Should We Really Try to Change Others?

by journey-on 32 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  journey-on

  Why do atheists try to change believers? Why do believers try to convert atheists? Neither really KNOWS anything for certain?

  Why do we feel compelled to evangelize, proselyltize, convert, and change others politically, religiously, culturally, etc.? What

  is it about the human condition that makes us try to convince others we are right and they are wrong and need to change?

  I THINK THE PRIME DIRECTIVE ON STAR TREK HAS A DEEPER PHILOSOPHICAL MEANING THAT YOU MIGHT IMAGINE:

  As the right of each sentient species to live in accordance with its normal cultural evolution is considered sacred, no Star Fleet personnel may interfere with the healthy development of alien life and culture. Such interference includes the introduction of superior knowledge, strength, or technology to a world whose society is incapable of handling such advantages wisely. Star Fleet personnel may not violate this Prime Directive, even to save their lives and/or their ship unless they are acting to right an earlier violation or an accidental contamination of said culture. This directive takes precedence over any and all other considerations, and carries with it the highest moral obligation.

  I would like to hear your personal thoughts along these lines.
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  nvrgnbk

  If we care about being alive, we try to grow.

  If we care about others, we try to create an environment where we can grow mutually.

  Atheists are considered arrogant by believers.

  Believers are considered deluded by atheists.

  Some, if not many, in both groups are willing to discuss existence and it's meaning or lack thereof.

  What's the harm in that?

  Those uncomfortable with the discussion can choose not to participate in it.
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  Satanus

  Journey-on
  
  I'm sick to death of star trekian evangelists pushing their stuff on this planet. It's time you guys found a planet of your own. And take all those reruns and second and third generation stuff w you, when you leave.
  
  Heh, just kidding.
  
  S
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  nvrgnbk

  I'm sick to death of star trekian evangelists pushing their stuff on this planet. It's time you guys found a planet of your own. And take all those reruns and second and third generation stuff w you, when you leave.

  Now that's funny, Satan!
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  journey-on

  Thanks, nvr

  I'm not talking about discussions. I agree that that is healthy and enjoyable.

  I want to know what makes us feel a compelling need to impose our beliefs and

  our way of life on other people, cultures, governments, etc. Is it a good thing or a

  bad thing? When is it a good thing and when is it not? Is it just human nature or

  is it a flaw?
• 

  snowbird

  No, we shouldn't. It's difficult to change oneself, let alone anyone else. I'm a believer. Simple as that. I no longer try to convert anyone else to my way of looking at things. Eventually, all things are qoing to be set straight. I predict we are going to be in for quite a few surprises.

  Sylvia
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  journey-on

  NEVER, Satanus!!! TREKKY FOREVER!
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  Sad emo

  Nope!!

  Live long and prosper everyone!
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  Satanus

  Nvr
  
  Thanks.
  
  Journey
  
  It's because of insecurity of the converter. The more people he gets into the boat w him, the more reassured he is that he must be right, and the more reduced differing opinion becomes. Being able to influence someone else also boosts his ego, because it helps him feel powerful.
  
  S
• 

  serotonin_wraith

  I think trying to convert/deconvert others comes from our care for them. On both sides of the argument. A believer may genuinely think atheists will burn forever if they don't convert. Atheists may genuinely worry about the future of the planet and our species if people don't deconvert.

  For the most part it should never be a forced change though. In some cases it has to be. Nazis who held the belief that their race was superior needed to be forced to abandon that belief.

  In the last hundred years, if beliefs had not been spoken about openly, this would be the situation: Blacks wouldn't be able to marry whites or have equal rights, women wouldn't be allowed to vote and homosexuals would still be seen by most as living a bad life (we're still working on that last one with gay marriage still being held back). By stating our cases, the 'zeitgeist' changes. A species that doesn't change could die out.