I was raised catholic, but I have not had any experiences in my life that have supported a religous or spiritual lifestyle.
Recently, a good friend who was also the best man at my wedding, wrote a letter by email telling me and our group of friends that he no longer wants to be associated with us because of our differences in our moral standards based on his religious beliefs. He has over the past 2 years been hurtful, dishonest, absent and uncaring. We (our group) kept reaching out and this is how he responded.
How can any good religion promote close mindedness and exclusion of groups based soley on a belief? If love and forgiveness is forefront in all good religions, why is what happened to me and my group of friends such a common story among the very religous? It does not give religion a good name when a very religous person tells you that you aren't good enough to be his friend.
2007-10-21 05:55:47 · 11 answers · asked by mediamanmail 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Organized religion, in my experience, is a close minded and restricting institution. In order to get people to adhere to their beliefs and structure they must exclude people and therefor judge them based on, anything really. The extremely religious have a tendency to do exactly what they say they are against, which is judging people. If only god can judge then there are tons of people who are going to hell, despite their self-label as Christians. The moral of this story is...there are people who claim to be uber-religious but cannot stand up to the demands of their said beliefs. These people are not my friends. The person you speak of is also not your friend. Become Jewish. They are much cooler.
2007-10-21 06:05:23 · answer #1 · answered by Ishara 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes.. just look at those nut jobs at the Westboro Baptist Church. It's a perfect example of how religion can change you for the worse.
Fred and Shirley Phelps are the poster children for close minded ignorance based on religious beliefs.
2007-10-21 06:04:26 · answer #2 · answered by Little Mehmy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When it goes to extremes. Usually it's when they pick the parts they like and forget about the rest which could be the parts they need to read to understand the balance and true intent of the spiritual teaching. To me it's like reading half a recipe.......
Seems too many are running around trying to take the splinter out everybody elses eye instead of getting the log from their own. Or telling everybody else how to live their life instead of facing and dealing with their own demons. I mean I would be just fine if everybody else was different. lol
2007-10-21 06:17:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only way to answer your question would be to spend time with your group of friends. I had married friends that were always " checking out the ladies" then they would say foul and lustful things about them. I find that be offensive, so I no longer associate with those people. It's the old, "birds of a feather" thing.
2007-10-21 06:23:32 · answer #4 · answered by just a man 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's horrible... maybe your friend was taking religion the wrong way...? It can be interpeted differently; some people like your friend think that they have to "clense" all aspects of their life, including their friends. But think about it, I mean, Jesus was friends with sinners and ate with them. He just needs to understand that he can still be friends with you, just if he doesn't like what you do, he doesn't have to participate. He can still BE YOUR FRIEND. There's no reason to shun you guys. ...did that make sense? =/
2007-10-21 06:04:36 · answer #5 · answered by indie rock girl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, religion closes your mind to any other possible views of the world around you. It narrows down your field of vision until all you see is what is dictated by the faith you have adhered to.
2007-10-21 06:05:50 · answer #6 · answered by Emily of Orleans 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That would be impossible. In my eyes, I am the worst I can be. There is no way but up. I don't give the credit to religion, but myself and those who are around me. It takes two :-)
2007-10-21 06:05:48 · answer #7 · answered by Soleil 4 · 9⤊ 0⤋
You ever watch that crazy lady from Trading Spouses?
2007-10-21 06:04:20 · answer #8 · answered by nobody important 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Religion and church is one thing. Belief is the other. What religion is God?
Thanks for the 2 points.
2007-10-21 06:02:51 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
it usually does... that's why there's confession in Catholicism
2007-10-21 06:01:29 · answer #10 · answered by I'm an Atheist 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋