The ‘tunnel vision’ of some seems so remarkable to me.

So often it seems that if a person feels his or her own specific beliefs are not only exclusively ‘right’, they have the obligation to tell others not only this but that all other beliefs (or lack of) are exclusively ‘wrong’.

Often I simply wish people would keep their own beliefs to themselves, especially at specific times.

An example is when someone dies and a ‘well meaning’ person can’t resist sharing they own version of religious wisdom, even knowing the family and friends mourning do not share their belief system.

It is not – I repeat not – helpful to say things like, “God never gives us more than we can handle” … or “He/She has gone to a better place” … or “God has His reason why your child died” ... or, far worse, "Isn't it a shame your ____ didn't believe in God" (leaving the 'and will now burn in hell implied).

Geesh.

Wouldn't it be lovely if some people with deep religious beliefs could perhaps accept - truly accept - that others do not believe as they do. Not from 'lack of opportunity' or exposure to religion, but rather from choice. Huge gentle sigh.

I would certainly agree that at the grave it's definately to late for the deceased. I would also agree it is not the time to do one on ones with the grieving. And the last example is like the worst thing any one can do.



There are some religions that require this. Some are more aggressive than others. The Bible tells you to go forth and spread the good news. That said I agree with the approach and tact used by some is sometimes out of line. As I learned from my church, one is to tell others,certainly NOT jam it down their throats. We are not aggressive. In other words I'll not track you down and badger you. Yet I think it good to tell others of something that can be quite beneficial to them. If they don't want to hear it I will leave them as a friend. I have friends of all faiths and we are all still friends. We do sometimes have relidious discussions and we can all respect each other.

I sort of look at it like this. I have something good I want to share with you. Something I believe can make your life better. Consider: I know a person who likes you and wants to know you. I think they're a great person and I only offer to share a potentially good thing for you. Well I present an offer and it's up to you. I did my part as required. Another example I was given was: I've a stock tip. I think it a good thing for you. Try it. ( I realize this one concerns money as the other is absolutely free) Again I offfered a potentially good thing I feel good about.

Now the reason for the stock tip reference is, whenever someone gives you some tip, you need to do some research. Read, talk, discuss and Learn. I find when talking to many people they make comments on why and how come. Many of these questions come from not doing thier homework. I've read the main text of the major religions and find mine to be the most promising. Just as in researching the stock of Apple computers. I looked at all the financials for the year before Sep '06. At $68 /share and all things looking good, I made a decision to get in. I do understand it could have gone down instead of doubling. But with the free gift offer there is no down side. Well I didn't mean to go on and on but I was hoping to make a point.

I'll agree that the tact of some is at best speculative. Sometimes They just want to say something kind,as you mentioned. A funeral is sometimes the most difficult. I have a long time friend whose family now owns many parlors. His dad always cracked me up when I'd stop by the parlor to pick up my friend from work. After I'd say goodbye Mr. ****. He'd say in a joking voice "See you soon!" It made me laugh every time.

I entirely agree with the both of you. The people who try to force their religion down other people's throats are hypocrites, because 99% of the time, not respecting someone for who they are and what they beleive in is against their respective religion. I, personally, don't beleive in any religion and i have my reasons that I won't get into, but it really upsets me when other people of other religions can't respect my decision to not be apart of a religion. The worst, like the both of you have said, is when they say things that imply your going to "hell" and essentially threatening you with their religious crap. I respect the beleifs of others and feel i should be treated the same way.

Regards,
TheYoda

Completely agree with the Posts so far.
My dear Mum drives me around the bend.My parents and relatives are Religion Mad,and that's an understatement.I see my Parents about every 2 weeks, and by the time I get in the door,there's some Video on about some Religious Shyster on TV trying to take your money and save the World.They know I can't stand this, and they will not give up.
My Mother, says all the time Im there,

"You are the only one in the Family,who is going to 'Burn in Hell', for leaving God and our Faith.Please accept God and come back to the Faith, so our Family can all be together in Heaven.I don't want to die knowing you won't be with us."

Every Phone call is the same.Bless her heart,she's 85 and in the early stages of Alzheimers,and it must be programed in her brain.Sounds like a broken record.

As Far as Religious Zealots calling at my door and trying to save me,I say no thankyou,I'm not interested.If they persist I start to tell them where to go,in a language they don't use,but seem to understand quite easily.
I had one who actually put his foot in the door,so I couldn't close it.I put them on a par with Indian Call Centres.
The only time, they should offer to talk about the Scriptures,is if I ask for it.Otherwise they are insulting my intelligence.IMO.

I do understand the 'instruction' to share, boopme, truly I do. And it must be so very hard to know where the 'fine line' is between offering to share and tipping the teeter-totter over to 'shove'. Good for you!

Loved the story of the undertaker who calls out, "See you later!" - too funny! (I worked in a funeral home during school holidays, weekends and the summer months so can truly share in the 'dark humour').

What truly amazes me is that those who perhaps have religious instruction to 'go out there and share - agressively if necessary' and yet don't realize that for every convert they create, it's highly likely they inadvertently create 100 who go fleeing into the night! Eep!

And yes, I can sympathize with the feeling that many who brag about being a Christian seem far more like hypocrites than one's mental image of a true Christian, Yoda. In fact, have you ever noticed that 'true Christians' (or at least my concept of them) are not the ones that become agressive or over-bearing or judgemental of others? Hmmm.

But the ones my heart hurts for are those caught in a mental trap such as DSTM described above with his parents.

A parent, believing in their heart and soul in Heaven and the strict rules on admission ... it must be a form of Hell thinking that someone they love so much will forever 'burn in hell' and be apart from them forever. Yet, their believes, however unintended, are so unaccepting of someone who obviously loves them dearly - and all because of 'religion'.

To me at least, one again the ugly aspect of religion rears it's head. For if Christianity were based on solely on the goodness within one's heart and the goodness that one shares with others through our wee walk on earth, all would be well. Bet nearly all would be worshiping this sadly non-existent benevolent God and all the misunderstanding, tears, hate and even wars could finally end.

And that, my friends, is the key to any successful religion. I am honestly OK with having a God by which you worship and believe in his mercy, because frankly, I do. What I'm NOT OK with is putting religious ordinances ahead of God/Christ-like qualities. I absolutely refuse to believe that if you are not a member of "yadda-yadda" religion, you will burn in Hell. It's not fair, because of two reasons:
1. Agency.
2. Lack of opportunity.

I, being a Mormon myself, know of some pretty pompous religion-freaks, but you have to see the good in every religion. People seem to think religious authorities are flawless, but I know that some of them sometimes are flat incorrect, or talk in a topic in which they should not be talking about. For instance, it's like those so-called "experts" who write those "How to raise a baby" books, that have never raised a baby themselves.

Yes, there are the few true Christians that if I tell them I don't agree with their religion, they'll accept that and put it past them. If every person from every religion was like that, I might actually consider practicing a religion, but until than, I'm good where I am.

And I know what you mean, DSTM, for my mom always forces me to go to Mass and such. My mothers not in her 80s, lol, but it's the same effect, even if it's not as extreme as your situation.

Regards,
TheYoda

If one wants to "share" their religious beliefs, let them do so by their actions in the world.
Z

That may mean telling others, no?
Careful isn't that what Al Qaida and the Taliban do?

This post has been edited by boopme: Sep 12 2007, 09:57 PM

Most "religions" are like a "diet plan".

One gets out of it exactly what one puts into it?

Think about it... then send your donation onward....

"That may mean telling others, no?
Careful isn't that what Al Qaida and the Taliban do? "

Yes, the actions of the "faithful" are how they share their religious beliefs in the world. I think most of us would question the basis of a religion that permits--- if not actually encourages---the slaughter of innocent bystanders going to a vegetable market, or condones public throat slitting---despite their claim that theirs is a religion of tolerance and peace.
Z

Ya ever hear the word "slam". With some of these clowns, though, even that doesn't work.

My favorites are the ones that knock on the door and get me out of bed at 7:30 on Sunday morning. I inform them in easy to understand terms that they are not welcome or wanted, and before I can even get back to the bedroom, the &@!*# idiots are pounding on the door again! Had to tell one that I was going to be arrested for assault and battery if he didn't leave me the hell alone - after having to physically block the idiot from waltzing in like he owned the place!!

Not a very effective way of convincing people to "convert", if ya ask me.

There are a lot of people that are "holy" for an hour or two on Sunday morning, and downright evil bastards the rest of the time.

This is a bit of a veer, but this statement is interesting. You see, even though I do not believe in the existence of any supernatural deity, I'm well versed in the teachings of Jesus, the man, and I find them to be very sensible ways to try and live one's life. I've also found value in the teachings of some other religions, as well.

I believe that my faith is correct. I believe that for my understanding of God and his purpose for mankind to be correct, other conflicting ideas must be wrong. For example I hold strictly to the Creation account given in the Bible and to date have not heard any scientific evidence to the contrary of this account. I'm familiar with conflicting "interpretations" of scientific fact as described in the ever "evolving" theory of evolution. I've been called closed minded, the term "tunnel vision" has been thrown at me on several occasions. On each one of these occasions, those throwing these labels did so BEFORE they found out any details of my knowledge or understanding of creation. Before asking how old I though the Earth is. Before discussing any of my knowledge on paleontology. I find that to be very hypocritical of the so called "open minded".

For my belief that we should worship God the way God wants to be worshiped, the belief that all religions have some good things in them (I would agree with the view that most do have lots of good teachings) and they all lead to God (I disagree) since it directly contradicts it, must be wrong.

For my view that God is not a Trinity, the Trinitarian belief must be wrong and anyone claiming Jesus is equal with God the Father is contrary to my understanding of what the Bible teaches.

My belief that Jesus forbade his followers from picking up a weapon is in direct conflict with most other "Christian" religions who have no problem going to war and killing members of their own faith because they were born on a different side of a political border drawn on a map. I believe that unity in faith should take priority over nationalism.

I am also willing to die for my beliefs (I imagine it's easier to say then to do), yet I would never pick up a weapon and force anyone to conform to my views.

I've had discussions of these and many other topics that span over 20 years and my beliefs are mine. I've chosen them over the many conflicting, contradicting and confusing views held by those I spoken with. To stand here after 20+ years and have an understanding of God, mankind, dinosaurs and Bible prophesy (fulfilled in the past and the ones awaiting fulfillment in the future), I feel compelled to share my understanding with others. Yet I would never try to force anyone to change to my beliefs.

I chose my beliefs in the manner I wish everyone else would chose theirs.... take time to consider the facts with an open mind, and never allow anyone to manipulate or force you to accept their understanding without proving the idea to yourself.

And never let anyone intimidate you with labels simply because they chose to believe something different and/or wrong and/or narrow minded, it's their God given right to believe what they chose to believe.

I'll never be, nor have I ever been part of a demonstration to force my "minority views" upon anyone else. I chose to live by a finely defined moral code.

Does this make me "narrow minded"?

This post has been edited by CrazyDwarf: Sep 23 2007, 05:55 PM