Pushing our beliefs on others?
336190
As followers of Christ, we are commanded to carry the Gospel to the entire world. We are just doing as commanded.\nWe can't help it if some are offended.\nWe are only 'pushing' it on those who choose to read the religion/spirituality forum.\n\nIts like, if I leave my Bible on the table and another picks it up and reads it, am I pushing my beliefs on him? \nThere are lots of other books to read on my table, so why pick up the Bible and then complain?\nI have to think that those who read this forum are looking for answers.
751399
I agree with you. People get so angry and frustrated that others don't follow or don't believe the same. Live life to the full, what does it matter if you do or don't 'believe'. It's your own personal opinion, just respect others who choose not to feel the same way as you.
34702
You're getting into some pretty deep issues here. \n\nFirst off, people who need to justify and affirm their own value need to lower the value of others by doing what you're talking about.  This gets into some pretty deep biology and psychology.  Since humans are social animals there is always a social heirarchy.  When someone is at the bottom or middle and wants to move up, this is one of the ways they can feel a little movement.  Immature people will also do this in retaliation to an attack on them by another immature person.  It just turns out to be a self licking ice cream cone.  \n\nI used to think that I had to respond to everything in my honor.  Now, by letting things roll off my back and exercising my personal boundaries, I live a life with a lot less stress or anxiety.  Life is great!
402140
I think our religious beliefs are a reflection of our fears. By showing them, we expose ourselves to others and become vulnerable. This makes us hate ourselves for being weak and hate others for seeing our weaknesses. Maybe one day we will be evolved and intelligent enough to come out of the dark and leave our fears and prejudices behind.
514352
I will be following this very closely, as this question is incredably nessisary to ask. Strange that is should be asked however, since we are all human beings. No one is less than anyone else. Why do we have these ideas that people can push others around or away because of ones subjective belief of right or wrong? Well said Asker.
700094
A very good question and I totally agree with your comments. I was raised as a christian and I have always tried to live a life that helps others when required but my experience over the years (I am in my early 60s) is that those who push their 'gods' are generally those who don't want to help when help is needed and are quick to criticise you when you think or do things they do not agree with. I believe in taking people as they are and do not judge them by their race, religion, or sexuality.\n\nDue to my bad experiences with those who consider themselves religious I no longer believe in it and don't follow any faith other than my own belief in treating others as I would like them to treat me. I particularly found the religious types negative towards me when I came out as being gay some years ago - many of whom had been friends for many years when they didn't know my sexuality. I found it quite amazing. However, I soon found out who were my true friends and those I thought were friends.
391210
My personal opinion is that I really don't give a rats behind what someone says.  if i feel the need then I'm going to do it.  There really isn't any way to change the perception that people have of it.  All you can do is make peace and trust the decisions you make.  Forget what everyone else says!
928214
We should all let everyone believe what they want, what does it matter?
149008
People should politely inform other people about their religion then leave it up to them to decide what they want to believe. \nI think expanding one's knowledge of different religions is always beneficial, whether you agree with their ideas or not.
600500
argue or passionately discuss? you can never learn anything new from someone who thinks the same way you do. opponent's do attract for a reason. how do you stop this? how do you stop the world from spinning? you cant. but you can keep an open mind. then if you feel strongly about a subject and he's of another view its OK. just because it comes out the mouth, doesn't make it Gospel. don't just expect others to have the same opinion, and don't try to push that opinion on others. that's what starts real arguments.But if the " talks" are becoming heated and frighten you, then get the heck out of there. no amount of change on your part will help. " equalizing the distance between to objects, brings them closer together" Albert E.
145410
I think that as we become more open-minded to other ideas, etc. we're more willing to accept others' ways of life. We eventually see these everyday things as "not so bad" because we finally took time to examine them, and probably learned that others look at our everyday happenings in a similar light.\n\nFor instance, look at the "holiday season." I celebrate Christmas but not Kwanzaa nor Hanukkah, but I have absolutely no problem with those who celebrate one or more of the other late-year holidays. Why should I have an issue with it? They're not hurting me in any way, and I'm not hurting them. "Live and let live."
985926
I think it does sharpen your beliefs when someone challenges them. Sometimes the anger that people show is insecurity in what they believe. They don't know how to answer a question someone asks them and so they lash out at the person for even asking.  When people ask what I believe it also helps me to examine what I believe and creates a dialog between the two of us.
280500
Depends on the beliefs and the people! Lots of friends have different beliefs, it's part of what can make relationships interesting. Can you just be respectful of each others' beliefs?
563431
worry about what other people think
384795
If the perspective is to have meaning all must take the good with the bad, which is in my opinion subjective to the individual. This format allows for serious and let's call it not so inspired questions and responses and doesn't discriminate between the positions. If one considers that there are an incredible number of variables inter playing; as you so aptly alluded to in your question it is fair to express that the less inspired frame the more focused which allows the message that fits to sparkle like a diamond washed up from the mud.I hope this has helped to explain my point, I apologize for the metaphor, habits are hard to break. My final thought on your excellent question is this, it is a gift that we can give ourselves when we refuse to let ourselves be offended by others; this is not to say we should tolerate abuse; but when we forgive those who would annoy us for their own reasons we liberate or rather free ourselves to explore other more productive thoughts. Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts, I hope all goes well in you life.
105933
People have a need to believe in something outside of themselves. Some people believe in reason. Some people believe in a god. It is what ever works for you and you should not try to put down another’s beliefs
1187374
By going in to the conversation with the mindset that no one really knows the truth for sure.  Even the wording "Truths" leaves no room for other people's views.  Instead of trying to convice people of what we believe we need to realize that whatever makes someone feel happy and at peace is the correct choice for them.