The biggest issue with this is that to some individuals their beliefs are so strong that they view them as fact, and treat it as such. I agree that people should be more tolerant of others and accept that just because they believe something it does not mean it is more true than what someone else believes. However, humanity in general has always had these coflicting views so I hold little hope for a change anytime soon. We have a bad habit of rejecting anything that conflicts with our views or is different.
Unfortunatly, I used to be just that, close-minded and judgmental to most. Then when I opened my mind to new possibilities, it seemed as if the whole world opened up and I began to see everything in a new light.
And I went to church for many years, and still do, though its only to make my mom happy. And maybe your church is different, because I was always taught everything about every other religion is 100% wrong and created by Satan.
By the way, mind if I quote you on "All beleifs are just that, beleif." and "Beleif in something does not make it fact. No religion or beleif is right or better than another."?
Well my personal belief is that tolerance isn't really the issue. Tolerance has a limit. I believe that people should respect other's belief. Take it into knowledge that someone believes that way, respect them for who they are and willingness to speak their mind, and move on. It's simply difficult for many people to move on. Myself included.
Re: Belief vs. Fact By: WhiteRav3n / Knowledgeable
Post # 7 Nov 13, 2011
I agree with your viewpoint on belief Huggy. It's nice to see a Christian with an open mind.
Unfortunately, 9 out of 10 are not. It's just the history of the church itself. I really doubt the Apostles' religion was anything compared to what Christianity is now. When religion and an empire mixes as it did with Rome, it is never a good thing.
Even today, England says "God save the Queen" and America says "God bless America". Now technically, America is not under Christianity. Our forefathers were Deists not Christian. If they were Christian, there would be talk of Jesus, which there isn't. But most Christians believe it is so, and the "nation under god" is a nation under the Christian god. Incorrect. There is a definite separation of church and state. But since the majority of settlers were Christian, the hostility of different religions was and still is there. Depending on the country, region, right down to the town/city, religion is either very mixed and diversity is tolerated or there is a majority of one religion and the rest are treated like scum by most belonging to the main religion.
There are always exceptions, but my point here is that society, location, and government plays a vital role in religion tolerance. Although it is a nice sentiment, we can't "all get along" because the internet is an unnatural form of communication spanning the entire world. Nature did not intend for people so far away to communicate all in one group. Too many differences to count over the world and each individual grew up believing their morals, values, and perspective is the right one. Large American cities have an edge because we have "melting pots" of cultures. But not everyone experiences that. I grew up in the heart of Chicago, so I could travel through towns that made me feel like I was passing through Puerto Rico, China, India, and Poland all in one day.
The majority of hostility in people surrounding religion is Christians because they are the most popular religion. They're also taught that their religion is the "truth" and that all others are wrong. The first commandment "worship no other gods before me" which is a mortal sin. This is one of those parts of the Bible that is highlighted by Christians. and the meaning is exaggerated through dogma.
The second group who shows hostility are xtians (again, the most popular religion) who changed their religion as a teen or adult. Those who changed their minds about their religion have animosity for those who have attacked them for their choices. This is called "association" and is a normal function of our minds that is the same reason why we will begin to fear all dogs after we are biten by one. We won't just fear the dog who bit us. Some just associate on type of dog, others associate them all together.
Concerning religion itself, I feel that with an open mind, one can see the truths in all religions. Each one is a representation of the culture and times they formed in. They are different perspectives but have so many parallels, even between religions found on opposite sides of the world. Some copied each other and some were 100% original. But each one believes in one superior being and a hierarchy of other powers/beings that maintain all of creation. And ironically, or perhaps purposely, this reflects our own societies. The chicken or the egg, which one came first? We don't know and we'll never know. So let's not pretend we know and argue it! =)
I agree that on a site such as this, people should put aside their differences, but the reality is, many will not.
Most of the main religions depend on having people born into the religion, or in gaining converts. The two strongest ones using these methods of "recruitment" are Roman Catholicism and Islam. Children take the religion of their parents; sometimes for life, sometimes until they become disillusioned in some way.
But the meaning of this thread as I see it is a view if "belief"; that is not always about religion. I do not condemn any religion; but I do try, on this site, to discourage certain "beliefs" being considered as fact; which is what the original post is really about. When youngsters on this site believe they can fly, turn into wolves, and all the other rubbish, I consider it to be my responsibility as an older and more experienced person to try and tell them the truth.
We should not encourage mermaids to jump into the nearest river!
Yes O_X feel free to quote me. Whoever it was that said we cant all just get along.. I feel that is opinion. Many people from many walks of life have learned not to judge people due to their beliefs or race.
What I speak of, is letting people share their views and opinions openly, without the need to insult or "condemn" them. All religions stem from one or another. Once again "belief is just that.. belief" no one is right or wrong. We all came here to learn, and I feel that although debate is wonderful, we should be taking it all from an educational standpoint, instead of a defensive one. I just want a place to learn and teach where everyone stands equal and no one has to fear rejection. Of course I(and everyone else) should be somewhat realistic about life. Everything in the world that you see/hear etc. is just your perception of it :)
I think people would be more tolerant if they were taught that way when they were really little, although there are exceptions. I was a sheltered child who's parents were Christian and somehow the message of "Christianity is the only right religion" never stuck to me. I think it's because I made friends with a lot of people from different religious backrounds because I believed they tended to be more accepting than people who were Christian, no offense to you huggy. Oh by the way, I wish telling someone that they're going to hell would be considered a hate crime but, apparently freedom of speech and religion is able to safeguard Christians so they're not responsible for what they say. Still, no offense huggy.
