons, i focus on my own. im not a debator, im a learner. i frequently question m own belifes, or the belifes iv been taught, not out of lack of faith just, 2 strengthen my own resolve in the way i live. i dont attack ppl becuse wat i belive is diffrent, i tell them wat i belive IF THEY ASK, i dont cram it down thier throats. and i learn wat they belive, im open 2 the fact tht there r good things outside of christanity. and i think tht conatantly attacking pple or only being friends w/ them 2 "save" them. but hey thts just me.
2007-09-12 10:26:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jack Atheist knows they're all delusional and keeps his distance.
2007-09-12 10:16:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
The human capacity for self-delusion is exceeded only by the human capacities for greed, sex and food consumption.
2007-09-12 10:15:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Mine is open to scrutiny thats why it is great.
2007-09-12 10:14:20 · answer #9 · answered by Link strikes back 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋