Why can we not respect another's religious choice and belief

Very nice topic.I have seen so many people here in India going to the temples as well as churches & mosques.They seem to have faith in other religions preachings as well.But majority as you said cannot seem to respect another religions choice.It might depend on the way they offer their prayers which they are taught.I dont say that the others are wrong with their worship or beleif.Its totally left to the induvidial & its his choice.

Hi anora...I don't know why we can't respect another's religious choice. It seems that whenever I am asked for my beliefs I hesitate because many times people want to convert you and that is the reason they ask. I find that very disconcerting and usually don't want to share in the conversation. I myself follow the golden rule, or at least try to each and every day.

I hope as a society things will improve in the religious feild as well as with many other arreas. I truly believe in the lord and my husband doesn't. I have a terrible time trying to understand his thoughts and I'm sure he has trouble trying to see things my way. We never argue about it because we both know that won't work. I was raised Catholic but we never went to church and when I was a teenager I took great interest in church. I had many questions and I guess because I was just a kid no one thought it was a big deal and I was left to ponder. Then I took interest in a different church. It was at Christmas time and I was supposed to be in the Christmas play. I got so sick I thought I'd die and didn't make it to the church and no one phoned anyone. Turned out I had food poision. After I got out of the hospital and back at school my friend wouldn't talk to me so I asked her why. She told me her folks thought it was me that went in her house the night of the Christmas play and now she wasn't allowed to talk to me. Guess what they did find out? The person who took her lousy five dollars was the son of one of their big church members. That was the end of that church for me, I thought they were all nuts. I tried a couple other churches as well and they're OK, I even did books for one but when I got sick and couldn't do it any longer I was pretty much a cast off. I don't give up. I belive in the lord Jesus Christ as my personal saviour and I think as long as you believe in the lord, say your daily prayers, love others for whom they are and follow Gods word the best you can you will see you'll be OK. I have had so much answered prayer lately, some my way and some not. God has a plan for us and even when we think he's not listening he is he may just see something better for us. Thank You and Take Care.

I have no idea why some people cannot respect another person's religious choice - except for this little part here - when someone else thinks that theirs (or ANY particular one) is the ONLY one and the RIGHT one and everyone else is therefore wrong. It's this attitude and way of thinking which is responsible for people not respecting each other's DIFFERENT beliefs. Instead of using the word different, people use the words 'right' and 'wrong' which put everybody on the defensive. I don't think anybody should have to DEFEND their spiritual beliefs, but I also don't think people should be tossing their spiritual beliefs out in public and beating others over the head with them. Keep them to yourself, then you won't disrespect nor offend other people. If everybody did this, I think we could all live peacefully.

I wouldn't say that I am not a secular but I did meet different religion people in my life and always wanting to know about them. Most of my friends are Muslims( I am Hindu by religion). Although my mom n dad are against having Muslim friends I enjoy their company. Although I never visited their house till date but once and liked their values for their God! I don't go sayiing that I hate such and such community. These days people need to be united against terrorism.

As good as this sounds in theory, I have to disagree. Most people refer to others as "non-believers" (as you put it) because it is part of their belief that there is only one right way. Take Christianity. Christianity states that something is true, and thus if someone believes in Christianity and somebody else doesn't, then they are "non-believers." It only makes sense. That's just how it has to work for religion. I don't know of any that assume the "believe whatever you want" happy-go-lucky charm that people see to desire so much, because so very often, there really IS only one true thing. And as for your "Golden Rule," I think that most people are trying to help others by "converting" them to their religion (though there are people who just use religion to condemn them.) "Compassion for other beings" is NOT letting them believe whatever they want (but don't misinterpret me....it's also not shoving knowledge down their throat). What if that applied to the heliocentric idea of the universe? What if scientists back in the day didn't want to "rock the boat" for other people, and never put forth the idea of something opposite of what was believed at that time? Well, we'd still believe that the earth was the center of our solar system. In the same way, religions believe that other people can be benefited, and sometimes even SAVED, by the knowledge and lifestyle of a religion. But I do believe a twist; people should indeed have "the right to worship and believe as they wish." I agree with you there. But if you were to say "every religion should leave those who don't want it alone," well, that would go against religion itself, essentially.

i agree with you that people should be given the freedom to choose their religion... we are not allowed to judge or condemned other people for not following our religion... but i think we are allowed to share our beliefs to other people... whether the person choose to accept it or not, it depends on the person... take care and have a nice day...

I do understand that every family brainwashes their children into their religious beliefs,and I have no problems with this,it is as old as religion itself. Unfortunatly,some of these,look at not only the religious beliefs,but the colour of your skin,to some,the white race are infidiles that do not have any right to life,and this idea was the cause of the Crusades,and is still the mindset of some today. I do agree,that this is fine,in their own country,but do not bring it to mine unless you keep it to yourself. I do believe that if everyone would whorship in their own church or temple and do not try to make others believe in yours,we could live in peace. but as many fear or hate other religions,this will never happen. Thank you for a great discussion.

^_^ Howdy Anora_Eldorath!.... Some people are still immature on spirituality consciousness and awareness. Their evolution on spirituality maturity are still attached or they are only attached or only love into their physical evolution. Or their animalistic instinct of defensive to survive. Or being an egocentric. Egocentric meaning is limited to or caring only about yourself and your own needs. In discussing any religions it is should always free flow of exchanging ideas, concepts and principles. And not merely like buying and selling these ideas. Like buy what you love and don't buy what you don't to love. Or Sell what you love and don't sell what you don't to love. So lowered our ego. Eliminate those hatefulness and bitterness with each other. And dig deeper into your heart those pot of gold. Then treasured it. ^_^ God Bless Us. Peace. Thanks and Enjoy!.... myLot!....

Friend iam hindu but i love other religion and there rules.I love more islamic rule as 5 times prayer is must and respecting each and every person and when ever we met they first greet then they talk i too like christian's i like the prichings of jesus "So,iam the old fashion man and a great believer of god,And god is one"

I do respect others religion. I do not knock them or however you wanna say it because they do not beleive in my religion or what i beleive in. I look at it this way.. The ways I love and worship god is because of how I love him I dont want no body talking bad about him. I wont stand to hear it I go away were I cannot hear it. or I will say my peace about it.Im non-denominational... People In india beleive in buduh or somthing right?(not sure lol) N e ways they love and they worship there god as well..just as much as I worship god and love my god...the way I feel when someone is slandering my god is the same way they would feel as if i was slandering there god.. And you know even if im being preached to by someone from an entirelry diffrent religion who beleove entirely diffrent things then I do. I dont shut the door in there face or ask them to get off my property or tell them to shut up... Ill listen to what theyu have to say. Because I myself like to learn about other religions and there beliefes and stuff... But just because I listen doesnt mean I have to beleove what they believe,but the bible does say treat thoes how you would like to be treated... would you like the door slammed in your face. or do you like when someone tell you to shut up...No So why should I do that to someone else..More then likley if there willing to preach to you knowing u are a diffrent religion,then the more chance you can in return talk to them and explain what you beleive and your religion wich can make into a great conversation. remember when 2 or more people are together talking about him he IS there:)

I have a problem with that sort of person also they walk around like they are somehow better than others they preach about love and acceptance but in the next breath the tell someone that they will burn for being evil because they dont believe. WTF? what happened to all that love and acceptance they were just preaching about? there is a huge difference between talking like a good *insert religious affiliation here* and actually LIVING like a good *insert religious affiliation here*

Because people are beaten into their heads when they are little that the family religion is the only religion. I keep an open mind about anyone's religion if it is worshiping God our heavenly father. I feel like to each his or her own choice. Especially if they are true to their religion.

I think people have a hard time respecting religion in general when all anyone seems to be doing is tearing each other apart in the name of god or religion. Yes it is suppose to promote peace and loving kindness but it very hard to accept this when you see all the problems religion seems to be creating. There are so many good people in this world who are doing the right thing and are living to standards and requirements that make them good people. However...if people were actually listening to their own doctrines no matter what faith you would be..you would not be fighting and killing!!.....In the Bible, Quran, New testament, Old.... Pick whatever faith you like in the world...it says do not kill......this means not going to war with each other....If everybody was to listen to their own teaching we would have a major issue sorted right there!.....but things are not so simple.....whilst many good people have a genuine faith....many religious leaders have become corrupt and twisted....teaching false doctrines and traditions of man rather than truth. These same religious leaders are walking hand in hand with political leaders!!! They are both promoting war! God has nothing to do with politics or with twisted religious reasoning's and traditions of men. The reason people cant accept others faiths is because of propaganda, hatred and a fear of what is different....all things that are backed up in suitle ways by those voted into power...or... on the other hand by being scared into beliefs that are un true by men that are meant to have the backing of God. Just like one would find it hard to respect a serial killer that has killed many people with no remorse ...so to many find it hard to respect religion when it is to blame for so much blood shed :(.....Saying that...it is NOT GOD...OR FAITH...BUT THE TWISTED TEACHINGS OF CORRUPT PEOPLE xxxxx

This type of behavior I find very sad because it seems to go against the very tenants of the faith that those saying it claim to follow. Most of the major religions and beliefs teach about compassion for all other beings, and not doing to others what you would not done unto yourself. Almost every religion has a version of "The Golden Rule" I agree with you completely and it quite frankly baffles me to no end how those so called god (or whatever) fearing ppl seem to conviniently forget that key rule and some even become consumed with being rude, negative naysayers...how can they NOT realize that they are not only a disgrace to their chosen religion/path but they are disobeying a key factor on that path and will "pay the price" for it...I'll never understand that mindset to be honest with you...

hi anora :-) well sad as it may seem, some people are so narrow minded that it is impossible for them to respect beliefs of others. it is a waste of time talking to some of these people so when it comes to religion, i just don't like discussing it with others who don't share my faith.

Hello Anora. I agree with you, it is very sad,indeed. I find these people so narrow-minded and with a low level of maturity. Thanks. Take care.

In an ideal world, I am sure all of us would want to respect each other's religion and we would like to live in harmony. But, as we all know, this is not possible and people find some reason or the other to kill each other and call names to each others' religion. All the religions teach the same thing but people are not ready enough to accept it.

I think people use religion as a way to feel that they are close to God, and will ensure a spot in the afterlife. No matter what ones believes I think there is no reason to disrespect someone who is trying to make themselves a better person by having a relationship with God. The only time I would be offended is if someone was trying to brainwash convert me into actually thinking that their religion is the only way. Sorry but I believe there is not just "one" way to get to God. Why would a God so infinite, allow only one way to reach him?

i completely agree. im ashamed to be even associated with those kind of people. the only reason that i think is because humans in general always try to get ahead. we are greedy, arrogant, and we think we are and our beliefs are the default and everybody must follow them.