Why is it that people of one "religion" seem to be so TOTALLY against the others?

Question

I am of no set, specific "religion" and think of myself as being on a "spiritual" quest.....

I was brought up as a Christian but it wasn't forced on me or rammed down my throat! As an adult I have leaned far more towards Buddhism.

I have respect for all peoples religions and beliefs, as long as they are not fundamentalists or fanatical about it.

I don't understand why if you are "one" religion you then see no value in any of the "teachings" from ANY other religion?

And why do so many Christians want to preach and force THEIR beliefs about God on everyone else... Acting smug, like they are going to be allowed into "heaven" because they are believers, and its hell for the rest of us?
Why can't people live and let live?
Why can't people have tolerance?
Why can't people seem to co-exist and learn things from each other?
Any ideas on how to bridge this sort of gap? And unite people REGARDLESS of religion, ethnicity, faith, belief, status, age / disability etc?

Answer 1

It strikes me that people who are secure in their beliefs can take the criticism or the objective view point without feeling threatened.
It is good to want to know about other faiths, spiritualities, etc. The ones I respect the most are those who lead by example. They don't rant and rave or try to preach, they just lead there lives in a way they feel is true.
It is insecurity that breeds fear and prejudice, that and a dollop of ignorance.

Answer 2

I'm a christian and I understand other faiths. What I hate is people saying that all religions are stupid and so I always stick up for all religions. I don't care what religion you are, in my opinion every person needs to believe in something - don't care what. Plus a lot of religions are so so similar, I have been studying the bible and the old testament is almost exactly like the Qu'ran, with the same rules and laws.
I wasn't forced into any religion either - you don't have to assume everyone is - both my parents are atheists and I have always believed in something so I went with it from a young age.
Also, yeah I do act smug, because the bible says that every time I stick up for my faith god smiles at me.
And I do live and let live (I think) but I stick up for myself and my religion.
And an idea to bridge the gap is to have everyone have some sort of religion so that everyone can understand why people believe in things with no 'scientific proof', but it's never going to happen.

Answer 3

All the Christians I know see value in some of the teachings of all the other world faiths. We don't go around knocking them just because they are 'different'. I went back to school as an adult pupil for religious studies, mainly Buddhism, and I'm presently studying Islam.

Concerned Christians DO speak out against lies and deceptions, however. In order to identify a lie or a deception, you need to have a measuring rule by which to determine what is accurate and what does not measure up. God has given a measure and we use it. This is what annoys so many people, for they do not like the Bible's truth claims.

Yet the most important thing we can do is show Christ, living in us, transforming our lives for the better, so our words need to be respectful and truthful. I'm afraid that, in the heat of a debate, that can be lost. Please forgive us when that happens. You only have words to go by on this site. Seeing Christ's love in action is what counts.

Smugness is out of order because Christianity is about humility before God, confessing our sins and realising nobody deserves God's grace. 'There but for the grace of God go I' is a Christian saying that is designed to keep us humble. Christians are told to consider Christ, who humbled himself as far as death on a cross, in order to reach sinners and save them. I suggest humility is the bridge.

Answer 4

The thing with most monotheistic religions is that they see only two forces of spiritual power in the universe their "god" who is "good and Right" and the opposing evil force that is "evil and wrong". the very name "satan" comes from the Middle eastern word "Shaitan" which roughly translates as "opposite" or "That which opposes". So if you do not belong to the "right" religion you are "obviously" worshipping the "evil and wrong" supernatural force.
The other sad fact is that a distrust of anything that isn`t from "our tribe" is hardwired into our psyche as a survival instinct, you only have to look at the behaviour of football fans in Europe, South & Latin America and the UK , the gang culture of the USA, and racism in general to see that.
Personally I see us as one species sharing the same planet & the same sky.

Whatever path you walk, may you find peace with the universe and yourself.

Answer 5

How do I hear yu. Or what pisses me off when religion institutions claim:"We are the only true Christian church and the Catholic's now proclaiming"We are the only true Christian church of the entire world. " It just wants to make me throw up. How dear they insult us. Cause I think it's like with these muslims and Bin Laden now, who says"American people convert to Islam it's the only way to heaven." **** and all the other religion's are supposed to be wrong? I could go on and on and on with this. Like I say all these religious institution's are man made. And nothing considered to what Jesus used to teach us about 2,000 years ago. If Jesus came back to this world today, I think he would be really disgusted with all the churches.

Answer 6

The 3 Abrahamic religions all have the 2 or more witnesses principle. I suspect part of the reason is man is a 'false' god (self being one witness). The scriptures have been 'wrongly' divided (violating 2 Tim. 2:15), for Christians and it has not been 'corrected' by many 'Christians' preesently in this country. In effect, the scriptural old testament is the law of Moses, not the Genesis-Malachi definition; (violates 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
So in effect, there may be 'false' gods in Christianity presently in the USA, saying things tyhat are contrary to God's word.

Answer 7

I am like you and learn things from many religions. But for those that have a need to feel theirs is completely right, the thought of others having something right is frightening I guess.

For instance, with Christians who believe those of other religions aren't saved, it is frightening to think their religion might not be completely right. It's why people take the Bible completely literally. A foundation of truth for them. If it's taken completely literally there are no arguments against it or their salvation.

So basically its fear.

And fundemental Christianity was just one example.

Answer 8

Because alot of people think THE END IS COMING SOON.
and its simple, whatever RELIGION/SPIRITUAL way you follow and you feel so strong about it, of course you are going to Preach in what you follow. And not everyone is going to agree or be the same. SO YOU DECIDE on what you feel like, not what someone else says.

Answer 9

Since you asked..........

I was accepting and tolerating you, letting you be as you are, and co-existing peacefully with you.
You will find should you look, that I have posted no question attacking any belief or group of people.

But when anyone posts an open question on a public forum of which I am a member you are inviting my commentary.

I believe strongly in my faith, and I am fundamental about it! In my opinion, anything less is half hearted and lacking committment. Why SHOULD I weaken my stand to appease you or anyone else? To do so, would be a BETRAYAL of the faith I profess. I won't sugar coat it for my family, my friends, and I certainly won't do it here.

Answer 10

All questions I have asked myself time and time again - it seems to be almost a part of human nature to form groups that exclude all others. Uniting the world would be surprisingly easy if only people were willing to accept those who are different.