Are you willing to lesson to negative info about your religion, now?

free2beme

Often when I speak with people about religion, they are Christians. I will get into discussions and mention items of truth about their history and ask them what they think of it. More so then not, they have canned answers of "that is only part of the story" or "the person who said that was not a Christian." So I will print things out where the same comments were made by priest, or by people who profess to be Christian, and they will just ignore me or even ask that I not bring up the subject. I think this is what we were like as Witnesses, to these people who will not listen to me now. They want Witnesses to listen to their negative and often very truthful information on the Witnesses, but when reversed and addressed to them as a non-Christian trying to show where their religion really came from and how much information is missing from their teaching. It is the same "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil" thinking." So what I wonder, is now some of us have left and moved on to new faiths. Some remained Christian, some like myself left Christianity. In any sense, are you willing to listen to what others say about your religion and to research information that may destroy your faith. That sounds rough, but the thing is, I think as former blinded Witnesses who let others lead us in error. We owe it to our self to actually be very critical and open eyed about our new faiths or else we look the fool. As we leave one religion where we limited our information, only to join another with even more limits. So, honestly, are you in blind faith or do you actually research beyond those books sold in your church or the local Christian bookstore?

JamesThomas

Good post.

Religious beliefs often become a cornerstone of our perceived identity. For this reason, many Christians, are not ready to examine too closely their beliefs and their cherished god. For to do so would be, in a very painful way, to die. Who would I be without my Jesus? I understand why many people do not wish to go there.

I can only say this to comfort them. Letting go of focus and beliefs of gods afar, can often be a big step in discovering what is here. What has always been here.

j

Qcmbr

Depends who it's from, what their agenda is and whether I'm in the mood

AlmostAtheist

I don't really have a religion, but I'm more than happy to listen to negative info about my not having one. Even if I don't agree with the points made, I almost invariably learn something. And I surely never learn by NOT listening.

Dave

jaffacake

Good question.

I can answer honestly that I welcome anyone who has information that can challenge my faith to the core. I am ready and willing to turn my beliefs upside down a hundred times over, or destroy them completely, if that is what it takes to move me one inch closer to truth or reality.

That said, I have neither the time nor the energy to debate with all comers everything they can throw my way.

That is my two-penneth from my own Christian perspective.

jaffacake

Depends who it's from, what their agenda is and whether I'm in the mood

Q. I am impressed that you have answered such a tough question for a LDS. Sorry to say that to me, the bit about the agenda sounds a bit like the response I keep getting from JWs. They want me to listen to them, including criticising my beliefs, because of course their motives (agenda) are proper. But when the tables are turned, the first thing they often do is question the 'opposer's' motives, instead of dealing with the facts and arguments. I note however that you have engaged in all sorts of debates in a very open way. I'd rather be a mormon than a JW.

Honesty

Often when I speak with people about religion, they are Christians. I will get into discussions and mention items of truth about their history and ask them what they think of it. free2beme

Do you have any specific questions that you would like to ask at this time?

I am open to discussing any questions about Christianity.

I am not open to discussing any questions about Jehovah's Witnesses for the following reasons:

1. Plenty of discusssions about Jehovah's Witnesses takes place on the board.

2. I said I am open to discussing any questions about Christianity. The Jehovah's Witnesses are not Christian.

3. Any questions about # 2? See # 1.

sass_my_frass

I don't have a religion now, but, do I have to work it all out? It takes so much time, and I don't think I can be bothered. God doesn't care, if he did, it would be a whole lot clearer than it is. I'm just a nice lady, and any God who wants more than that, and for us to get the formula right, well that's not a very realistic God.

Sorry, got OT. I'd be willing to hear from anybody about why this isn't a good idea, but generally, the people who do go about to talk about it are loons.

darkuncle29

In any sense, are you willing to listen to what others say about your religion and to research information that may destroy your faith.

Yes, I'm usually willing to engage in conversation that is honest and open; if I get a whiff of Kool-Aid I'm done.

acadian

Hello All,

I have no religion, so I have no problem if someone speaks negative about it, now I do have a Way of life I live, That is based on principles that are higher than most religions teach.

I would hope any here who were JW's or anyone else for that matter would listen to anything someone had to say, just to make sure I'm/your not getting suck in again to another life sucking organization.

Acadian

Are you willing to lesson to negative info about your religion, now?

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