On a 1-10 scale, how at ease are you talking with folks who hold a different belief about God & Religion? Why?

Question

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1 = VERY ILL AT EASE
10 = VERY COMFORTABLE

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Answer 1

9, because

a. it's not about me; and
b. with a different background, who knows where I would be today spiritually; and
c. everybody needs answers of some sort; and
d. none of us are perfect.

Answer 2

It depends on their tolerance of beliefs that conflict with theirs. If someone tries to force their beliefs down my throat, or claims that people who disagree with them are undoubtedly wrong, then I feel extremely ill at ease - 1. But if they have a more ecumenical attitude then, even if I think their beliefs are silly, I feel perfectly comfortable - 10. That's why I try to avoid the topic of religion and spirituality in mixed company. I discuss such things only when I'm in the company of other Christians or, preferably, Anglicans. Although, even within a group of Christians, there can be some very anxiety-provoking comments made. I believe that, even though FOR ME Christianity is the only true spiritual way, everyone else is free to believe whatever is right for them.

Answer 3

It depends, but I could begin with an open mind (10) but it depends on the other. There's no reason to be ill at ease, but if the person were to state after each sentence a bible quote or persuading me of any religion's specific doctrines that are so surely 'the way', I'd get annoyed quickly and say I need to go now.

It isn't the religion or religious talk, but the attitude with which the person conveys his/her thoughts.

Answer 4

An absolute 10. It's wonderfull to hear about peoples different beliefs and ideas. However It's really difficult to get a conversation going with most Christian's because they wont discuss things not mentioned in the bible or things they can't answer by quoting the bible. At least that's my experience. If you stay away from religion though they're OK.

Answer 5

Talking ABOUT God and religion with people who hold a different opinion is sometimes difficult, but I try to remain civil about it (these conversations are mostly about defending my beliefs, as a Pagan) but I'd say about a 6. Talking with such people generally is a 10--you don't need to agree spiritually to have a good conversation.

Answer 6

It really varies from person to person...

Some people make it sooo difficult and uncomfortable to talk about ANYTHING...

But some people welcome new ideas and respect your beliefs...

I know people who are a 1 and I know people who are a 10... the number changes based on who I'm talking to.

I think ANYONE would feel uncomfortable talking about God and Religion with those people who use their "faith" to gang up on you... those people who approach the whole subject like a high school pep rally.... or popularity contest.
You know - the kind of person who you can almost catch rolling their eyes when you talk but they never disagree with you to your face because they know they prefer ignorance and their beliefs (whatever they are) are a matter of convenience.

But then, you occassionally meet that rare person who has opinions of their own but they are receptive to new ideas... those people are great!

Answer 7

I give me an 8 overall

While I'm very at comfortable discussing religion & concepts of God or the lack therof with those of differing faiths and levels of belief, I have extreme difficulty with explaining my openess of belief to my own family and those at the bible belt church where I attend.
For fear of the loss of respect of my family, and honestly perhaps my marriage I choose keep quiet for the time being. I say nothing to betray my agnosic stance, but I often say nothing.

Answer 8

I am about an 8 or 9. I say this because I'm a senior Philosophy major. This is what I've been taught to do. Look at "truth" objectively and discern whether or not it is truth. Also, I try to be open to what people have to say and realize that people disagree all the time. I enjoy those kinds of conversations.

Answer 9

I'd have to say I'm a 10. I am more than willing to hear about different beliefs and to hear what atheists have to say, especially if it's done with mutual respect. I'm just a naturally curious person, and I like to learn about other beliefs and practices. I may not agree or completely understand why they think or believe the way they do, but listening and learning about it certainly does me no harm. Plus, it expands my knowledge and outlook.

Answer 10

Well it depends. Am I comfortable with my knowledge? Yes. I admit what I don't know and debate what I do.
Will I start a converstation with a random person? No. But that's not comfort as much as respect. If you ask I will tell you all you want to know. But otherwise, I just don't think about it.
So I suppose I'll pick 7.5. LOL

Answer 11

I'd say a 1, people who have specific beliefs about anything are very hard to budge, and they really don't want to hear anything that you have to say if it doesn't fit what they believe. It usually turns into a very heated discussion, and I usually get really frustrated, I don't personally know what I believe in, I just like to challenge thier "facts" if you will, I'm very realistic, and for me to believe in anything there really has to be some cold hard facts, in religion there really aren't many as far as I'm concerned. My 1 cent