JustSimplyMe · 26-30, M
As an imperfect human being, I have naturally imperfect flaws myself. Being prejudice is one trait that most imperfect human beings have, I will admit. Growing up Christian, I have always been taught to not judge as for our heavenly father has the last word. It's easier said than done, though.
To answer your question, I am prejudice against some religions but I don't speak on or take action (per se) about the religions and their followers. It's not my place, to do so. I can't say that the ideologies that I have adopted or believed growing up are any better than someone who isn't a follower of my religious beliefs/standards but I do respect their opinions. Even if their ideologies are wack, crazy, right, wrong, truthful, lies...at the end of the day. We're all humans with imperfections, that's just what it is. I do admit that some followers of Christianity, do take it upon themselves to push, or force others to believe what they believe...but I chose not too. I will if I have the opportunity to introduce my beliefs/standards if a person is seeking to learn or are curious about something. Shoot, I even went through a period where I went searching and looking for answers myself. I took a break and went through about several different religious paths, adopted certain practices, traditions, made them my own. I went from being Pagan to Buddhist, Catholic etc. Practiced certain holidays like Saint Patrick's Day, Beltane etc. I respect the different ideologies, beliefs, but some of them that I have personally experienced, I don't agree with but at least I had a moment to look into it.
Sorry if this is a lot to read! I still trying to learn how to answer a personal question with less rambling, but good question though. :P
To answer your question, I am prejudice against some religions but I don't speak on or take action (per se) about the religions and their followers. It's not my place, to do so. I can't say that the ideologies that I have adopted or believed growing up are any better than someone who isn't a follower of my religious beliefs/standards but I do respect their opinions. Even if their ideologies are wack, crazy, right, wrong, truthful, lies...at the end of the day. We're all humans with imperfections, that's just what it is. I do admit that some followers of Christianity, do take it upon themselves to push, or force others to believe what they believe...but I chose not too. I will if I have the opportunity to introduce my beliefs/standards if a person is seeking to learn or are curious about something. Shoot, I even went through a period where I went searching and looking for answers myself. I took a break and went through about several different religious paths, adopted certain practices, traditions, made them my own. I went from being Pagan to Buddhist, Catholic etc. Practiced certain holidays like Saint Patrick's Day, Beltane etc. I respect the different ideologies, beliefs, but some of them that I have personally experienced, I don't agree with but at least I had a moment to look into it.
Sorry if this is a lot to read! I still trying to learn how to answer a personal question with less rambling, but good question though. :P
Theseus · 46-50, M
@JustSimplyMe Thanks, but I can't take credit for the question. Another member put it up initially, but she yanked it down as soon as the conversation turned toward Islam. I thought the question merited more attention, so I copied it. 😊
Anyway, while, as a Christian, I agree we are not to judge people, we're not so constrained when it comes to behaviors. I try--TRY--to limit my judging to that specific facet of human interaction. I won't lie, though, and say I never mess up.
As to the ills of pushing, forcing or otherwise imposing our beliefs on others, I couldn't possibly agree more. The reason many hold such a dim view of religion is that it is forced on others often completely at variance with the teachings of their respective faiths. That's especially true of Christianity. We may be required to "go forth and preach the Gospel to all the earth," but nowhere does Christ compell us to force it on anyone.
Anyway, while, as a Christian, I agree we are not to judge people, we're not so constrained when it comes to behaviors. I try--TRY--to limit my judging to that specific facet of human interaction. I won't lie, though, and say I never mess up.
As to the ills of pushing, forcing or otherwise imposing our beliefs on others, I couldn't possibly agree more. The reason many hold such a dim view of religion is that it is forced on others often completely at variance with the teachings of their respective faiths. That's especially true of Christianity. We may be required to "go forth and preach the Gospel to all the earth," but nowhere does Christ compell us to force it on anyone.
Predjudiced? No. I study them first and then take a stance one way or the other. That's how it was with Islam. I studied it a bit in high school, but I didn't get serious in my studies until after 9-11. That's when I read the Qu'ran cover to cover over the course of a couple of days.
My conclusion: as an ideology/religion, Islam is vile, disgusting and revolting. The Islamic concept of God is sadistic/sick in the extreme. The religion itself is constructed around the justification of murder, rape and plunder and wholly predicated on fear. The Qu'ran is completely devoid of anything remotely resembling love/forgiveness.
But do not be misled by my appraisal. I actively encourage all to read the Qu'ran for themselves and come to their own conclusions. Please also understand that I do not hate Muslims. I genuinely pity them. Raised since birth (in most cases) on fear, they are oblivious to the notion of a loving creator. That is immensely sad.
My conclusion: as an ideology/religion, Islam is vile, disgusting and revolting. The Islamic concept of God is sadistic/sick in the extreme. The religion itself is constructed around the justification of murder, rape and plunder and wholly predicated on fear. The Qu'ran is completely devoid of anything remotely resembling love/forgiveness.
But do not be misled by my appraisal. I actively encourage all to read the Qu'ran for themselves and come to their own conclusions. Please also understand that I do not hate Muslims. I genuinely pity them. Raised since birth (in most cases) on fear, they are oblivious to the notion of a loving creator. That is immensely sad.
@Theseus Excellent assessment. The political ideology of Islam is one thing that needs to stay in a specific geographical location. It has no business in the rest of the world. I would be willing to pay a tax to ensure their comfort, if they would just inhabit the area they belong in.
*edited for the wrong spelling on ensure.*
*edited for the wrong spelling on ensure.*
Keepitsimple · 56-60, F
SW-User
@Keepitsimple Bingo👍️
Keepitsimple · 56-60, F
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@GodSpeed63 No thank you. I stated my opinion, as the OP asked, I'm not here to engage with you.
CopperCicada · M
@GodSpeed63 She's right. It's why I left the church.
Everything is apostasy in somebody'e eye.
And none of it is a legitimate part of any real spiritual discipline.
We start with Deity being beyond all categories and concepts to I'm going to hell because I filled in the wrong oval on a ballot or like eating a woman out. Or listen to heavy metal or meditate. Or refuse to politicize faith or believe the world is flat a 6000 years old.
Everything is apostasy in somebody'e eye.
And none of it is a legitimate part of any real spiritual discipline.
We start with Deity being beyond all categories and concepts to I'm going to hell because I filled in the wrong oval on a ballot or like eating a woman out. Or listen to heavy metal or meditate. Or refuse to politicize faith or believe the world is flat a 6000 years old.
SW-User
@CopperCicada The important thing is that I'm only talking about religion, with its rituals and books and totems and social rules and power structures. I'm not making any comment about the ultimate nature of reality, about which I make no claim of knowledge.
MarmeeMarch · M
@puck61 Aww - Butthurt is happy to get a chance to talk with me today. Maybe butthurt feels lonely that I dont respond to him anymore. Sorry butthurt its not you its your avatar.
@MarmeeMarch and another notch goes on my key board! Adios!
MarmeeMarch · M
@puck61 You win !! you are a winner and such a special guy - I am going to give you a medal to pin on so all the people in the short school bus will be distracted from looking at your helmet .🎖️
SW-User
Prejudice no, disagreement yes. I have my set of beliefs based on being a Christian. I studied world religions in college and have a basic understanding of the major world religions.
My understanding is Christ teaches us to love everyone, including our enemies (those with whom we disagree too).
My understanding is Christ teaches us to love everyone, including our enemies (those with whom we disagree too).
4meAndyou · F
With religion I do think people can views that are prejudicial, which is defined as harmful or detrimental.
One example is the way Hitler decided to remove the Jews from existence. Another example is the way the people of the American west hounded and killed members of the Mormon church and drove them into hiding in the far west. Those are examples of prejudicial behavior.
That being said, I am open to the beliefs of all religions, and I think that each of them has at least one thing to recommend it. There are some religions I dislike, such as Jehovah's Witnesses, but disliking their religion just means I ignore them.
One example is the way Hitler decided to remove the Jews from existence. Another example is the way the people of the American west hounded and killed members of the Mormon church and drove them into hiding in the far west. Those are examples of prejudicial behavior.
That being said, I am open to the beliefs of all religions, and I think that each of them has at least one thing to recommend it. There are some religions I dislike, such as Jehovah's Witnesses, but disliking their religion just means I ignore them.
hippyjoe1955 · 70-79, M
CopperCicada · M
I am prejudiced against any religion that makes a point of shoving the faith in people's faces and sleeping with government to be able to do so.
I am prejudiced against any religion that justifies violence on the basis of faith. Killing people. Alienating people. Religious war.
I am prejudiced against any religion that pulls money out of people's pockets for the promise of blessings.
I am prejudiced against any religion that makes people feel less than for who they are.
I am prejudiced against any religion that sexually abuses its faithful and hides it.
I am prejudiced against any religion that teaches and promotes the submission and inferiority of women.
I am prejudiced against any religion that turns its back on science and reason.
I am prejudiced against any religion that justifies violence on the basis of faith. Killing people. Alienating people. Religious war.
I am prejudiced against any religion that pulls money out of people's pockets for the promise of blessings.
I am prejudiced against any religion that makes people feel less than for who they are.
I am prejudiced against any religion that sexually abuses its faithful and hides it.
I am prejudiced against any religion that teaches and promotes the submission and inferiority of women.
I am prejudiced against any religion that turns its back on science and reason.
Theseus · 46-50, M
@CopperCicada I agree...which is why I reject the narrative. I completely understand the dim view which many have of institutionalized religion (a/k/a just another control drama/scheme), and I'm a Christian.
I also understand, though, that religious institutions are partially if not wholly at variance with the tenets of the faith they pretend to uphold--e.g., the Roman church. There's the baby...and then there's the bath water. 😊
I also understand, though, that religious institutions are partially if not wholly at variance with the tenets of the faith they pretend to uphold--e.g., the Roman church. There's the baby...and then there's the bath water. 😊
Theseus · 46-50, M
@ABCDEF7 Correct on all counts. I ... ahem... believe the best descriptor of not knowing would be agnosticism. Agnosticism is rational whereas theism and atheism are not. Of the three, only agnosticism requires no faith. Atheists will most certainly sputter and fume at this characterization, but they would still be wrong. It takes FAITH to accept a proposition/premise with no basis in fact or evidence.
Ultimately, then, none of us knows. All of us BELIEVE. Faith is a necessary cornerstone of this thing we call reality.
Ultimately, then, none of us knows. All of us BELIEVE. Faith is a necessary cornerstone of this thing we call reality.
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St0ut · 51-55, M
GodSpeed63 · 70-79, M
SapphicHeart · F
Eddiesolds · 61-69, M
NeloAngelo · 26-30, M
SW-User
I believe Islam to be evil in that it elevates the teachings of a pedophile and rapist, who ordered mass executions and a woman to be stoned to death, to the level of 'religion'
It isn't. It's political and an attempt at theocracy.
I'm prejudiced against Christianity because of the actions of its followers, the glossing over of the evil of the old testament, and the insidious psychological abuse inherent in the premise that all human beings are deserving of eternal punishment, without the intervention of Christ through 'belief' in him
Judaism? Those guys are OK. Just kidding. The old testament is grotesque and why are some Rabbis inspecting women's undies?
Hinduism. Well, let's just say the latest attemps to compete with Muslims on fundamentalist public displays doesn't reflect well on the religion. Women barred from a temple? Not nice. The caste system anyone?
It isn't. It's political and an attempt at theocracy.
I'm prejudiced against Christianity because of the actions of its followers, the glossing over of the evil of the old testament, and the insidious psychological abuse inherent in the premise that all human beings are deserving of eternal punishment, without the intervention of Christ through 'belief' in him
Judaism? Those guys are OK. Just kidding. The old testament is grotesque and why are some Rabbis inspecting women's undies?
Hinduism. Well, let's just say the latest attemps to compete with Muslims on fundamentalist public displays doesn't reflect well on the religion. Women barred from a temple? Not nice. The caste system anyone?
MarmeeMarch · M
SW-User
Nope. I'm interested in all religions and also acknowledge that any religion or belief can be used to justify violence or shitty behavior.
I'm more biased toward Christianity because it's what I was raised in and what most people I know are, but I don't feel prejudice against religions that aren't Christianity.
I'm more biased toward Christianity because it's what I was raised in and what most people I know are, but I don't feel prejudice against religions that aren't Christianity.
bijouxbroussard · F
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CuriousCutie · F
Sroonaka616 · 31-35, M
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