why are we so violent about defending our own beliefs? isn`t that a bit ..paradoxal?

Question

if you`re an atheist why do you care if what others think? and if you`re a christian aren't we supposed to promote....unconditional love?

Answer 1

Not if you believe in violence. Then is not paradox.

Answer 2

No one needs to be aggressive in matters of belief. I'm a Christian, but millions of other people aren't. It's a big world, and there are many varying beliefs out there (and also the option of not believing anything at all). To become violent about defending my own beliefs would be ridiculous. I came to the conclusion somewhere during early childhood that it's okay for other people to have different opinions than I do.

Answer 3

One person's zealous defense or evangelism is another person's hate speech I suppose.

Unless a person is looking at things from the same mindset, there is much room for misunderstanding, disagreement, and conflict.

Christians (of which I am one) see their testimony and expressions of faith as showing love toward mankind by living and speaking truth in love in hopes that others will come to understand and share their faith. It's part of the Great Commission given by Christ to spread the gospel message. Unfortunately, Christ also warned that many wouldn't be open to the message and would persecute Christians for their beliefs. He Himself and most of the disciples were martyred, though His crucifixion and resurrection were part of God's divine plan.

It can also be said that many who are claiming Christianity while expressing true violence and hate may not be sincere Christians--Christ also warned about those who would claim His Name but weren't really His.

That said, part of unconditionally loving our brother as Jesus taught includes trying to warn him about sin and the destructive consequences of it. It's just like disciplining our children--if we don't do it, they will have to learn hard lessons later. We warn them and teach them what we believe is best for them precisely because we love them. If I knew that a bridge was out down the road, but did nothing to block the road, warn passing motorists, report it, etc., I would be a horrible person, and might even get sued for negligence. We as Christians know where the road to sin leads, the broad road that people who don't know Jesus are traveling on. Why is it seen as violent and hateful if we don't want others to go down that road if we can help it?

No, we can't stop those who persist in going that direction anyway, but at least we can say we tried. If we aren't doing a good job, it's only because we are human, too, and aren't perfect, just forgiven.

Answer 4

Why does it matter to me what someone else believes?


Because when religion purports to offer a complete answer to problems of purpose, morality, origins or science, it often discourages exploration of those areas by suppressing curiosity, denies its followers a broader perspective, and can prevent social, moral and scientific progress.

Because of the phenomenon of religious war as one of the more destructive consequences of religious belief. Some argue that these are mostly caused by misinterpretations of the relevant religions' ethical rules and a combination of non-religious factors. These conflicts are among the most difficult to resolve, particularly where both sides believe that God is on their side and has endorsed the moral righteousness of their claims.

Because many people believe they have a religious duty to take "control of a sinful secular society", either by putting fundamentalists in office, or by forcing "holy" law into the secular sphere.

This is why it matters to me what other people believe.

Answer 5

Like the unconditional love we have for Iraqi families. Those damn Christians will scream all day about one abortion but cluster-bomb a couple hundred thousand brown people and we'll except... that cause the parsons tell us so.

Answer 6

First of all, no one wants to be told their wrong. We automatically go on the defensive if we feel attacked in anyway. Secondly, there are enough people out there who are extremists when it comes to the debate between atheism and religion that see violence as a legitimate result.

Answer 7

I defend my beliefs just as hard as I defend my life or country. Reason being because what I believe I believe is right and others believe what they believe is right. I don't think they are violent just full of zeal.

Answer 8

i don't think of it is not a depend of accepting an analogous from others as status for our ideals. it rather is a debate, there isn't any winner and no loser. We conform to disagree. human beings want it customary how they think of and sense so it would desire to look like they don't seem to be "accepting" others interest while they're merely voicing theirs as properly.

Answer 9

its really wonderful that you want peace all around.
I think human beings are pleasure seeker and pain avoider as proved in a law(indoisim). pls preach peace and hope its a reality soon. human is not predictable thats just it, even twin brother who went through same condition of birth acts diffrently. lets start from generations to come.
peace

Answer 10

I am never violent in the exchange of ideas. Anyone who turns to violence is clearly lacking in civil ways to express himself effectively.

Answer 11

Most atheist dont really care.
Yeah we are, but belifes are all differnt some people cant really take them,
and some people dont really trust in them, yet they still believe in them.
Some people think whats good can be bad, and what is bad can be good also.