...before associating that religion with its followers becomes valid?
And does the same hold true in reverse? For example: giving food to the needy, etc.
2007-10-20 18:39:46 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
And you know I love you, too, TTC :) Same goes for sisterzeal!
2007-10-20 18:47:29 · update #1
(((Tash)))
I'm glad that you've told me this. There's only one of these answerers that you could possibly be referring to, and he happens to be the one that I've been wondering whether or not I should block.
2007-10-20 19:09:15 · update #2
I wouldn't dream of removing you, Vitamin C! And of course I understand :)
2007-10-21 07:39:14 · update #3
You cannot fall into the trap of expecting the actions of the one represent the whole.
The actions of a Zealot can do as much damage to the reputation of the group he claims to represent as he does to the group he's attacking.
Just a shame the Bigots cann't see that.
.
2007-10-20 23:06:22 · answer #1 · answered by Rai A 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
One time will put me on my guard. More than that and I see a pattern, I am going out there with my dukes up! Patterns of religious behavior can be experienced other than personally, ie, you can see it around you, on the news, etc. I'm nobody's fool, I watch and keep my distance from people who are the source of negative experience.
The revers, blessedly, is also true. A kind word, a hand offered in help, and this reflects well on an entire group.
When both scenarios are experienced, you have to chalk it up to the individual, in which case I give them the benefit of the doubt that they are a good person, and they have to prove me wrong. A bad pattern of behavior that seems to be ever present in an entire religious group doesn't mean that an individual is dangerous or bad, it just might mean that you should be a bit more cautious.
I am an eternal optimist!
((((((hugs))))))))
Lady Morgana
2007-10-21 05:55:15 · answer #2 · answered by Lady Morgana 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Like so many things for me, it depends upon the circumstance and the person. There are some Christians that are only that in name. Some of the ones on here I wonder if they actually have read the Bible. However, I know there are other issues at work there and it just comes out through their religion. I really think everyone deserves a chance to be assessed without any labels.
2007-10-21 04:47:19 · answer #3 · answered by Purdey EP 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, if it is a religion that you really want to think good things about, then it may take many, many bad experiences before you can catch a clue. That's how it was for me with Christianity. There are some really nice Christians, but even they usually think I'm going to Hell, however I know for sure that they are upset at that thought (comforting I guess).
By the way, off subject, I ended up having to remove you as my contact because you are such a prolific question asker and answerer, that all my other contacts were getting buried by your posts on my contact board. I was starting to think they had all quit the site. Anyway, the only solution I could come up with, besides going through each contact's Q&A separately was to remove you as contact and then check out your posts everyday through your fan listing on my site. I'll understand if you want to remove me as your contact, but I really hope you don't because as far as I'm concerned the change is only cosmetic. If you know of some way I could solve my contact board problem so that I can re-add you as contact, PLEASE let me know. Your posts are beyond entertaining!
2007-10-20 22:06:44 · answer #4 · answered by Tea 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The truth or falsity of a religion doesn't depend on the actions of the people who claim to believe in it. The truth stands on its own. However, it is normal and natural for people to judge the religion by its claimed followers. Many people who belong to cults are actually very nice people, because they are afraid not to be. So I'd say look at the truth claims of the religion, test them, do research, and if they don't hold up, reject the religion. If they do, then it might be wise to embrace it. If there are followers who don't treat you right, you are free to stay away from them.
2007-10-20 19:15:40 · answer #5 · answered by Pat G 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had a 17 year long bad experience with a religion. So I left. Then I found R&S and started trying to get a little closure and meet others who'd gone through the same thing...only to have more of this religion's followers bash me.
But it's been good. I've started to see them for what they are, and I know I'll never go back. So thank you.
(((((((IWF))))))))
2007-10-20 18:58:16 · answer #6 · answered by . 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't know how many times! As Christians we have to be careful even if we are deceived by 10 con artists who say they want help and our prayers and then we learn they just "used us"........Well we still need to stay open minded in case #11 person is sincere about being thankful and changing their life..........there were 10 lepers Jesus healed, only one returned to thank and praise him. He said "where are the nine?" .......I don't think anyone can afford to burn their bridges because of people who misrepresent God or anything else. There are people who "misrepresent" homeless people and are panhandlers, yet there are still people out there who really need that Hotdog. I think we should maintain a stance of trust and love and childlike faith with God's help.
2007-10-20 18:45:07 · answer #7 · answered by sisterzeal 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
To be honest, I don't do that, although I sometimes sound like I do when I'm on R&S.
I know so many good Christians and Muslims that I realize that the problem lies mostly with the followers and their own interpretation of the relevant religion.
2007-10-20 18:46:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anthony Stark 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
if "Heavenly Eyes" was a true witness, he would be out in field service this morning, spreading the "GOOD NEWS" of doom, instead of counting his time online with his whacked out, offensive comments.
(I may be offensive, or off the wall at times, but I try to keep it real)
2007-10-21 05:36:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If I were to decide what I think about different faith structures based on the behavior of those who follow that faith, then I would have to say that I hate humans.
2007-10-20 18:49:22 · answer #10 · answered by SDW 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋