Why is it that when you ask a question dealing with religion, the religious give non related answers?

Question

I have asked countless questions here, trying to find out how these people tick and have been put down, reported and received many strange answer that had nothing to do with my question.
Just watch, there will be some hatred and comedy from both sides here, but guess who will strike with the most venom?
Still, no relevant answer, never get one I guess.

I have one already, they want to know what my question(s) are!
Look at the top of the page, the question is there.
It asks, "Why is it that when you ask a question dealing with religion, the religious give non related answers?"
Now, wasn't that easy enough for you?

Answer 1

It's probably because the "religious" people answering your questions aren't really religious at all. One of the problems with online questions is that anyone can pose as anyone else. They do this because they can't be seen. The online world is full of posers who have become expert at portraying themselves as someone or something else. Online dating is probably the best known example of that. And places like Myspace have so-called teen girls that are really old men who are really good at talking like a young girl. If you are sincere about asking questions concerning the subjects of God and faith, and don't really want to ask someone in person, contact some of the protestant denominations direct. They all have websites and can answer any questions you may have. Throwing a religious question out there online will get you every conceivable answer, some venomous, some not. But try to remember something: people are free moral agents. They tick because they make individual choices.

Answer 2

I agree with the responder named Pascha on this one. The R&S section is used by certain persons to preach and witness, so it doesn't matter what the Q is. They feel compelled to use the opportunity of the Q to get their message out rather than directly answer the question.

Although prosyletizing, grandstanding, and general irrelevance and silliness in Qs in the R&S section is annoying, they are still a grade above those folks that answer a Q with "I don't know" or some remark that they think is glib but isn't to people who actually have some semblance of intelligence.

Answer 3

I think it depends on the level of personal conviction in the person to whom you're asking the questions.

I've know people that have strong beliefs and convictions, and they speak freely about their beliefs and are very willing to share and get to the point without beating around the bush.
I've know others (and sometimes I feel myself in this category) that have beliefs, but are not so confident in their convictions, and thus have a hard time answering direct questions about their beliefs.
Now, there is nothing wrong with the later, and it doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with their religion. It just means that they're not completely comfortable with answering your questions. You should be patient with them, and perhaps ask the question, "Where can I go to better understand ______?"

Answer 4

There are some people who do not understand how to have a dialog. So they do not pay attention to what you are interested in. Instead they are focused on selling you their ideas.
It is not only religious people who do this, and certainly not all regions people do, but enough of the people who think they are religious do it that a lot of other people don't want to discuss religion with them.

Answer 5

Well it goes that way on the internet / perhaps they don't understand what you are asking properly or chose not to answer your question opposed to ignoring the question

Answer 6

It is an unfortunate thing. I personally think because they lack tangable evidence to support their belief. The only thing they can offer you are quotes from a book and redirection to avoid REAL questions and confrontation.

Good luck with your search.

Answer 7

Basically there is no sound basis to believe in any religion. So those who "believe" are engaging in an act of faith. If you are a non-believer such as myself, there is no way I can relate to what you are trying to tell me, therefore, non-related answers.

Answer 8

Probably, they are just looking to score two points for themselves and have little intention of posting a thoughtful answer.

Answer 9

Because Jesus/Allah/Buddha/Bob loves them and told them to do it so they can go to heaven and have a golden hut and all. You know kind of like what psychology teaches as a psychotic episode.

Answer 10

this is there way of 'beating around the bush.' this technique has worked for thousands of years..