Many do give their views about their own religion, beliefs, positions, etc. Thast is just great cause it allows others to learn. Absolutely sharing views and communicating makes the world go around.\n\nDo they really study what they say they do believe and represent as their way of life?\n\nJust another thought from cjkeysjr@yahoo.com.ph\n\nPlease answer in 25 words or less and keep it simple coz I'm not into those complexed things.\n\nWhile answering do think, smile and do have a good day.
203404
I'm a devout Agnostic, and I devote all my free time to studying all the literature I can find.
638707
Well, it's not a bad idea, but do you really only want to elicit responses from people who think and believe exactly as you do?  I know the ignorant answers are annoying, but I actually enjoy reading different points of view from other cultures.  I like to learn from them.  Even when they are being vehement and fanatical I find that I can learn something about their culture and beliefs.  And what category would you put someone like me, who identifies with no specific religion.  I just follow my own spiritual path, made up of beliefs from several religions, new age spirituality and my own gut.
111765
Some people are religious fanatics, unfortunately. Others believe that only their opinion/religion is the correct one and you aren't allowed to think any differently, sorry this is me also ranting. You're absolutely blummin right!
72210
Not sure I would call it ignorance, people have always tended to give credence to what agrees with a preconceived idea. They do this not only in politics but religon as well.Democrats tend to see Republican issues with an eye to discrediting them and Republicans do the same. You would think "facts" would be interpeted the same by everyone but that's not the case. Everyone interpets to support their point of view. I think it's just human nature. If you read history it's always been like that and if you could see into the future, think you would find the same. Besides, it would be a boring world if we all saw and liked the same things.
5532
I think everyone worships something whether they believe in God or not.  Some people even worship the idea of not having a God because they have to tell everyone about it.  I do agree with your idea about weakness.  I think that people who are insecure about their beliefs tend to try to recruit people to believe the same thing so they don't feel alone.  Those who are secure about their own beliefs tend to keep quiet and go on with their lives.  They don't need to feel justified that their beliefs are okay since they have their own truth.
257822
Because sometimes to ask a question you have to have both sides of the story. Its not much use to you if you only value the opinions of the Christians and dont take into account those of other religions or non-believers. You may not agree with us, many dont but still there are 2 sides to every coin.  \n\nFor me, its becasue I want to understand your opinions and learn about other peoples faiths. Im living in a country which is multi cultural and I dont think it would be very prudent of me to make assumptions on other peoples faith or culture without first learning or understanding it. Im here to give (or at least try to) an answer to a question and an opinion that would not offend but to provoke thought without trying to convince you that your are wrong. Who knows maybe you are right that there is a God or maybe Im right that there isnt, regardless learning is the key.
609005
Must you?\nWhy not just live the best life you can, and if they remark on your improved character, behavior, serenity, or whatever, you can then let them know it's the result of your belief system.\nI always think your religious beliefs are very personal, and see no need to tell others about them.
572061
Simple.  Whether I like it or not, I recognize that currently, the majority of U.S. citizens are "believers".  In my daily life it is necessary to deal with them.  To do so successfully, it helps to understand them.  A part (but certainly not all) of this understanding comes from going to the religion section and reading the opinions of others. \n\nIf at some time during my lifetime, "believers" cease attempting to use governmental institutions to impose their beliefs, than I would probably no longer spend time in this section.  I could get my humor and horror from other sections.  Hopefully my answer is of the type that you were looking for.
179111
People get enthusiastic about talking about their faith, or talking about an issue that seems to involve their set of beliefs. It just so happens God is a hot topic, espeically on these boards. Part of the problem may be (and i have to admit i dont know what your questions were) no feels they know enough to answer your questions. Much like most people on here id imagine, i try and answer questions that i think i can have some benefit to the asker. If your questions were either too specific or about an area no one felt comfortable answering (other than the wiki paste) then that might be why.
352565
Don't give up, I have found that your questions are very good and not one-sided. They make us think. I am a Christian and you give me things to think about. It actually helps me to be more open minded which I sometimes struggle with because I do see so much hate on here. I don't think it is the religion on its own. What society sees is only the bad side of religion and harps on that constantly. It doesn't show the good side at all.
309173
i think everyone if they want it can get help from this. Even if they dont ask or answer. Just reading questions and responses gives people an idea about different religions and different view points. I have certainly been helped with things that i was not usre about. Perhaps if more sites were like this people would be less ignorant as they might understand different cultures religions and sexualitys more
538572
I came to this conclusion about politics and religious types a few years ago and I will share this with you now ok...\n  Religious people feel the need to believe there is a greater force out there so that they think their lives have meaning. They have a Bible, they follow the Bible, they think that if they do not do exactly as the Bible says they will not go to heaven. Part of the Bible is to spread the word of God to as many people as possible. Part of the Bible is also that mankind has freewill to make their own choices and do as it pleases. \n\n      So the problem I have with religious zealots is that they remember the first and forget the second. \nWhy would someone want to join a religion where you come across sounding like a half baked loon to anyone you talk to about God?\n Wouldnt it be better to be loving and accepting of everyone and happy with yourself to the point where people ask you wow why are you so happy what are you doing right with your life? Rather than trying to cram it down our throats and legislate morality.\n Teach through example, be a good kind tolerant person who respects peoples wishes.  Uh there is more to is, but yeah Jesus would most definately be a liberal.
137881
To some point of your question, I agree. I don't like others attemping to force thier beliefs on me. But, just listen anyway.They mean well, but do not realize what they are doing. But from a standpoint of their beliefs, they are doing what they think is right. Just grin and bear it.
466483
This is in my own opinion...i kind believe in my own thing, not so much any certain religious I have just gathered info and made up my own opinion.  It goes like this...most of the time ppl who are deep into religion believe in it as a self starter or motivator, its like when they are down and need something to lean on they believe in God to lean on and give them that strength.  So to me God is really like a self confidence thing........i mean the numbers are staggering, look at most successful ppl who have great self confidence and they will more than likely say they believe in some kind of religion where as if you ask a "depressed" person they are typically atheists/non believers....God is that inner self telling them they can do it, they can achieve their goals if they put their minds to it.  They are usually very spiritual ppl......\n\nThats just what I have seen....
521660
Sure. Just because they're young doesn't mean they can't have an opinion. Not to mention - you're making a broad generalization about pagans and atheists, basically assuming everyone here who labels themselves as such is just "too young to know better". I honestly don't believe that. I would say I had firm and viable opinions by the age of 17. Now you're right - opinions and thoughts change as a person gets older and they learn who they are. We all keep growing and changing as we age.\n\nI'm 34 and I'm a Pagan. My atheist husband is 41. I also know MANY atheists and Pagans over the age of 30.  So that kinda blows your theory out of the water. \n\nBTW - how old are you? Fair is fair. Thanks for the answer on this.\n\nAdded: Ah - okay. I guess I'm of the opinion that no matter what age you're at, you can't claim to know the truth. You might better know who you are and what spiritual path is best for you as you get older - but I believe spiritual truth is individual and how it grows is unique to each individual.
238813
If I am not mistaken, I don't think this was a generalization made that all non-beilievers are mean spirited and cruel.  (At least I hope not)  I think that each religion gets misunderstood at one time by those not of that religion, and some people just don't know how to address what they don't understand. There are those that do.  They respect the fact that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs.  I am a Christian, I believe, but i do not force my beliefs on anyone. i may share something about God, but I cannot judge anyone if they do not believe--and I don't think we should judge and ridicule each other.
3057
In all honesty I belive it to be because there are to many people with uniformed opions.  If you have an uninformed opion then you do not have all the facts you need to speak on a subject, especcially matters of sprituality.  I think to many people do not know how to disuss something with out name calling or acting like children because no matter what you say you are a reflection of your actions and if you do not act "enlightined" then you are not.  I think that in an "eniglightned" world we would not all agree on everything but we would understand that you can dissagree with someone without acting like you are a monkey escaped from a bad monkey insaine assylum (sorry).  I really belive it to be a matter of \nFirst listing to someone\nSecond respond to what they said\nThird DO NOT STEREOTYPE ANYONE.\nthats my little thought on the subject.