Why does a seemingly innocent conversation about religious beliefs so often turn into an argument or fight, and sometimes even deteriorate into name-calling, postering, etc? Most religions follow some version of the Golden Rule, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Why then is it so hard to be kind, patient, understanding, etc, with people who share beliefs different from your own? I mean shouldn't that be a priority?

31pumpkin

Orange,

It is b/c I think, the same as it ever was. Religion would rather argue about healing, while faith gets it done.
When Jesus was in the Temple he was "sabbotaged" b/c He was doing the healing on a Saturday or Sabbath. Now I ask you.....What is more important. That the man be healed of his infirmity, or that it was Saturday?

Fr_Chuck

Religion to most is a passion. And there are many places where one faith can conflict with other major principles. And religion is not actually do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It is do good to others no matter what they do unto you.

But the real issue of religion is salvation, not behavior, since the bible tells us we all we have trouble in behavior from time to time. it is the basis for the relgion that can cuase the issues.

milliec

I'd like to add more:
Why is it that people relate with so much passion to religions?
Is it because of their love to God?
Partly, probably yes.
But, could it be pride as well?
Sometimes I see it like children fighting for the parent's attention.
In any case, i agree with Fr Chuck about doing good to others, that's one thing, but in our religion, there is also"don't do to others what you won't like having it done to yourself".
Please don't forget that many wars along the history were supposed to be "in the name of God" - including what's going on right now around the world.
But aren't religions being exploited in these ways for material reasons ?
I can't see in these cases anything to do with love of God, surely nothing of what I understand is the spirit of God or the scriptures which bear His name.
Bye,
Millie

Jesushelper76

It is hard I guess for some, but for example: There are some who label one religious group as evil just because there are some bad stories about a few members and when labelling them all evil in my opinion that person is just asking for trouble. The only reason I mention this is from an experiance on this board talking about Catholics.

For me personally, I enjoy conversing about all kinds of religions and denominations and always have been interested in talking about these things and name calling is not right but we all probably have done it at one time or another and like the others have mentioned. The Passion that goes along with belief gets the best of some people.

Joe

milliec

Yes, but sometimes, it brings out the worst!
In any case, I agree that the first thing (in all aspects of life) is to keep an open mind. I value very much open minded persons.
Millie

orange

I too admire open-minded people. Or at least, if you can't be open-minded, such as my Orthodox in-laws, you can at least be kind. They are very kind and compassionate people.

milliec

Dear, that credit trap again!
But any way:
i'd rather have compassion make "the world go round"
I guess thae Dalai Lama preaches something like this, forgive me if it's my privet interpretation
Shouldn't you be asleep?!
Are you all right?
Millie
a million

talaniman

Mans history is full of one group trying to change another group. In the old days it was about the best trade routes or amassing as much money and power that they could get their greedy hands on. Religion was and still is used to keep control of the masses and the leaders are always urging the lower classes or poor to do their bidding in the name of God. Even Christianity went thru its period of grabbing land and power with their holy wars and inquisitions and all in the name of God. Europeans where notorious in the middle ages for having kings as the head of the religion all to keep power over the masses and power in their hands. The conquest of many western lands and Africa where thru conversion of the heathen by missionaries spreading the word. They stayed poor and the mother country got rich. Slaves where denied there religion and language so master could use their labor to enrich himself and build a nation. So you see religion for whatever reason has been used thru out history to enrich the few on the backs of the many. No wonder we get excited about the religion we follow cause then we can say everyone else is misguide or just plain wrong! Everyone wants to belong to something and if they don't like the way your hat sits on your head then they can always build a church and get a name and call you a misguided heathen. Wouldn't that make you mad?

talaniman

As you probably can see I hate religion and what it does but follow Good Orderly Direction as I understand it in my life.