is it better to say what you really think, or avoid that for fear to offend someone?

Question

For example, I think religions are a from of brainwashing, and I many times said that Christians are brainwashed.
That is my opinion, should I avoid saying that, and pretend that I do not think they are brainwashed so that nobody gets offended ?
isn't it being an hypocrite if I we do not speak our mind?
Someone might say it is not tactful, how can you convey the same thought without using the word brainwashed then?

typo, I meant *form not from

linnea 13, no you do not offend me.
You do not know me, you do not know my beliefs.
But is is ok for you to call me fool if you want to. Does not effect me.

I am not atheist. :)

apple chick, if you really thought the dress was hidious you are really not saying the truth.
I guess you want to be more politically correct so to speak.

No, I do not follow any religion.
There are many people that do not follow a particular religion but they are not atheists.
For instance deists, have you heard of them?

Answer 1

Say what you really think. It doesn't help anybody to pretend we're all in agreement. If you offend someone then oh well. You're going to offend people somehow, some way no matter what you do. You might not mean to, but that's just a fact of life. You can't please everyone all the time. And besides, they'll get over it. As long as you're not blatantly trying to offend people then all you can do is be honest and hope that people will see your true intentions.

Answer 2

You are talking about something deeply personal. You are not talking about your beleifs you are judging theres. Say what you mean but dont say it mean. Live and let live.
SOme people NEED there brains washed.
Some people dont.
In a free society we have a responsibilty to be tactfull or we get what they have now in the middle east and northern Ireland. People fighting over metaphor.
THats out in the real world. In a anonymous chat however people should expect to here what there going here like it or not.
I love the people with the best answers it tells me they say what people want to here and not what they want to say.

Answer 3

Well I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion and their thoughts and ideas. But you also have to be willing to hear the other side out as well. Personally, I just don't really care if someone decided to be Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, agnostic,atheist and so on...I have educated myself on many religions and I just feel there is no reason to be mean to people b/c of what they may or may not believe in, but judge people on their character as a whole.

Answer 4

This forum is on Religion & Spirituality. If you are atheist, you know very well that you have really nothing to contribute on this forum besides putting down all religions or making hurtful comments on beliefs of members.

If you are not atheist but follow other religion, then please refrain from making such commnets that offend others. Learn to respect all religions. By making hurtful comments you just make them hate you. They will also learn to avoid you, will recognize your avatar and will stop reading what you write and will not answer your questions.

As far as brainwashing is concerned, followers of every religion are brain washed in childhood. Every family has to teach religion they follow to children first at that age. If they wait until they get old and understand every thing, no one can teach them about religion. It doesn't interest them at all. Soon they get bored and refuse to attend sunday school.

Only way a Hindu can teach a child that the statue made of rock is God is to brain wash the child in young age. There is no way they can teach him when he is 15 or 18. Muslims families have to teach articles of Islamic faith in their childhood. They need to memorize small Surahs (chapters) of Quran to recite during daily prayers. It is easy for children to memorize Quran in foreign language to many children. They can not memorize when they get older. .

That is how it is. Please just respect feelings of others and avoid commenting on religions.

Thank you. May God show you the right path to lead a better life.

Answer 5

In that case you won't be offended if I say I think you are a complete fool. I just looked up brainwashed on dictionary.com My view of brainwashing is the definition
to indoctrinate forcibly. This is extremely offensive to accuse me of forcing anyone into a religion. I don't see how all christians could possibly have been forced into the religion. If you view it as
persuade completely, often through coercion; "The propaganda brainwashed many people" I can see where you can think that and you don't seem quite as foolish but I still completely disagree with you.

Answer 6

Sometimes it is better to reword what we are thinking. For example, if my friend is trying on some clothes and asks me what I think of some hideous dress she is currently wearing... instead of saying "That is hideous," I might say, "I like the other one better. It complimented your eyes."
I really thought the dress was hideous, but I diverted the truth from that to offer a compliment.

Answer 7

The truth will set you free but saying things to people just to hurt them does not bode well for you.

How can you call Christians brainwashed? What is your criteria? How do you know when a person is brainwashed? Can I call you brainwashed because you don't agree with me? Sounds like a cop-out when you call someone brainwashed. Why do you think Christianity is brainwashed?

Answer 8

I am a Christian and I remember thinking the same thing before I was saved. It does not offend me that you think Christians are brainwashed. As a Christian, I know that what you say is not true. Respectfully, though I must say, that a conclusive statement like "Christians are brainwashed" is a bit closed minded. Maybe you could inform yourself on the facts and argue your point based on something more concrete?

Answer 9

Well, that's ok as long as I can tell you that you will go to hell if you do not take the Lord serious as life and death.

If you don't get offended at that. I won't get offended at what you said.

Nine orbs revolving like clockwork around the sun... and you don't think that there is a God? The "wise" are fools beyond measure. I have witnessed God's presence. So there is another voice telling you Christ IS!!

Answer 10

I think you should say whatever is on your mind, but in a respectful way. God wants you to speak your mind, because you have free will to decide the way that you want to believe. Just speak up, you do not offend me.