Why is there so much misunderstanding in a world populated by so many so-called "religious" people?
611865
This is just my opinion, but I think that everyone is driven by a thing that rationalizes, justifies, and projects. With that in control of their "self" there will always be misunderstandings in religion, and in politics, in philosophy, in you name it. As long as we rationalize, justify, project, and blame others for our own mistakes we'll have what we have. The only way to change that is to change the individual. The only place to start is with self. That changes part of the world for certain and gives others around the individual a positive example. That might help them change, or at least make life a little brighter for them. Oh, that thing inside each person that rationalizes, justifies, and projects? Its called ego. ~ Peace & Blessings ~
295047
people tend to criticize things that they dont understand, so understandably christianity and god will fall under this.  Everybody's going to have their own view and own ideas about whether or not god does exist, whether it be for or against.  While other's just like to cause trouble.
172505
Some religions help, some religions hurt. There is truth and there is error. And even among those who know the truth, some are not willing to live it.
346508
Religious people have certain notions that have been drilled into their heads by family, peers and close-minded beliefs. Even though not "all" are the same the vast majority are in fact like that. As an example the other day I had this lady come up to me and start to ask me about having bible 'discussion' at home, when I told her I'm not interested she began making several insinuations to include saying people that don't believe as they do are hypocrites... hahaha! boy did she have it backwards.
859491
aren't all religions infallible ? just not the people .
1071659
Probably because there are questions being asked.  A lot of people find religion interesting and have opinion on the whole idea.
1013777
Not all religions are, just a lot of them. And yes, it's a great way to control people, I'm sure that's partly why they were created.
552451
I believe it is human nature to assume that someone who defies what you believe in, doesn't know what they're talking about. That doesn't make this assumption true however. I am a Christian and I know there are many people out there that are well versed in Christianity, even if they do not share the belief. Some of them probably even know more about it than I do. I know about other religions as well. I think it is important to know about and the different faiths and non-faiths of the world.
675564
Some people really dont know what religion is. Sometimes you just have to break it down, cause if someone told you about something and you didnt understand, and then they said something to describe then you would say ok yes that place. In some part of the world, people dont believe in that and talk about it. And i am not one to judge to say whether i believe the person is a christian.
676138
When a human being wholehartedly believes in what he/she thinks is the truth, automatically tends to believe that the truth he/she found is THE TRUTH, and that everything else is false. Why? Because humans don´t like to make high stakes on something that may not be real. So, if they did make high stakes, the desperately NEED their beliefs to be TRUE, what immediately means that the others´ are not. \nSo they argue, they fight and they even would kill (take a look at history) in the name of their God.\n\nI´m an atheist, but I don´t want to convert everyone. To each his/her own! Even religious people accept that "the paths to God are diverse".\n\nTolerance should be the natural outcome of a little humbleness... which humans tend to lack.
70896
It's really only the fundamentalists in certain religions that believe that kind of foolishness. There are lots of religious people who have progressive, inclusive, and ecumenical understandings of their faith. There are lots of religious people who while devoted to their own faith, respect other faiths as spiritual paths.
1051778
People hate what they don't understand or what they fear. Isn't it peculiar to have one religion "hate" another religion. God must really love that.
547787
This is very true. Most modern religious folks are not willing to step outside of their normal perspective on things. I find it a little sad that so many people refuse to think for themselves.
458565
It is because their beliefs don't seem to have a logical basis.  However, it is the task of evolved people such as yourself to respect other peoples beliefs even if they disagree with yours.
739891
I agree with most of the above. The things you say hold true for most believers ( in any religion). Their religion seems to make them intolerant. You are able to discern between what is reality and what is said in a very old book. Times change but the religions do not change with them, thus making a lot of religious people stay behind in the doctrines of their religion which were made thousands of years ago.
518933
Some people can't comprehend anything outside to boundaries of tradition.  They don't have facts... they have beliefs
552541
I believe it comes from a lack of understanding others.  People tend to hate that which they cannot understand.  Combine that with spiritual insecurity and it leads them to try to convince others that their path is the only righteous way towards God.  People speaking of religious tolerance have it all wrong.  To say that you tolerate someone else's religion means that you have pasted judgment on them.  This is something only God can do.  In the end, each person would be a better off if they lead by example and found the place that best allows them to worship and work on their relationship with God.