I hear both Christians and Atheists say that the "other side" is inflicting their beliefs on them. How personally does this effect you? Christians are free to worship, Atheists are free not too. Has anyone ever infringed on your rights? (give an example).
Both sides say that the other is constantly pushing their beliefs..I think that is true when you read the posts in this forum.
Why does the "other" fellows belief bother us so much? Why do we feel the need to make others conform?
I would really like to hear from both sides with no dogmatic or insulting responses ..Like "they will go to hell" or "all wars are started by religion" or "they are ignorant"....if possible....Thank you so much.
2007-10-15 03:03:44 · 3 answers · asked by PROBLEM 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes. Definitely. Freud had that down as one of the basic defense mechanisms. Esp. those faults that we have worked the hardest on getting rid of in ourselves: when we see them in others, it's worse than the proverbial red flag in front of the bull.
I have a good example of that: laziness. I have worked all my life to overcome what seems like an innate, immutable laziness in myself. I think I've succeeded by and large. But when I see somebody else kind of indulging his/her laziness, esp. if it makes more work for me, I get mad way way WAY out of proportion to what would be reasonable.
Atheists don't bother me here. They are free to believe what they want, and their beliefs don't bother me. But I never was an atheist. Fundamentalists, though, do get my ire up big time. Could that possibly be because at one point I was a fundamentalist and really struggled with the the hate and exclusivity they teach? Yes, I'd say so.....
2007-10-15 03:06:39 · answer #1 · answered by Acorn 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They aren't inflicting their beliefs. They don't have that power over me...
But they do seem awfully interested in introducing their beliefs as legislation. My aunts can't be married in the US. It won't be recognized in most states. Are the Christian beliefs hurting them? Nope, but the Christian voters are.
Beliefs hurt no one. Actions do.
2007-10-15 03:44:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is easier to recognize another's faults.
We criticize when we recognize we own the same, if not similar faults.
Denial is a tough battle to win but well worth the fight for the end result
2007-10-15 03:12:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋