Originally posted by martin williamsI personally believe people who argue about religion are one of two types:
[b]Why is religion such a sensitive topic anyway?
This question was posed in another thread, and I think the answer is worth some examination.
As far as I can see, we all argue about religion because regardless of what we believe in, we have an absolute belief that ours is the one true belief. We all believe that anyone who does not think as we do is not only wrong, but committing a sin and condemning himself or herself to eternal damnation.
1) They've had a bad experience and want to 'set things right'. or
2) They have a weak belief system and need to get others to believe it to reinforce the belief for themselves.
Kirkagard once said, "The weaker the proof for a belief, the stronger the belief must be."
Originally posted by huntingbearhuntingbear, one of the better things about this thread is that it, at least partially moved away from being a debate and toward stories. I am not interested in having a "debate" on the subject either. (At least not here.🙂) But as a couple of other people posted something resembling stories, I posted on that basis. I think we can possibly improve understanding if we know a little more about what has brought others to believe what they believe. Despite the popularity of the "testimony" genre, I have actually heard very few stories of how someone actually went from being an atheist to believing.
I'm not interested in having this debate. With all respect, I decline to answer.
I don't want to push you into anything against your will, but I am sure that there are others besides myself who would be both respectful and grateful for any enlightenment you care to shed. I don't think we need preaching, but just as I tried not to preach or denigrate, I would like to invite you to share.
The same goes for anyone else who might feel like a thoughtful exchange could improve understanding.
Best regards,
Paul