Are you willing to listen to people's religious beliefs?

Question

I do, despite being something of an atheist. I like learning about other people's way of thought and recently I've been listening to some "alternative Christians" and their beliefs.

Naturally I always make it clear that I'm not straying from my own Soche idea, but I still want to learn about their culture and political beliefs. After all, we can focus on the things that we share, rather than the differences!

Texaskid1 · Accepted Answer

No I am not willing but there have been times when I must tolerate it due to circumstances. Moat of the people that I have met that start talking about their belief with the end goal of converting you or getting into an argument and pissing on my Wheaties.

When I was younger I had the experience ( many times) just being myself and doing something I like like reading, listening to music etc and my super duper Catholic uncle would come up to me asking me if I had been to mass lately and then he would start preaching on about how I need to go to church and and how we are all sinners and how I can't eat breakfast until I had gone to mass. If anyone dared to disagree with him he would lose his holy marbles and start yelling on about the glories of the Catholic Church and how the Protestents were all going to hell and all that. When I was in high school he tried to convince me to become a priest and he would yap on about the priest hood to me every chance he would get.

In my experience the people that start yapping on about their religious beliefs unsolicited are looking to convert or trying to lord over their supposed moral supporoty to the rest of us. I try to avoid these people when I can.

normalice · Accepted Answer

Not really. I used to try to find religious stories that were compelling as stories, but they all leaned too hard on blunt force preaching like ten pages in. It's the same sort of reason I could barely stand to watch captain marvel - the blunt force feminism is just so contrived and clearly for the purpose of telling a message instead of telling a story. And I pretty much fully agree with feminism but I don't find it entertaining.

Religious preaching is like that. I wanted something like the Percy Jackson series but with Christianity instead of Greeks but couldn't find anything that didn't take itself too seriously. Constantine was the best I could come up with. And I suppose Spawn but that's a comic book - prefer either normal book or a movie. Comic books are a halfway point somehow lacking all that I like about both. Although, there is apparently a new movie due out which could be top.

Even Kevin Smith's Dogma, for all that it made Christianity a bit more fun, still seemed preachy somehow.

laurieluvsit · Accepted Answer

I disagree with them saying that you shouldn't be having pre-marital sex as a way of having control over the people when they are out committing adultery or having sex with children. And then of course, it's hard to tell which ones are and which ones aren't.

Besides I am convinced that God is not opposed to our having sex without marriage as long as we are safe about it and not popping out babies until married.

I also think it is ok for the clergy, nuns, etc, to have sex as well, as long as they are not doing it secretly with someone else who is married or when they are married.

God wants Nuns to have sexual freedom too

Let's see how many people are willing to listen to my religious beliefs, or will they instead be issuing unhappy faces indicating their belief that the people should be controlled by religious cults telling them what they can and cannot do in the bedroom, when, where and how.

Where do you think the word 'missionary' style sex position came from? It was banned by the Catholic church for anyone to have sex in any other position. During the Dark Ages, if found out otherwise, you could be tortured or killed for disobedience to the church and God in their view.

Smoke-n-Growls · Accepted Answer

It depends.

Are they in charge of their own religious or spiritual journey?

I've had enough, as a former Catholic, of people who repeat what they've been told but have no thoughts of their own.

I enjoy hearing how people connect to religion in a genuine way, and hearing the diverse ways in which humans fulfill their spiritual needs.

But I'm not really interested at all if someone comes at it from a "I must save you" perspective. That's an immediate "we're not talking religion" cut off right there.

SoftCliff · Answer

I try to treat every such occasion as an educational experience. Learning about other people and their beliefs can only make me a better-rounded person.

People deserve respect, ideas not (at least not a priori) You should always treat everyone with respect, with at least the basic dignity every human being deserves, regardless your differences.

However, as soon as someone attempts to impose their religious beliefs and values upon myself, and implies or overtly states that they are right and I am wrong, then I lose all respect.

TruthBringer · Answer

I do. Same as you. In order to learn more about the world and of other people's beliefs and values. My parents thought me to seek out knowledge and always ask. Even though I've not being raised with religion. I'm also from a multicultural country so it is easy for me to associate with different communities. This is what helped me to form unbigoted views. For example: The last Islamophobe (there are many of them here on G@G alone) I spoke to admitted to not have grown up or befriended a Muslim. Even never had a decent conversation with one. And this is a prime example of what is wrong. People have these opinions about one another without having spoken.

When I form an opinion, whether it is religious, political, racial, gender, etc., at least I can say that I have induldged in speaking to a certain group prior to establishing my opinions.

Aerissa_Jade · Answer

I respect others and will listen to their views, maybe even have a discussion about it. The moment they get all pushy about converting though, we are done.

I don't blame a religion for the acts of its worst members, those minority that have sex with kids or do other bad and illegal things against its own teachings.

It would be silly to blame all the good people for those bad apples.

Just like any other topic, people need to be respectful of each other and when they are done still get along.

Anonymous · Answer

Yes and no. So I’m not religious. If someone says they’ll pray for me I don’t tell them I’m not religious I just say thank you and move on. But I’m not going to listen to someone ramble about their beliefs because it’s honestly a waste of time. If I’m out to dinner and someone wants to pray over the meal no big deal. I’ve found that a lot of people that want to talk religion and beliefs tend to have the end goal of converting; now while I do think it’s cool to learn about different cultures and their beliefs if they go into it with the plan of conversion it’s just a waste of time on both peoples parts, I’d rather learn about that cultures superstitions and urban legends

Kaneki05 · Answer

Nope but I do like learning about religions in the story aspect. For example Hel from Norse is very interesting God to me. Then I find the leviathan from the bible interesting. Same way I find Egypt and Greek actually shared a God cool.
I like the stories but I despise that of those people who say oh I talk to god bullshit and try to spread their own views of clearly mythology but as fact. it's like someone telling me they think Minitours exist I don't want to sit around listening to that however the mythical story of the minitour sure why not. Same for Medusa love her story but I am not gonna listen to someone babble about how she's real.

DoctorSex · Answer

One of the most fruitful ventures In this life is learning how people organise the various aspects of their nature, known as spirituality.

My only red flag is when there are those who believe they are better than others because of a doctrine they follow. These people are the antithesis of spirituality.

Kind regards,

DoctorSex

HippieVeganJewslim · Answer

Yes, I am. Even though I reverted to Islam, I’m still a son of Israel. I still follow some of Moses’ mitzvot. If one assumes that religion divides people, that’s a problem. I read words of famous people out of Whom people made a religion, like Siddhartha Gautama, Who many consider the Buddha. I don’t believe in reincarnation, but I agree on many other Buddhistic things. Together We stand; divided We fall.

By the way, how can You be ‘something’ of an atheist? Do You mean that You’re agnostic?

Billyscotter · Answer

I'm an atheist, and despite not being swayed toward religion, I generally enjoy talking to religious people more than atheists. Some of the best conversations I had in the Marines were with the chaplains. A lot of atheists are annoying, and just want to circle jerk about how smart they are.

hIopinionated_ · Answer

Depends. For example, my mother is very condescending, I will never listen to anything religious she has to say. However, my sister is genuine so I’ll have a conversation, disagreement or whatever with her despite the fact that I’m Atheist

At the end of the day though, I really dislike religious people

NathanDavis · Answer

yes, I always have... but they usually walk out when I start to ask questions, they don't want to hear me, they only want me to listen and believe them

Novacane · Answer

Of course, i have never been against listening and understanding other peoples religious beliefs and I think everyone should have the right to practice what they want. BUT the only issue is when they try to enforce those beliefs into other people or shame other for not following the same religion as them.

lightbulb27 · Answer

Yes I find it fascinating. I like looking for the root emotions driving the whole mess… for thst is what is really in charge and dictating responses.

Beliefs define behaviors. Mixing beliefs and this cultures leads to conflict and thus headaches for those in charge trying to find civility and balance.

Amy10223 · Answer

I think people need to be more open-minded and accepting of other people's traditions and beliefs, including their religion. Even if you don't agree with the religious views or traditions within that relgion, there is always room for a person to grow by learning about other peoples' culture. You can always enrich tyourself as a person this way. I find other cultures interesting and like to learn about them.

Ευδεμονια · Answer

I think honestly it’s always interesting to listen one’s story, because people embracing religion or an ideology is always something particular and gives another perspective. I’m personally agnostic and I don’t align myself to any faith, I have my beliefs and I don’t want to be converted but sometimes a chat about Divine or ideologies is good to do, after all is talking about philosophy.

What’s Soche idea? I never heard about it.

G-Daz · Answer

Absolutely, but sadly it isn't easy to have a critical engaging conversation with most the atheists i know. Typically, the moment they figure out anyone is religious they'll put on attack mode and won't even consider hearing their opinion.

So i take a more agnostic position with them so that i can actually hear their ideas and see how convincing it is. Needless to say, i haven't heard anything that i haven't found easily rebuttaled yet.

slatyb · Answer

It depends. If they admit that it's personal and there's no objective evidence to support their beliefs, that's fine. When someone tells me how they feel, I accept it. If they act as if their religion is obviously true, and can't understand why I don't accept their book as truth, then I'm no longer interested. If they tell me that "Atheism is a religion too" then the conversation is over.

Moose304 · Answer

NO! Listen I was raised in the Southern States of the US in a fire and brimstone church. I am also well versed in most of the other religions all across the world. I know better than to serve things like Jello to an Islamic person. Still, as with politics, check that BS at the door when you come in, OR your visit with me will be short!

qwert1234 · Answer

Depends on my current interest. I do not like it when people shove it up to me like "yo listen to this".

I want it to be by my own will. I recently watched a Pakistani vlogger and one of his episodes was his trip to Mecca a few days before Ramadan. I literally finished 2 videos, each around 30+ minutes each - simply because I was curious and intrigued at that moment.

KBird · Answer

Absolutely! I also love learning about different religions and belief systems. I just dont like it when someone is trying to persuade you or guilt you into joining their religion/belief.

Friendlybro79 · Answer

Depends on how the conversation is going. I'm not about getting lectured by someone who believes in something they can't see but doesn't believe in the things right in front of them.

If a truly nice religious person wants to talk about their beliefs they are more than welcomed by me.

Jamie05rhs · Answer

Sure! I definitely love to hear about other religions and philosophies. As long as they don't try to convert me. Because that's annoying lol.

I'm proud of you for being open minded and being willing to listen to people share their beliefs. That's a great skill to have as an elected official! Hopefully it will help you understand their perspective better. 🙂

dustybiker · Answer

Most people keep it to themselves. I see the person first. Their religion is an accessory. It is part of what makes a person who they are. If they want to share it as mutual conversation of course I will listen.

anylolone · Answer

Usually. Better yet, usually at my own time.
It's not smart to listen to someone's beliefs first by their proselytism.

You want to go through the backdoor first.
Also, when it comes to religion, something so central, it's wise to judge the consequences first, they will help you a lot in your path of figuring what's all about.

After that, you get to butcher it and extract what's good and can be extracted from the bad plus what can't be extracted in such terms.

Twalli · Answer

Yes, as long as it's informational and they're not trying to convert me. I was kind of bummed out that my college didn't offer Theology as a course. There was a lot of student interest and our religious studies professor actually got his PhD in Theology.

DizzyDesii · Answer

Nope because I’d be lying if I said I respect their difference in beliefs and nothing they say is gonna break what the Lord and I have got going. So i just choose to skip the religion topic if we’re not in the same boat

bamesjond0069 · Answer

Sure. But not to the point of them lecturing me. there's sharing and interest and then their is conversion. I am solid in my understanding of God and have no care to be converted nor do i think anyone could.

nachosaresexy · Answer

We all conform to weird societal norms. Religion just takes it to another (often bizarre) level. So yeah, I think it should be reasonable to hear each other out, with a skeptical ear.

Bratsondanielle · Answer

No freaking way. If you want to explain to someone about your invisible friends above the clouds choose someone else. I don't listen to fairytale

Jen_27 · Answer

I did but I can't do nomore bc if ur complain something about they said they will said u you gonna be in hell. So if they wanna to hear my complain why talk to me about that thing.

Phoenix98 · Answer

I don’t mind listening or talking to people about their beliefs.

I’m a Christian and I’m not gonna stray from that but that doesn’t I’m not willing to sit down and listen to someone talk about their religion.

KingChocolate30 · Answer

Yes, of course because everyone have there rights. I might not like what I might be hearing, but people have that right, as longs you don’t try forcing your beliefs on me then we good, and as long we can have a adult conversation about it then sure I’m willing to listen. It is call knowledge. All because I might not like someone belief don’t mean I can’t listen snd gain and pick up knowledge from the person that is telling me their beliefs.

Anonymous · Answer

I like listening to other people's religious viewpoints. I even studied various religions while in college. Each groups of people has their own viewpoints in religion. I think the worst group that tries to push their way into your life is Jehovah witnesses.

SmokinAces2000 · Answer

No not really, I was always indifferent towards religion and open to listen to what religious people have to say but looking at todays climate I’m cool off of religion

jazque · Answer

I will listen, but i dont appreciate when they try to force their beliefs on me. Thats where i draw the line

Stoner710 · Answer

Sure I’m agnostic so I have no idea (I guess I’m a god/goddess believing agnostic because I have no idea I think atheism is possible but unlikely.

mstbooblover · Answer

Absolutely. There's always something to learn from other people's beliefs and, by the way, that's maybe the first step towards peace, at least for those of good will ;0)

OldSchool_Metalhead · Answer

I think the same as @softcliff here. I'm all good with learning about another person's perspective as long as respect isn't one sided.

RealMarek · Answer

Yes, I often find such discussions interesting.

Anonymous · Answer

I would really rather NOT listen to ALL religions I don't believe in, for fear that I might somehow get a wrong idea implanted in my head.

But I feel the opposite about the non-religious FAITH of Christianity... where "one man can sharpen another". (only GOOD things can come from understanding the Word of God)

Subarugirl · Answer

yes, I’ll listen to people talk about what they believe, how ever I will not tolerate people using what they believe to tell me or others how we should live our lives.

XXblack88 · Answer

I'll listen if they want to tell me about their religion/ religious beliefs. But I would walk away if you start pushing your beliefs down my throat.

YollyM · Answer

I am willing to listen because I'm a curious person. I like to be Informed even if I may not agree with the information given. It helps me understand why some people act/live the way they do.

Belgie · Answer

Not typically. I know as much as I need to know about many religions and they're not going to impress me with the specifics of their psychosis.

Lionman95 · Answer

Yes I do because I want to hear because I think it´s important to understand people and different cultures better.

melanieeeB · Answer

Yeah, I find it pretty interesting in what others believe and just hate it, when they try to change my mind about my believes lol

crmoore · Answer

Yeah, but I wouldn't say I share the interest you have with learning about it. I'm willing to and if it's brought up in casual conversation I won't shut it down, but I wouldn't say it actively interests me.

DermalPunch · Answer

Yes, of course. Even though I have no desire to leave my own belief, I think respectful discussion is at the core of humanity.

Blomman · Answer

No. Its usually just a load of incoherent mumbo jumbo that mean very little to others.

JDavid25 · Answer

Yeah, I like learning about different things.. I did it a lot listening to what people believe..

katiesmuff · Answer

I am not at all interested in someone else's religious beliefs!

EarthRealm · Answer

I Just wear Headphones anytime They wanna talk about who I Should dedicate my life to.  I’m dedicating my life to me there's nothing wrong with That.

CloudMassacre · Answer

If they’re talking about what they believe, sure I guess. But if they’re just preaching to me about how I’m wrong to be what I am, they can fuck away with that toxic shit

Smashingdoozy · Answer

I'll listen as long as they are aware I'm not going to be convinced of anything

Anonymous · Answer

for what? for them to convert me? no. i don't want that. for them just talking in natural conversation? i don't care. they can believe what they want, and i can believe what i want.

DirkCoenen · Answer

As a pastor (still in training), I listen to people's religious beliefs for a living.

20yearsolder · Answer

No, I'm not interested. I have my own beliefs and they can have theirs

mb120101 · Answer

Not against it but I don’t care enough I’m not religious

Guy__ · Answer

It depends. Sometimes there is interesting stuff I'm glad to know... Others are BS.

AndrésC64 · Answer

Listen? Yes. But, I have been an online atheist as long as there has been an online. I have literally gone through thousands and thousands of conversations. And it's always the same old arguments.

Ms_Facesitter · Answer

I do but I have so many questions. I think I'd annoy them.

Are you willing to listen to people's religious beliefs?

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