What causes so many traditional religionists to believe that their

1. 81

   gmwilliamsposted 10 years ago

   
   faith, belief, and path are the only legitimate paths in life?  They staunchly believe that those who believe differently are in serious error, have fallen off the path, and need to be saved.  Are they so insecure regarding their religious belief that they feel threatened by other ways of belief?  What are they AFRAID of?

   replyreport
   1. 95

      wildernessposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      1. The priest enjoying the monetary contributions they bring to the church.
      
      2.  The built in "need" to be right.  If they are right, other beliefs must be wrong, by definition.  Definition from that same priest.

      replyreport
      1. 79

         Chris Nealposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         You do understand that isn't restricted to 'religionists' don't you?

         replyreport
         1. 95

            wildernessposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Not too many other groups have a priest collecting their money and assuring them they will live forever in return.
            
            And while most folks enjoy being right, most will give it up when shown to be wrong.  Not the religionist, they just ignore it and continue on with their belief.  Although it is true that some people still believe man never walked the moon and that the President mined the WTC...

            replyreport
            1. 79

               Chris Nealposted 10 years agoin reply to this

               Priests notwithstanding, and that's not for all 'religionists,' the rest of what you said can apply equally well to both sides in my experience.

               replyreport
   2. 55

      EncephaloiDeadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I think we'll find those you refer will openly admit that is what their religion has commanded them to do, that they must tell us we need to be saved, over and over and over, until we are convinced we must be saved and join them in the call.
      
      Their fear is that they won't find their place next to their God in heaven unless they make it their life's work to evangelize.

      replyreport
   3. 70

      AshtonFireflyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I think it is somewhat presumptuous to assume that it is insecurity which causes them to react strongly to other beliefs. What you assume they perceive as a threat may not be perceived as a threat at all by them. Fear may or may not have something to do with it. Discussing all staunchly religious folks into having the same mindset, reasons, agenda, etc. would be a little narrow-minded.
        For example, I grew up in that type of environment. My reasons for being so adamantly against other religions was because I was desperately certain I was trying to help people. My motive was pure, but I simply did not realize that there WAS an alternative. This, I think, applies particularly to those who grew up in that atmosphere, as I did. I am this way no longer because I was able to open my mind, but it was not insecurity, fear, or feeling threatened that made me act the way I did. Saying that someone feels threatened by other religions or insecure about their own faith presumes the assumption that they are at war with themselves about their religion, I would think, unless I misunderstood the application of what you were saying. Just my thoughts, as having grown up in a very conservative, narrow-minded environment.

      replyreport
   4. 0

      CJ Simonelliposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Love motivates true believers to care about your salvation, and this love is not from themselves but from God, who lives in them through his Spirit. But sadly too many give judgment when they were called to give love, and so their words are beyond worthless, they are downright harmful. You can dismiss me as just another religious fanatic, but here's the truth - if I had no choice but to give up my hand in order for you to receive eternal salvation, then I would let it be cut off because your eternal salvation is worth so much more than my little hand during the brief days here on earth. God loves you so much he came down as a human to die for you, he gave up his Son for you; Jesus loves you so much he gave up his life for you and died the most painful, humiliating, betrayed, heartbreaking death you could imagine; the Spirit loves you so much he keeps right on knocking and calling to you no matter how many times you speak against the God who loves you! I wish that someone in your life had shown you true love in the name of Jesus. You can doubt that I really care, you can even hate me for my faith in the One who loves you, but my heart still cries for you. Fear? Yes, fear for anyone who doesn't yet know that Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life", who hasn't yet chosen life over death, who hasn't yet responded to the Spirit's call. The true Christian fears you will continue to harden your heart and reject the Spirit; they fear this because you, beautiful creation of God, are the only you there will ever be, and they want YOU to one day be at home with the living God who was and is and is to come. It is on behalf of Jesus that I humbly urge you to accept the path to God paved in Jesus' blood. God is not angry with you. Jesus has already paid any debt you owe; he's made the way for you to be righteous if you will only accept the gift of salvation.  I am a small and insignificant person, but I tell you the truth because I love God and because I love you.

      replyreport
      1. 55

         EncephaloiDeadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         First of all, we all know that isn't true, you would do no such thing because that would be insane.
         
         
         
         There are plenty of people who try to show us how much Jesus loves us, but we aren't interested in Jesus or the people annoying us with their evangelism. They can stop telling us anytime soon, thank you very much.
         
         
         
         No one cares, you can stop crying now.
         
         
         
         You can stop telling us that, we don't want to hear it anymore, you are one of many, many other believers who have filled these forums with exactly the same thing. We weren't interested then and we are even less interested now.

         replyreport
         1. 0

            CJ Simonelliposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            If I am insane by the world's standards, I'm okay with that. Surely you would call me insane for any number of things I'd say or do - supernatural experiences, healings, etc.
            
            When deep down people don't feel worthy of love, they aren't in a place to receive love. But love always hopes, and so while my words do not at this time penetrate your hardened heart, and you respond with anger and hatred toward love, I pray that love will find you and you will at last experience it! God is love. I pray he comes to you, perhaps while you sleep and your defenses are not so high, and whispers in your ear that he loves you!
            
            "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare." 2 Peter 3:9-10

            replyreport
            1. 55

               EncephaloiDeadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

               Surely.
               
               
               
               I have no idea what you're talking about, please don't put words in my mouth, that is quite disingenuous. No one is responding with anger and hatred. Try getting a grip.
               
               
               
               Uh yeah, whatever.

               replyreport
2. 68

   Kukata Kaliposted 10 years ago

   Humans have been convinced for a long time that they are being judged and therefore they can't help but to judge in that belief system. If one is not aware of their own freedom, they can't then deliver what they don't have to give. In my very humble opinion, all humans need to do is to live what they feel they should. If they live that expression, it makes it possible for others to appreciate it, take something from it or move on. No need for blame or name calling. Living our own best human is really the only thing we have control over anyway.
   Nice question~

   replyreport
3. 38

   ChristinSposted 10 years ago

   I personally believe each of us thinks ours is the right path and therein lies the challenge.  Fortunately, most of us are emotionally and mentally mature enough to not have to beat others over the head with what we believe.  The behavior you're talking about comes from an egoistic need to be right at everyone else's expense.  It's childish and fortunately it is shrinking back gradually as time goes on, but I doubt it will ever go away completely. 
   
   Typically those that feel the need to fight everyone around them and to always be "right" are deeply mired in fear, although they don't recognize it.  They see themselves or delude themselves into the idea they are some kind of spiritual warrior and savior to the rest of us poor heathens.  They are so ingrained in this way of thinking they justify their disrespect for others and when anyone tells them otherwise they pretend they are a persecuted victim in a world that is so wrong it just doesn't understand their "spiritual" nature.   
   
   It gets tiresome, and many religious extremists of numerous belief systems engage in it.  Humans are still in our infancy in the grand cosmic scheme of things and hopefully we evolve from this simplistic mindset even more as time goes on.  I believe that evolution of the mind/emotions is possible - and happening.  We see evidence of it more and more as time advances.

   replyreport
4. 62

   Zelkiiroposted 10 years ago

   They're afraid of realizing that they're not (in some fashion) immortal, and they're afraid of realizing that they've dedicated their entire lives to a farcical concept designed millennia ago to manipulate sheep herders into giving their money and cattle to the religious leaders and scare them into telling others to believe in it, too.

   replyreport
5. 60

   carol3sanposted 10 years ago

   I believe that their faith makes them feel safe and protected against the "evils of the world.".  There is a lot of evidence to dispute their belief, but it is what it is.  Their faith means a a lot to them, an they are hell bent upon recruiting others to become members of their faith with them.  I believe this is because they don't want their faith to be seen by outsiders as something unrealistic or  unobtainable.

   replyreport
6. 75

   Shanna11posted 10 years ago

   Better question: Do you think those girl's eyes are really that big or are they enhanced?

   replyreport
   1. 38

      ChristinSposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Def some Photoshop enhancement going on I'd say lol

      replyreport
   2. 60

      carol3sanposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Those eyes are definitely enhanced.  LOL.

      replyreport
7. 68

   Kukata Kaliposted 10 years ago

   She really could just have her eyes open. I'm just saying! lol

   replyreport
8. 84

   The Stages Of MEposted 10 years ago

   This is a good question.  I suppose if one follows a particular faith or belief they are apt to share it from their personal experience and/or interpretation.  Due to this sharing I can see how it may be construed that the sharer believes any differing experience or opinion is in error.  Is it not possible that this thought is in itself an assumption?
   
     I believe if someone is legalistic or confined to the predestine doctrines alone there is a probability or possibility that they are stuck in judgments.  However, if their faith and belief is related to the infusing of spiritual growth and relationship, I doubt there would be room in their heart to be so discounting of others beliefs and/or relationships.
   
   My experience has been, that when a car is built you get it with a chasse, wheels, interior etc…  That same car after receiving it can be changed adding to its base.  It’s a different car when things are added like a super sound system, awesome hubcaps, shine and sparkle; all of this makes it unique.  Let’s just say faith and belief can be similar.
   
   We start with a base of environmental placement.  This base is what we begin, as we change and grow, so does our personal journey.  There in lies the beauty of life.  We are all seeking and learning.  No experience is the same and no relationship is identical.  What we are infused with is the differential.  More importantly what we do with the infusion is personal.
   
   I was raised in a loving home with particular beliefs and points of origin. I am a mix of the people I have experienced, both in belief, and in understanding.  I am also an individual created by God.  How I have come to know this is my own experience.  How I have been infused is quite different from the people around me.  I am in my own relationship.  I have come to know this reality for myself, it is my personal journey, but this does not limit my desire to know the paths of those I come to meet.  I would never want to judge or discount even one, who is placed in my path.  I am so touched by personal journeys and know wholeheartedly their importance to my own. 
   
   I am a child of God, this is I, and I love you, because I am loved.  No matter what you believe or say or do, because I am loved this way.  The relationship I have with Christ is based on the love letter of His word.  That does not make me the teacher or the judge of that word.  It makes me a forever student of that relationship.  Free to make mistakes and get frustrated and at the same time be filled with its joy and peace.  Every happening and moment is allowed for me to experience.  If I am a lover of strawberries and you are not, I will still offer them to you.  If you decline for whatever reason I will still want to hang out with you while I eat my strawberries, because you are awesome just the way you are.
   
   I hope to never harm with my faith and belief, but to not share that which we are is the only error I could see.  We are meant to love one another.  Regardless of condition, the rest of life is all about relationship; it is not our job to convict, but rather to live in our own convictions. I think safety is relative to experience, I want everyone to feel safe in their relationship. It is okay to feel safe, especailly if we remain the students. ~ Peace to all in your stages

   replyreport