Do you avoid talk on religion?

@cambiste (1244)
India
February 19, 2009 11:22am CST
I do. Some younger kids asked me some disturbing questions on religions and the war between them. I find it disturbing because I know where its going to go. Its going to point out one religion and bind terrorism to it. And ask me why it is so. I don't know what to tell them. So i avoid the topic. I cant say they're wrong - because the newspapers have a lot of proof they're right. But i cant say they're right either - this will give rise to unnecessary hatred, bias and prejudice which i don't want to see among the younger kids. What should i do? What should i tell them?
5 people like this
21 responses
@lampar (7584)
• United States
22 Feb 09
Yes, i talked about religion teaching, but i do not unfairly attacked religions, I personally can not find evidence linking terrorism to any true religions teaching, so it is people or groups that have personal agenda at stake that blame act of terrorists on religions.
1 person likes this
@cambiste (1244)
• India
22 Feb 09
Thanks for sharing lampar. That is a wise outlook. Rather than to just follow newspapers and make their thoughts yours, we should check for evidence and make our own observations. Happy mylotting.
@cambiste (1244)
• India
23 Feb 09
Yes, its seriously outrageous how politicians use religion to gain support for their parties. Its the same here - we have a separate political party for the Muslims and another for the Hindus (i dont think Christians have one though), and the leaders keep collecting their own believers to support them and hate the other parties. I feel this separates people and brings a lot of mutual hatred among them - they should calm down and think for the country once in a while, rather than attaining their own greedy ends with such dirty means. Thanks for your opinion lampar. It is unfortunately, only too true in other countries as well.
1 person likes this
@lampar (7584)
• United States
22 Feb 09
One fact constantly surface in my research over religion and terrorism is terrorist leader like to use religion as a tool for recruitment and manipulate public opinions, like the case of Osama, he mentioned about Islam every time he carry out mass murder to reach his political goal, the same happen to Bush, he will mention about his religion to gain supports among Christians for his war, that is why many people think religions are the main cause of terrorism around our world today.
1 person likes this
@cyberfluf (4996)
• Netherlands
19 Feb 09
I agree learning about each others ways and backgrounds will help prevent hatred and misunderstanding. If we know more about the motives that people with other religions or other cultures have, we will be able to have more respect for it and to be more open minded about it. There are terrorists in any religion and there are terrorist without religion aswell. Any spirit that has way to extreme ideas on how the world should be is a potential threath, it has nothing to do with one specific religion; I would make that very clear to the children aswell.
1 person likes this
@cyberfluf (4996)
• Netherlands
19 Feb 09
Come to think of it, you might want to include some history lessons aswell. There have been lots of different religions who started wars or have made terrorist attacks throughout the many, many years that have past. There is no more solid proof than that to see that basicly any religion or no religion at all can be a threat as long as the person has a too extreme view of it. In basics pretty much all beliefs share the love of life and your fellow people, and prohibit you from killing another human being.
1 person likes this
@cambiste (1244)
• India
19 Feb 09
I agree. Thanks very much for putting it all together. In the past, the church did have many wars during the renaissance period, and attacked people who opposed it. Why talk about religion - even in the name of politics people are attacked in such manner. Thanks again. I really appreciate the insight very much. I feel more confident about this now. And im just glad things are actually pointing away from the religion and terrorism as well.
21 Feb 09
Hi, I am a born again atheist and tend to agree that it is difficult to talk about religion these days as tensions can run so high. I find it sickening that people can honestly beleive that they are in some way honouring, serving or pleasing their chosen god by taking another Human life. In my opinion (genuinely not trying to be shocking or upset people for the sake of it) this is more closely related to mental illness than praise, worship or love. What chance do we have as a race unless people seriously change their way of thinking. Great question. Ian
1 person likes this
@cambiste (1244)
• India
22 Feb 09
Thanks Ian. Religions and terror needn't be related - terrorists psychology is different from that of ordinary humans. Happy mylotting.
@sunil_008 (1269)
• India
21 Feb 09
i do not avoid any discussion relating religion. i don't think its something we should do.debates on every topic is essential.you can say whatever you feel.but not the provocative ones...those are the one's creates the spark among the religions and communities... :))
1 person likes this
@cambiste (1244)
• India
22 Feb 09
I agree with you now. Thanks sunil_008. Sometimes we should open it up and talk about it freely and find out how people involved in it are feeling - not just gossip, but reasonably putting forward their thoughts to support their claims - along with the people involved. Does terror have a religion? "Madrasas teach peace, tranquility and have no link with terrorism..." - Maulana Mahmood Madani "We complain to the world that Islam is being exploited by fundamentalists, yet when reckoning with the opportunity to resist theor clamor en masse, we fall curiously silent" - Irshad Manji "It is the Jihadi theological claim, uncontested by the Islamist clergy and seculars, that make terror a religious duty, and a deadly one at that" - S.Gurumurthy
@zhuhuifen46 (3483)
• China
21 Feb 09
I avoid talking on religion as on politics. Firstly for my ignarance about religion, and then i think all religions were established by history and have their respective cultural reasons. At a globe full of comflicts, a wise way to keep peace is to cooperate on issues of common concern, leaving an understanding heart and open mind to respect other cultures and religions.
1 person likes this
@cambiste (1244)
• India
21 Feb 09
Thanks, that's a wise outlook. Its not possible to know the true beliefs and customs of another religion unless we have lived the lifestyle. Happy mylotting.
@Kate007 (17)
• China
22 Feb 09
Hi, cambiste, i'm pretend to communicate with them. Actually, i'm a kid, too.From a young's opinion, most of us believe the world is just a town,we live the golbel together and we should be brothers and sisters. We're all hate fighting and wars.So, i suggest you to tell them the right spirit next time:We are all difference, people should try to understand other cultures. The kids are the future,if you make some of them learn how to love others, then you do did a great job! I hope my advive is useful to you:) Best wishes for you!
1 person likes this
@cambiste (1244)
• India
23 Feb 09
Welcome to mylot Kate007. Thanks for your advice. I think its very sensible. We are different, but still the same. We have our own thoughts, beliefs and culture and trying to impose on another isnt a good idea. Religions are being exploited by not just terrorists, but also by politicians in many countries. Politics and religion do not mix. And people attack religions in which the believers have more faith - undoubtedly, thinking outside the box and seeing through the petty and dirty tricks, is just what we need to do. Thanks you for the insight. Happy mylotting.
@alokn99 (5717)
• India
20 Feb 09
I try to avoid talking about religion, unless i'm discussing this with someone who i know will interact on this with the right sensibilities. And this would be only someone who knows me very well and whom i know well enough. Sometimes even family members i avoid talking about this with.
@cambiste (1244)
• India
20 Feb 09
Thanks for sharing that. I believe i do that too. I never start a topic on religion with people who cannot look at without any religious ties. Thanks for pointing that out. One shouldn't simply get into a heated argument with others just to anger or torment them. Happy mylotting.
@kaka135 (14916)
• Malaysia
20 Feb 09
Hi there, I do not avoid talk on religion, but I do not want to have any arguments either. I am actually a free thinker, so I'm fine when others tell me about their religion and beliefs. When I am disagree with them, or think they may not be right, I'd just keep quiet, as I think different people have their own beliefs, and it's hard to change their minds.
1 person likes this
@cambiste (1244)
• India
20 Feb 09
True. If people are not willing to change their minds, all your arguments would never shift their views and its a waste of time. Thanks kaka. Your words are wise.
@mone101 (138)
• India
20 Feb 09
well their is something we can do, is stop all the stuff which brings the feeling of inequality among small kids ,even the older ones as this is the initial stage which can even lead to terrorism , nd it start with the things, small kids sees all around happening like we treat a beggar very badly so a small also do the same..! well you should say those small kids that all the people living on earth are same .. the only difference is the way they all think, life style n all....!!!!!
@cambiste (1244)
• India
20 Feb 09
Thanks for your valuable advice. That is a good way to deal with things :) Happy mylotting.
• India
20 Feb 09
I talk on religion topic but not on a very deeply basis i just talk and leave it if i feel the person is streching the topic i simply divert the topic and then giving him some or the other reason try to move away from him , well if the topic goes in a deap way some times it becomes a worst topic, well you can talk on religion to the person of same religion which will only be a normal talk.
1 person likes this
@cambiste (1244)
• India
20 Feb 09
True. Very true. Ruffling feathers will be of little profit to both of the parties in the argument - as religion isn't a topic one can argue casually without knowing both of the religion and the psychology of the person's mind. Thanks for the valuable insight. Happy mylotting
@CRIVAS (1815)
• Canada
20 Feb 09
I think that every single religion out there is similar, why? Becuase they all believe in something greater than themselves. The trouble with religion is that it tend to divide people. I think that is why I have been looking into Paganism, this religion is one that believes that we should all treat eachother the way that we want to be treated and they worship the earth and all it's elements. Personally I just do the same as you and I avoid talking about it if I can. Besides there is always going to be someone who thinks that they know everything and I just don't have the time or the patience to deal with people like that.
@cambiste (1244)
• India
20 Feb 09
Right. Narrow-mindedness - That kind of attitude never gets you anywhere. One should never start a discussion on religion if you have no interest to try to understand the other person, and just want to argue that you are always right because your religion said so. Thanks for the insight on the matter. I'm really glad i opened this topic in mylot :)
@ddfreedie (690)
• India
20 Feb 09
yup ill...cos everyone is born a human and will die as human...and where did this relegion come from...i hate people talking about religions and caste
1 person likes this
@cambiste (1244)
• India
20 Feb 09
Well, people have different views - but as long as it doesn't hurt anyone or trouble anyone else, its fine to keep your religion. Thanks for your opinion. Happy mylotting.
• Philippines
20 Feb 09
Avoid as much as possible about something like this that will result to heated argument. Religions and terrorism and that is all junk. Jesus himself came here not for religion, and he is not into it. Most people get misunderstood about this delicate topic. And for me, if people would just be thinking i am talking about religion, i would say no to them since in the first place i came to talk about something that is not bound, not religion but a relation. They still push to think that it will be religion. That is the reason that these people will never see the light of the glory of God because they have blinded their eyes and mind about one thing, they are depending on something they think will save them, and that is the word RELIGION. Very scary!
1 person likes this
@cambiste (1244)
• India
20 Feb 09
Yes. I do not believe there's a word in the Bible that says Jesus had brought a new religion by the name of Christianity to us. Similarly i don't think there a mention of "Hindu" in the Ramayana or Bhagvat Geeta. But in the case of Quran, its an exception. However, religion is merely the way someone lives his life, and one should not connect everything to it. Thanks for your insight. Happy mylotting.
@AMOORA04 (115)
• United States
20 Feb 09
continue to avoid the topic. If you choose to talk about this stuff u have to constantly research and try to figure out what is going.
1 person likes this
@cambiste (1244)
• India
20 Feb 09
Thanks. But i don't think researching religions will yield any good results. Religion is how a person should live his life and what partly models his personality and beliefs. This is a very diverse field and will yield nothing specific as everything will seem right with one and wrong from the other point of view. Thanks you for voicing your opinion. Perhaps it should be made a discipline to study all religions and understand each other. Happy mylotting.
@goldeneagle (6745)
• United States
19 Feb 09
I have learned to pick my discussions on religion a little more wisely, and I avoid them most of the time. I usually just say what I believe, then I leave it alone. I am not going to argue with anyone about it.
1 person likes this
@cambiste (1244)
• India
19 Feb 09
I do the same. But i feel it's having a very negative effect... not giving an answer is like saying "yes" to them. if one doesnt answer something, it just plants seeds of doubt and i'm afraid how it'll grow out in their actions. Thanks for your reply. I had stuck to "wont argue" for a long time now.
@mikeysmom (2088)
• United States
20 Feb 09
i do avoid this topic along with politics. i find that people are so differed in their opinions and it often leads to arguments even among friends so i keep these things close to home. i do have an opinion but it is best left undiscussed in most circles. at least that has been my experience.
1 person likes this
@cambiste (1244)
• India
20 Feb 09
That is a wonderful view! Poeple do differ in their opinions, and trying to reach a conclusion is impossible in cases like this - everyone has their own views. Thanks for your time. Happy mylotting.
@blue65packer (11826)
• United States
20 Feb 09
I avoid talking to my dad and my closest friend about religion! My dad doesn't have a open mind about my opinions on religion so I avoid that conversation! With my friend is gets very opinionated on the subject,(like also politics)! After that time he said everything in the bible is true( I don't believe everything in the bible)! I haven't brought up that subject since!
1 person likes this
@cambiste (1244)
• India
20 Feb 09
Thanks for your time. People believe in what they're taught from childhood - but its fine to believe in it as long as you dont force others to believe it as well. Happy mylotting.
@Lindery (853)
• Latvia
20 Feb 09
You should try to teach kids that there are more than one religion and each of them has its own idea and a way of belief. Important is to teach the kids that every religion has its rights to be in people minds. There is not wrong religion. I personally avoid talks about religion too! I am not sure what do I think of it so I don't make fake and idiotic story tales about the subject I am not sure about. I don't deny religion but I don't feel it around me either.
@cambiste (1244)
• India
20 Feb 09
Thanks for voicing your opinion. Yes, if we don't really have any idea what it's all about, we should just leave the topic. Happy mylotting.
@pickwick (858)
• India
20 Feb 09
+I dont avoid talk on religion but I see the circumstances and audience when it is required.Some people are religious fanaticcs and there is yet another catagory of people who start discussion on this topic because it is a trend to do so.I avoid talking about religion in thesse two conditions.
1 person likes this
@cambiste (1244)
• India
20 Feb 09
That is a wise decision. Thanks and happy mylotting. :)
@rakesh284 (1472)
• India
19 Feb 09
Well I stay in India and it is the only country where can find diversity of religions. Its really sensitive topic and here it is necessary to avoid such talk because this can give rise to riots as it has happened previously also. But its really inspirational thing here that people of different life style are living together.
@cambiste (1244)
• India
19 Feb 09
Yes, that's why i usually avoid the topic as well. Telling someone "they will become terrorists" or "only they become terrorists" has a very bad influence on the younger generation. Im not sure how i should handle this. This is perhaps the worst crisis i had in my life ever It feels like im being pushed to a corner. I usually just change the topic. Ive never given an answer for this big question that surely must bother the minds of the juniors in my college and neighborhood. Being uncertain like this, avoiding the talk, this also is sure to seed negative impressions and thoughts about the religions and its followers into their minds and hearts. Thanks for replying. I know this question is very difficult to reply to. Thanks again.