How much diversity in religious beliefs, or the lack of, do you have in "your real life" as compared to here..

Question

...on the R&S forum, or in fact any of the other sections listed on Yahoo Q&A? Do you think this forum has helped you be more or less tolerant of other's belief system, nationality or race? I do apologize if this question has been asked too many times, but I am interested to know what you have to say because people come and go around here! Thanks in advance for your answer, and please, no thumbs down. It has been my observation that the "Thumbs" are many times more of a popularity poll than anything else.
I will say that I have learned from many others here that do not hold the same beliefs that I do, and I feel I have much diversity in my friends.

I should have been more clear that I am referring to relating to others, and diversity in your friends and associates. "Diversity" in one's own personal belief system could be pretty confusing! We believe as we believe, but this forum has caused me to dig a little deeper into why I believe as I do, and sometimes people do change their minds about what they hold to be true. I apologize for not making the question more clear.

Answer 1

I don't get out much anymore so I would say that I experience more diversity here at yahoo answers than I do in my everyday life.

Seeing all the questions that pop up on here make me really want to dive into my beliefs and have answers ready. I believe what I believe b/c I know it's true. Not because I researched it enough and found it was most likely true compared to other "religions". I see God at work in my every day life and I KNOW He is there. But that answer doesn't cut it for many people so I'm learning how to really study God's word! (and I love it!)

This site has also made me realize how many people don't have my beliefs. And encourages me to learn about the things that other people believe in.

Anyway, I hope that somehow answers your question.n Thanks for asking it. I don't think I realized that Y A impacted me in this way.

I hope that things are going well with your son and grandaughter!!! You are all still in my prayers.

Answer 2

WIDE!

I have a bigger pool of diversity here.
In the real world, I don't think I even know an Atheist.
I only know 1 homosexual and he's 17 so it's not like I talk to that youngin (that there is country slang for "a youth:) a lot.

I've become very tolerant of others...maybe tolerant isn't the best word. It's better said this way, I've come to realize that there are people associated with the labels.

That may sound weird, but when I first started posting on Y!A, I was one of those who went around saying Agnostics are fence post sitters, and saying that the Bible was very clear about homosexual behavior. It wasn't until my dear friend BEANO posted a question a long time ago. It was something like this: Don't you know that when you put down a belief, you are actually putting down that person.

It was a light bulb moment for me.

I began seeing us all in a different life.

We are all striving to be the best people we can be. The path I've chosen may not fit that of another. Even though I may not believe in what some say, I can still respect and form TRUE FRIENDSHIPS with them.

P/S....This last part is strictly for EAGLE WOMAN
Love ya, sistah.... ( I'm a one God ..... ) It's me!!!!!

`

Answer 3

This forum has had no effect on my tolerance for other beliefs, thank God. I have always felt and still feel that everyone has the right (I'd say the God-given right) to believe as he chooses, which includes the option of not believing. I'm tempted to say that it's shown me how few people actually believe that, but this being the Internet and all, I rather assume that most of the hatred is childish posturing rather than an acknowledged position.

In terms of my friends, I don't know the religious preferences for a lot of them. The rest include Christians (Protestant and Catholic both), atheists, agnostics, Muslims, Jews, pagans, Buddhists, and the occasional nut job. They span about all the diversity I can handle.

Answer 4

This site has made me see the kind of incredible intolerance people of all sides seem to have for each other, something I have hardly ever witnessed living in a very religiously diverse area. Some people are so incredibly ignorant about others it is amazing to me at times.

We all have our biases and preconceived notions. There is nothing particularly wrong with that. What I dont understand or comprehend is the complete ignorance and hatred some people seem to have for other peoples faiths and beliefs. I didnt know it really existed like it does on here.

I dont judge the average person or religion by anyone on here, but it has opened my eyes to just how bigoted, ignorant and downright hateful some people can be twds others.

What other people believe or dont believe still doesnt concern me in the "real world" My tolerance hasnt changed, but my gratitude that I grew up where there was religious diversity has grown immensely since being on here.

Answer 5

Surprisingly enough it has strengthened my faith and trust in the Bible. Before R&S I would mostly rely on my personal relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit to guide me but after a few months I was finding that Bible verses come alive here in R&S especally with the mind set of the unbelievers. As far as diversity goes I have found that I do not have to agree or even tollerate anyone elses beliefs and others do not have to tollerate mine. We do however need to be respectful of each other. I personally love this forum and especally the trolls. Heck.. I used to be one.

Answer 6

Honestly, this forum has proven to me that what I believe is right and true. The forum, especially the R&S section has changed a lot over the last year so I've started moving on to other sites where I can engage in true debate with all kinds of people from different walks of life. There's too much childish hatred and intolerance being bantered about on Y!A.

Answer 7

Actually, In my "real" life, there is not as much controversy. I never realized just how much controversy there was until I came on R&S. It has changed my perception in the sense that, I think there is more intolerence then I realized. I have friends from different races, religions, cultures, and beliefs. I have all of my life. And we have always been good friends dispite our differences, and sometimes better friend because of them. But I have never seen the intolerences that people seem to have on here. It was very surprising.

Answer 8

I think there's a great deal of diversity here. I don't find nearly as much in my real life. I've learned alot about others I didn't know before. I try to be tolerant of everyone. I may vehemently disagree. But I can respect what they think. Ultimately, God is our judge. He will decide all things. Besides, its better to just agree to disagree and remain friends.Right?

Answer 9

There's a little more diversity here because I don't know any Muslims where I live well enough to talk to about religion. I learn a lot from people here about Islam.

Answer 10

My Dear Avian Sister :)

I do have way more exposure to the pagan and wiccan belief systems here at R&S. I'm learning a lot from those folks!....(Thank you!!).

I have more direct contact with atheists while on here. And I love you guys because you never pull a punch. You almost always make me stop and think.

And you fundamentalists, well, give me more time.... I'll have you come around to my way of thinking eventually.

I've learned a lot about the Gay Christian perspective and their "compound" struggles. You folks inspire me.

The diversity of ideas really is why I'm here. I love sharing.... and thanks to you all for sharing with ME!

peace respects regards