MY religion is the ONLY true religion! YOUR religion is wrong!
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
United States
January 30, 2007 8:50am CST
How do you react to people like this? I get so upset. I dont' think there is one right answer to religion. Religion is based largely upon where you are brought up, how you are raised and so on. Some people call a dog a dog while others call it a canine... does that make them wrong because it's not called a dog? See my drift?
How to u tolerate or handle intolerance amongst religious people?
13 people like this
95 responses
@ESKARENA1 (18261)
•
30 Jan 07
i absolutely agree with you, there is no single universal truth, we have a great diversity here and it is much richer as a result of it, we should recognise that all religion holds essential truths and these are sacred, we are all looking at a big picture but we are human beings and only see our own part, we never see the whole
blessed be
3 people like this
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
30 Jan 07
And those most INTOLERANT are those that proclaim to be the most religious! What's the all about?!
3 people like this
@ESKARENA1 (18261)
•
30 Jan 07
i have absolutely no idea my friend, other than to suggest their own faith is fragile and insecure, someone elses truth challenges their own. For some it is a capital offence to recant a faith therefore a challenge threatens them, not only their religious beliefs but also their very life. Perhaps we all need to sit back and accept that we are blessed indeed to be in such a beautifully rich and diverse world
2 people like this
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
30 Jan 07
AMEN to that! What a wonderful world it would be to see everyone ACCEPT the difference and rejoice in the diversities! Ahhhh.. but then we'd have paradise I'm sure!
2 people like this
@happymomndad (1035)
• United States
30 Jan 07
I am a Christian, I belive in God, I belive that he sent Jesus to pay for our sins. This is a personal choice that I have made. However If we tell people that they are absolutely wrong and there is no hope for them how are they to feel about what we belive. That sets a bad example and makes people dislike the belifes we have. You cant tell someone what they have to belive, they have to make the choice. God gave us free will for a reason, he wanted us to choose. Condeming people or speeking ill words to them because they dont belive what you do is totaly wrong, we are to lead by example, by setting a good example. To many people give Christianity a bad name by forcing their belifes on others and telling them they are just wrong and thats it. We are free to belive what we want and so is everyone else.
3 people like this
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
30 Jan 07
Happy... you have said it PERFECTLY. TOLERANCE and trying to understand is what brings us together as humans. There is NOTHING wrong with being whatever you believe and sharing those believes and ideas with others because you feel you are right in your beliefs! And condemning others is exactly what makes many hate the Christians. I'm a Christian that hates many of the self-righteous Christians out there that can't find an ounce of tolerance in their bodies. If they would spend even a tenth of their time actually learning about other religions around them, they may see that they have so much in common that it's like one big religion with different names.
I applaud the way you said it. YOU are what gives Christianity a good name. I hope that I have a chance to meet people like YOU in the afterlife because I truly believe you are the type of person that will enter the heavens without a doubt as long as you are true in your heart.
1 person likes this
@happymomndad (1035)
• United States
30 Jan 07
Thank you so much, that is a great compliment. I would like to take a second and thank others out there that share our KIND belife in God and the GENTLE aproche to spreding his word. Perhaps some day we can clean up our Christian name then more people may like what they see !
2 people like this
@handygal (27)
• Canada
31 Jan 07
I agree with you Happy. If there were less bible thumping Christians and people who call themselves christians on Sundays but do not act like it on the rest of the days of the week we would see more people interested in attending church and being true salt and light christians.
It also unfortunate that I see some people outside the church nicer and closer to acting like Jesus than the ones who attend church regularily.
In the end we all must love one another and accept one another. If we start to point our fingers at someone just remember there are four other fingers pointing back at you. Check in the mirror first before making bold outrageous statements of condemnation.
We are here on earth to live out our life in the footsteps of Jesus not to condemn everyone who is of a different mindset. Walk your own walk and let God do the job of speaking to someone if they may be wrong.
some words to think about I love you all and don't want to step on anybodys feelings. Just think before you speak. I try to do that so I don't regret it latter because you cannot erase the harm you do.
Sticks and stones may break your bones but names do hurt. Please be more gracious when you post. :)
2 people like this
@sweetie88 (4556)
• Pakistan
30 Jan 07
I think that we should n't force people to accept our religions and its my personal view that all religions r best adn were best but people've changed their reigions by adding comments themselves to their Holy Books or by other ways. All religions based on justice and every religion of the world says to be avoid bad habbits but they r people who avoid and join.
The best way to handle religiuos people is that discuss with them and tell them that every one loves his/her religion and no one needs urs harsh words. All know very well about his/her religion so plz follow ur knowledge urself and do n't force us to follow u.
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
30 Jan 07
Very well said. And truly, learning about the other beliefs and thoughts may actually broaden your own mind about the truths of your own religion!
2 people like this
@nuffsed (1271)
•
30 Jan 07
Yea but no but yea but yea but no but cos yea but yea but no gettoutoffit!!
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
30 Jan 07
no! i'm telling you.. yea, definitely, probably, supposedly! I'm serious! LOL
2 people like this
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
30 Jan 07
Couldn't agree more Raven!
And yeah... Nuff is jumping around in the rafters... batty bat that nuff is!
2 people like this
@Ravenladyj (22904)
• United States
30 Jan 07
LMFAO Nuff is being a boob again LOL...
to answer your question though, I used to get so ticked at ppl who were in my face narrowminded like that but these days I just take pity on them...For one to have such a narrowminded outlook on life really amazes me but saddens me too ya know...And as much as i realize alot of it is conditioning from childhood (more often than not for generations) in todays world you would expect ppl to grow with the times ya know.....
3 people like this
@mobyfriend (1017)
• Netherlands
30 Jan 07
Don't get upset. You already know that it has to do with how they are raised, where they come from and so on. As long as no one hurts you in a physical sense just let them talk. Remember people can only upset you as far as you let them upset you. It's impossible for you to handle intolerance. People with real faith respect each other's views in my honest opinions.
2 people like this
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
30 Jan 07
I agree... real faith also requires real tolerance. I try not to get upset by intolerance but it often will just hit me in the right spot to fire me up! lol
2 people like this
@profound2me (182)
• India
31 Jan 07
Any Religion - if it is true, should b able to stand scientific scrutiny.
The Glorious Qur'an is the last and final revelation of GOD, for any book to claim, WORD of GOD, it should stand the test of time. previously it was the age of Miracles, The Qur'an is the Miracle of Miracles. Later on came the age of Literature & Poetry - Muslims and Non-Muslims alike AGREE that Qur'an is Arabic Literature Par-Excellence on the face of Earth.
However today is the age of Science and Technology and Qur'an PASSES this test as well.
According to the Famous Physicist and Noble Prize Winning Scientist -Albert Einstein, "Science without religion is LAME and Religion without science is BLIND"
@livewyre (2450)
•
31 Jan 07
There are many religions of course, but some teach that there is only one TRUTH. You may believe your dog is a cat,you are entitled to that belief, but the TRUTH is that it is a dog. If you say all religions are equally correct, then you are saying they are just lifetstyles. Jesus said I am the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE, no-one can come to the Father except through me. Now that demands a response which would be either: I don't believe it, or I think it's worth investigating. The statement doesn't allow for sitting on the fence. If you don't believe it then you are entitled to reject the Bible and continue the search for truth wherever you may find it. What this doesn't allow for is the response 'oh that's alright for you, but doesn't apply to me...' sorry, truth is after all, truth. Doesn't matter if you call God 'Father' or 'Yahweh', but 'Yahweh' isn't Bhudda, any more that your dog is a siamese blue...
1 person likes this
@livewyre (2450)
•
31 Jan 07
handling intolerance, sorry missed that bit. I feel that I can say what I have said and leave it at that... It's not my resposibility for you to believe it. If you say it and it's rejected, move on - where that turns into badgering, shouting down and general haranguing, then I think it's gone too far. Intolerance is not the same as presenting what you beleive to be the truth, if you are offended by my 'truth' then are you intolerant?
1 person likes this
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
30 Jan 07
Well, for Olaff, at least I see somewhat of a level of tolerance and a little respect for others to have a difference of opinion. Applause for that.
For Spring Lady... you my dear need to learn what tolerance is... and should perhaps read your bible a little better to learn how to use it. Your style is exactly why many love to hate Christians. You hide behind your bible and your own interpretations, while not bothering to even listen let alone tolerate other opinions. It's sad really.
@Springlady (3986)
• United States
30 Jan 07
Those who know the Lord and strive to live for Him will go to heaven as He has promised.
It's about Truth and the Bible tells all about the Truth of God.
1 person likes this
@sevnthjuly (913)
• Philippines
31 Jan 07
i dont react at all for the simple reason aside from being a christian, we are all entitled to our own opinion. secondly, dated back from the time of jesus (where all religion began), he was already condemned as a falls redeemer. thats how a christian life is, some just get carried away from their own beliefs thinking that their religion actually means their salvation.
@cerium (691)
•
30 Jan 07
It's natural. If you choose one religion, it means that you reject the other. Specially when there are major differences between the religions. I would not get offended if someone told me that his religion is the true religion. It's obvious because he believes in it. I will just be offended if someone attacked me because of my religion, or just gave prejudicial thoughts about it. Believing in oneself's religion doesn't mean descrimination for others. You may believe that your religion is the true one and still respect others rights to debate it. I really don't see the connection between what you say and intolerance. I believe that God is the judge. He will never be unjust to anybody whatever religion he is.
1 person likes this
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
30 Jan 07
I'm not so sure that making a choice makes you reject the others. In my case I have chosen to be a Christian but there are some aspects I simply cannot agree with because I see these comments and ideas being made with closed minds.
I do agree that God is the only judge, what others think about your decision on how to worship is completely irrelevant.
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
31 Jan 07
Oh no... it doesn't mean I don't believe in the Gods of Hinduism, it means that I don't call my versions of "The Supreme Beings helpers" the same thing. For instance... a Hindu friend and I were talking. He believes in one supreme being, so do I, we call them something different. He believes in praying to the different "Gods" for help in different things... this is much like how the Catholics pray to different "Saints". I honestly don't believe ANYONE fully accepts their religion in everything they believe in unless they simply do not want to think for themself. In his case I looked at him and said "basically we believe in the same concepts and ideas, just call them different things and get there via another path".
I don't actually "reject" anything, I make my decision as to what I HOPE and THINK is the truth but I will NEVER be 100% sure until the day I am in front of the Supreme Being. And even that I can't say I'm 100% certain will happen!!! I hope and pray and have "faith" that it will... but I cannot prove anything other than by a man made book of history called the Bible.
@cerium (691)
•
31 Jan 07
Yes, what the others think is realy irrelevant, but still you consider yourself christian which mean that you don't believe in the gods of Hinduism for instance. That's what I mean by rejection, you may be tolerant (and we all should be) but it doesn't mean that you should believe that every religion is true. If I believe that there's only one true God, how come I believe in the same time in many other gods? That's my point.
1 person likes this
@Springlady (3986)
• United States
30 Jan 07
There is only one Truth and I believe that to be from the Word of God...the Bible. It tells of God's love and how we should live.
God's will be done whether you believe or not.
Some people are so comfortable living in their sin, that they want nothing to do with God, which is the biggest mistake they will ever make. One day God will come and there will be a Judgement Day.
Pray about it. Read and study the Bible and ask God to speak to you thru His Word.
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
30 Jan 07
Ahhhh.. a perfect example of my discussion. You are the only right one... everyone else is wrong...there's not question. Tell me how you've come to know so much so well in so many short years of life when this world has been around for so long? It's amazing to me!
Perhaps if you would open your eyes, your heart and your mind you will find that YOU are not the all knowing. There are many ways to read a book my dear.
1 person likes this
@wertzburg1 (200)
• United States
8 May 07
You have to look at the facts and do some research. Which one religion makes the most sense and doesn't have any flaws? Which is the most consistent?
Many people are spoonfed into their religions but you have to figure it out yourself. There is only one way to heaven. "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:14. Not everyone can be right. You can't pick your own path and say you are saved. There are specific instructions we must follow and as sad as it is, many will remain lost.
Too many people think that everyway is the right way. There's only one way to screw in a light bulb. Any other way would fail.
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
8 May 07
A but a rose by any other name is still a rose. GOD by you, ALLAH by him, JEHOVAH by her, you get my drift. You quote the bible quickly, but do you know for fact that the bible you read speaks what it spoke originally? No. I guarantee you don't. You can take a sentence, go to freetranslation.com and translate it, it makes some sense, translate it again from that translation, it already is becoming senseless. The bible has been translated so many times I can guarantee there are incorrect versions and ideas given, simply because you cannot read the original text written.
And you are incorrect, a bulb can be screwed in slightly off tilt and still work, as long as there is a connection. Just like religion, as long as your final connection is to the one supreme being, whether you call him GOD or ALLAH or JEHOVAH or any other name. In theory, we don't all call a banana a banana do we? But that doesn't make it NOT a banana. We don't all eat that banana the same way either. Some of us eat it raw, others bake it, some dip it in other things, some add it to jello and so on... end result, you still ate a banana.
@wertzburg1 (200)
• United States
8 May 07
True the bible has been translated many times but looking back at the original hebrew and greek, find the translation that is the most accurate and follow it.
I'm not trying to pick on anyone but take a look at the book of mormon. Reading through it there are several grammatical errors and inconsistencies. Even certain stories are way out there and don't make sense. Do you think that their way is on the right path?
I'm curious, what exactly do you believe will get you to heaven? Do you think just being a good person is good enough for God? Or do you think just believing in Him will do the trick, without doing anything else? Do you believe that a man causing mass murder in the name of God and having complete faith that he's doing God's will is on the right path?
@Tiffanyvstony (144)
• China
31 Jan 07
U just do what u want,if others ask u that kind of questions ,u can also ask him the same question.How can he answer u?
1 person likes this
@mvrajan (18)
• India
31 Jan 07
There is only one god.
"God does not belong to any Religion"
But all Religions are trying to explain god.
Like in science there are so many theories to explain the same Thing.
Religions are path to the goal God.
There can be so many paths to the same Destination.No need to fight about Path.
1 person likes this
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
31 Jan 07
Very well put... and pretty much sums up a lot of my beliefs about how similar we all are, just perhaps taking a different path to get there.
@rakeshkunnul (6)
• India
31 Jan 07
ALL OF US TELL THAT MY RELIGION IS TRUE RELIGION,ACTTUALLY WHICH ONE IS TRUE, NOTHING JUST READ THE HOLLY BOOKS OF ALL RELIGION WE CAN FIND THAT ALL THINGS IN IT ARE SAME,I THINK THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE POWER JUST THINK THIS (MAN CREATE RELIGION, RELIGION CREATE GODS AND MAN,GOD AND RELIGION DIVIDED LAND) THIS IS GOING ..........FOR SOME ONES .....
@paarsurrey (62)
• Pakistan
31 Jan 07
I agree to first part of your comment, while with the later I do not agree. The revealed religions are from GodAllhYHWH who has sent His revelations to perfect men and thus all religions are in origin truthful that is why they have many things in common. Later on the teaching of the perfect men were interfered with by the sinful persons, they tampered with the revelation. so GodAllahYHWH chose another perfect man for his Word. This is the religious circle.
Thanks
I am an Ahmadi - a peaceful faith in islam working for unity of all religions of the world with peaceful means.
1 person likes this
@FloatingGum (346)
• United States
31 Jan 07
I so agree with you. If so many people can read the same Bible and ocme up with so many variations of worshiping the same diety, then how can we ever agree on anything?
I get tired of discussions where people start saying things like you can't be a Christian if you aren't "saved". Then they go on to start saying things like Roman Catholics aren't real Christinas, or Jehovah Witnesses, or Mormons. I always have felt that since none of us have a bat-phone to God, how do we know for sure how he feels about any of it.
I always like the reaction I get when I ask about the Native Americans and SOuth Americans who never had an opportunity to hear about Jesus prior to about 500 years ago. Are all of them automatically condemned to hell for not believeing? That's awful cold-hearted of a supreme being, wouldn't you thing. Of course, my question never gets answered directly but they dance around it or answer something else entirely instead of addressing the topic.
1 person likes this
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
1 Feb 07
Excellent point, the Native Americans, etc. Yet they believe in a supreme being. It's quite sad for those who think they know all the answers when God himself has let us know we don't have all the answers at all as human beings. If we did we would be all knowing and have nothing in this world we couldn't explain... which includes how our own bodies work!
@Neo_Knights (1882)
• Indonesia
31 Jan 07
The people who think like that is a fanatic ones.
They only taught that their relgion is right. And we can't blame tose people, because usually they were brainwashed. They only knows what their religion leader's said, They may not learn any other religions basics.
There's a lot people like this in my country (Indonesia).
Usually the poor urban people take education not in school, they enter Pondok Pesantren, which is a close comunity of Islamic that ACTUALY meant to teach people about religion. But some of the Ulama (Moslem leader) lead his Pesantren with his own vision, wether he hates america or christian. So his educationless followers believe him and have the same vision as his.
In the pesantren in Indonesia, the follower's life is close. They can't go to outside world until the leader "allowed".
This is NOT HAPPEN in ALL OVER the country, only some of the pesantren.
We should blame the leader. not the follower.
If you have National Geographic Channel at your home, try to watch the Bali Bomb episodes.
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
1 Feb 07
I will have to look up the Bali Bomb episodes for sure!
Thank you for opening my eyes to something like this. I truly had no idea that Indonesia had this sector of believers.
I agree with you, it is generally "fanatics" and I've never heard the term "fanatic" used in a good matter because it generally means out of hand.
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
1 Feb 07
LOL... a good smack down couldn't hurt! ... well it could HURT.. but it could help too! lol
