What makes you qualified to answer questions on religion?

Question

OK, this is tongue-in-cheek but I've noticed that on other Y!A sections most people don't bother answering questions unless they are 'experts' in an area. That doesn't mean they have formal credentials but you're not likely to see anyone answer questions on rhododendra unless they've raised them themselves.

However, with regard to religion (and politics, among others) people tend to believe they're qualified to answer others' questions. I can perhaps understand this with regard to one's own beliefs (and past beliefs) as well as with those that one has studied at length; however, it seems that people here comment on things that they have no understanding of.

I'm sure I'm guilty of this, too, so I'm not criticizing others alone, but does anyone else feel this way?

Answer 1

I feel that religious beliefs are more of a personal nature than anything else. So I don't really think a persons educational or background qualifications comes into play.

Answer 2

I don't think your premise is true.

Go to the science section some time. Many people answer questions when they have at best a passing interest - you can identify them quite plainly as they obviously don't have the first clue what they're talking about.

Two common answers to why is the sky blue are 'because it reflects the ocean' and 'because god made it that colour, do you want it to be red or green?'

You're also assuming that people feel 'qualified' - perhaps its enough on a subject like religion to have an opinion, no? I must admit though that personally, I do feel qualified. I've read a lot on the subject, I'm familar with the bible, I haven't read it because I find it hard to finish books when they're no good (ha!), but I know about theological arguments and my scientific views certainly give me an opinion on things like creationism.

Answer 3

Tongue-in-cheek or not, you're making excellent sense. Thank you for posting.

Firstly, I, for one, am reluctant to even attempt to answer a question regarding religion. Come to think of it, I'd be cautious about asking one either. The amount of tripe being posted here by persons who have appointed themselves authorities, just because they can quote a verse or two of scripture, trouble me. One needs to study each and every religion before making a declaration regarding personal beliefs and then stating that these are the only truths.

Many young or closed-minded people are just parroting what they have been taught, often by inept, biased individuals, some of whom happen to be members of the clergy. The term 'blind faith' comes to mind.

We have, each of us, much to learn. And we have a lifetime in which to do so ... possibly many a lifetimes. There are no absolutes. None we can prove, at least.

Secondly, getting into the subject of politics. I'd rather not. Wish I weren't alone in this. Ah, well ...

Answer 4

Hmmm good question. Well lets see, I don't claim to be an expert. Never did. My Dad was Catholic. I did however spent 8 years in Catholic school, where they made us take Religion Class every thursday. Which consisted of reading the bible and a text book explaining the varsious things we were reading and then discussing the bible stories.

We went to church every day before school and on every sunday and all catholic holidays and there were alot of them!

I have a very old bible that was my mothers. I spent alot of time using it for my homework as a kid. When my Dad died and my mom remarried she married a military guy and we dropped the religion thing.

My grandmother was a Jew. But we were not raised Jewish. In fact she kind of never spoke about being Jewish. It was like she was afraid of it or something. She was a polish woman. She converted to Catholic right after my grandpa got her out of Germany and that is all I know of their story cause it was never spoken of in our family.

I married a Baptist, who was training to be a preacher. Really bad idea. We spent alot of time reading the bible together. We divorced after about four years, and I can tell you being a student preachers wife is the pits. And the Baptists are really into their religion!

Didnt touch a bible for years after that. Then I met my current hubby and he introduced me to my current High Priestess and I become a Wiccan. 12 years later I am still a practicing Wiccan. I am a High Priestess of the Third Degree. Meaning I am Wiccan Clergy.

Now just so you know, that to become a High Priestess of the Third Degree I have to learn alittle bit about other religions. It is part of our training.

So I must study about other religions.

So I am NOT an expert, but I know enough to get by.

Blessings, light and love,
Aviana

Answer 5

As a Hellenic Polytheist who has studied Wiccan beliefs even though I am a Hellenic Reconstructionist (along with some BASIC studies in other Pagan faiths) AND who is currently engaged in a VERY in-depth Clergy Education Program, I am more knowledgable in Hellenic Pagan beliefs than many, if not most, people here. Also, as I do include divination (specifically using the Tarot) as part of my spiritual practice I answer those questions as well. I realize that many people tend to dismiss questions on paranormal phenomena as "Fake" without sufficient experience or study, so I try to present a differing viewpoint......

I was also RAISED Orthodox Christian with a father who took the time to explain Orthodox beliefs to me, so I have a background in that denomination.

I TRY not to comment on questions that I am not qualified to answer.

Of course, "Opinions are like armpits, everyone has them -- and they frequently stink"

Answer 6

Religion is an art, or sometimes a craft, but never a science. Wisdom is about how we deal with facts, and knowledge, not the knowledge itself. I can tell you, "Man without vice, is like a fish without a bicycle." And you can argue the details of my statement all day long. But, the message still gets through. That's why people can't really change the Bible. Folks that would want to, really don't have a clue as to what is important in the Bible.

Answer 7

A degree in belief means nothing though. Sure a degree in medicine makes you qualified to answer health related questions with the knowledge you have, but religion is a personal thing and therefore no one can claim to be better at it than another.

Answer 8

Yeah. I only answer questions directed at Wiccans (which I was for six years), Christians (which I currently am), and atheists/agnostics/skeptics (which I was for about ten years).

I'm not qualified to answer questions on Islam, Buddhism, or anything else, even if I have studied many other religions, at least nominally.

Answer 9

Of course. Some are attempting to actually answer the questions based on their belief or assumption. Others just want to irritate the person asking the question by giving nonsense answers.

Answer 10

As an agnostic, I have to assert that NO ONE is qualified to answer in R&S. We're all just trying to figure out how the world works and, if there is meaning to it, what that meaning might be. We are debating the unknowable, and althoughmost of us have studies a Holy Book or two, essentially none of us know a damned thing. Hey, for all we know, Crimmsonandclover could be right! (I doubt it, but it *could* happen, I guess....)