Why are we trying to change one another's beliefs?

Question

Why are we even bothered that not everyone shares our way of thinking? Why are fanatic believers try so hard to convince atheists, and atheists also try their best to "save" believers from delusions?
I know it's been said a thoulsand times, but can't we just agree to dissagree?

I speak truth: that's the exact point I'm trying to make. Everyone tries to change the others and there is no resault, ever, so why are they stil doing it?

Wordman: I rarely had the chance to see a person being good because of religion, sadly. For most people, it just makes them feel superior

Answer 1

larissa,
i think part of it is the whole, 'my belief is the only right one, and i have to talk louder and longer to prove it' mentality.

some people just have to be right, and they think the loudest guy is the most correct.

some people are really earnest in their belief that they know the right way, and they try to convince others because they really want to save them from going the wrong way.
unfortunately, there are a lot fewer of these people around, and when you do find them, they generally aren't trying to be the loudest, so they often get missed.

also, some people are just so joyous about what they feel that they feel a need to share it with everyone, they come on strong but they are sharing rather then pushing others, but their enthusiasm sometimes overrides their common sense.

i've always felt that in religion, and politics, the best is to share you ideas, knowing that many will not agree.

you look for people who will do the same.

this is the only way we could all get along, and understand what others think and feel.
dab

Answer 2

I largely agree with djnightgaunt's answer.

Look at it this way, if Christians (or Muslims) are right, it would be EXTREMELY inhumane of them not to try and convince them.

If you saw some kids playing near a electrical cable, you would try to warn them, wouldn't you? Well, the consequences (according the mono-theistic religions) are much more serious; we're talking eternity here.


However, if Atheists are right, all those horrible prejudices and absurd laws that believers try and pass over us DO affect people negatively. They must be stopped.


So what really matters here is WHO (if any of us) is right. The only thing we can really debate here is HOW we know what we know.

Answer 3

I agree with you 100%....but I think that people who try so hard to change another's beliefs sincerely think they are the only right ones, and most people want to believe they have the answers, when it comes to religion. In my opinion, people should learn tolerance for another's beliefs, as we are not all at the same place in our Spirituality, and ultimately God will decide when and how and what we will learn, based upon how we search for answers. Each person's truth is individual, and we shouldn't try so hard to be so insistant that someone follow our path; it may not be the right one for them...Why can't we all just live and let live?

Answer 4

1) Trying to change one another's beliefs by oppressing, killing, or even seducing or temptation of money, authority, sex,.... is a very mean means and not accepted. On the other hand, inviting others to your religion is commonly accepted.

2) It's not about being bothered that others don't share the same way of thinking but about feeling so belonging to it, proud of it and convinced with it that you wish all people join this particular religion.

3) Fanaticism has no space in Islam, may be in other religions, I don't know.

This is my viewpoint as a Muslim, and as a Muslim when I get involved in such a debate, I do so as Islam urges us to invite others to Islam and tell them what the real Islam is.

Answer 5

I do agree that we all disagree, and I post my opinion, not once have I told someone they should give up their religion and believe what I do, that's not the way I am.

***ADDED***

To Wordman

I feel you are taking a very one sided look at this. What you are implying is that those who chose not to believe in a religion, are not capable of determining right and wrong, that we are unable to be good people just because we are good people. The same thing you say can be turned and spoken to you.

Somehow you seem to elude good people without religion or you choose to concentrate only on the bad ones. Lack of religion doesn't make them evil, and we too do our best to live our lives well and do good.

I am not a religious person, but I have enlisted and fought for the freedom of those who could not fight for it themselves, I stop and help people broke down on the side of the road, and I do my part to improve what I can and try to make sure those around me are well cared for, and those I meet I treat well. Does this make me evil for the simple reason I chose not to attend church or believe in a religion?

Answer 6

Just imagine for a moment - none of us is trying to change anyone's beliefs. Everyone is living according to his/her beliefs.

Do the problems go away? Do people stop stealing, killing, raping etc.? No. Burying one's head in the sand does not make the problems go away.

Religions try to help people rid their lives of all that is bad. True, religions themselves are a cause of some of the problems. But it DOES act as a deterrent to some extent. If there's still so much of problem with each religion telling people to be good, we can only imagine what it would be like if there was no one telling them what is right and what is wrong.

And so, the debate goes on......

Edit - Somehow you seem to elude good people of faith or you choose to concentrate only on the bad ones. Religion doesn't make them perfect. But at least they are trying. That is most important.

Answer 7

Human nature.

Humans can never and will never, absolutely agree to disagree on *everything*.

There will always be conflict between different ideas and beliefs, esp on an individual level where ideas and beliefs can be become very personal.

There may be instances where individuals and organizations are very tolerant toward the beliefs and ideas of others, but humans cannot completely turn away from their nature.

Everyone is right, everyone else is wrong paradox.

Answer 8

You have to look at it like two groups of attorneys pleading there cases. One side is not going to change the other sides beliefs but, both sides are trying to sell there beliefs to the jury (people who are not sure what they believe (searchers)). In the end everyone is stating what they believe and there is no way possible everyone is going to believe the same. So yes! agree to disagree! GOD BLESS!!

Answer 9

People try to change what they don't understand or fear.
Some do it because they think that they know everything and only they can be right!

I have friends who are:
- Atheists - Buddhists - Roman Catholics - Protestants - Baptists - Mormons - Jewish - Muslim - Christo-Pagan - Wiccans - ...

One thing we all have in-common is that we believe "Everyone has the right to have their own believe. As long as the accept that I have my own, I will be fine with them. I will not force my religion on them, but if they ask I will answer their questions!"

Answer 10

Nope: the good book says: The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance [2 Peter 3:9]; and '... Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked? says the Lord, and not rather that he should turn from his evil way and return [to his God] and live? [Ezekiel 18:23].
So Christians will continue to try and point this out.