Question for: Christians, JW's, Mormons, Catholics, Jews, Muslims and all believers in God?

Question

I don't post in here very often but I do like to come in here and read what is being said as respect to religious beliefs.

-I have noticed how each of you are attacked by a certain group.

I know there are many differences between each of your respective
beliefs yet there seems to be more that bind you together than tear
you apart.


My Question: If placing your differences to the side do you feel any
unity when you are attacked by that group? You are mocked and made
fun of in most vicious way I have rarely seen or heard....to the point
this group must be filled with the most hate-filled people on earth or they have a serious philological problems that I can't even imagine.

I seen you defend one another when God is attacked or made fun of, I think sometimes you don't know from what belief the other is but they offer help to a person of faith is attacked.

Do you sense/feel this unity in anyway...or is this a bad observation


thanks

Answer 1

OF COURSE .. I AM A MUSLIM.. AND IF SOME ONE ATTACKS JESUS PBUH OR MOSES PBUH AND ESPECIALLY PROPHET MOHAMMED S.A.W.

..



WE MUSLIMS ARE MORE CLOSER TO CHRISTIANS.. GOD SAYS THAT



"....neAREst among them in LOVE to the believers wilt thou find those who say, "WE ARE CHRISTIANS" CH:5 V.82

Answer 2

Although I do feel greater unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ, I have to say that I have always felt a respect for all humanity. I genuinely like kinds of people.



So, I feel bad when I see ANY group or ANY person being attacked or belittled. I feel even worse when I see those who share a common bond -- the love of Jesus Christ -- attacking one another who believe a little bit differently than themselves. It breaks my heart.



And yet I am not really answering your question. Yes, at times I have felt a unity between some. But very far and few between. If it breaks my heart I can't imagine how it must make God feel.

Answer 3

Your example is mild for around here. hehehehehhe



Yes, many of us do feel a type of kinship, even if we can be quite opinionated about the small stuff.



Humans are such that we don't deal well with ambiguity. We like things to be either 1 or the other.



Therefore, we have trouble letting go of the small stuff. We don't want to be divided over small issues. We want there to be only 1 TRUTH that we ALL agree on.



This actually leads to division rather then unity, which is ironic.



For example: You hypothetically interpret a verse 1 way. I another. Rather then us coming to a concensus, our desire for things to be simple and black n white, leads us to argue endlessly if you are right or if I am right.





However, when an issue presents itself where we BOTH just happen to agree, then we have no issue backing each other up. It is not like Partisanism in Politics where a Democrat might oppose a Republicans bill, simply because he is republican. NO, in religion there isn't partisanism which divides, as much as a genuine desire to come to the RIGHT conclusion.

Answer 4

In my observation, the most vicious attacks on any of the religious groups you listed come from members of one of the other religious groups. I, as an atheist, often find myself coming to the defense of Catholics when some Protestants here post hateful screeds against them. Most of the hate I've seen leveled against Muslims and Jews here has come from Christians (though there are certainly some atheists who like to take their shots at Islam as well). And I'd be surprised if a day goes by when Mormons and JWs on hear aren't told by other Christians that they're going to hell for their heresy.



The ironic thing is, as an atheist, I see the claims of all those religious groups you listed as being equal -- equally *wrong*, but equal. They don't see themselves as equal at all. Monotheism tends to be polarizing, predicating on the notion that "I'm right and you're wrong." So you're not likely to see much unity among them. Far more hostility toward any given religion comes from members of another religion who believe something slightly different, than comes from nonbelievers.

Answer 5

Most of the attacks you see are satire that are motivated by other posts by theists.



Remember that conflict requires at least two parties. So the attackers you see are not acting in a vacuum. While you may see conflict in the question, it's visible to most R&S regulars. Believers hound and harrass non-believers; non-believers hound and harrass believers. It's a cycle that is perpetuated by both sides.



As Rene has kindly pointed out, there is no sense of unity. The reason is that many of those groups that are being attacked are at each others' throats as well.

Answer 6

It absolutely strengthens my faith. Since I began visiting this site, for example, my conviction that I have the truth is much stronger. This site allows people to express themselves anonymously, and so they are more apt to be unkind. It may sound masochistic, but the more abuse my religion receives, the more convinced I am that it is the way I should go. Jesus said that a slave was not better than his master, if they persecuted him, they would persecute his followers also. I also keep thinking of the scripture that talks about the two roads, one broad and spacious, leading off into destruction, and the other cramped and narrow, but leading to life. If I were patted on the back, and congratulated for my christian works, I would be afraid that I was on that broad road. I am happy to be on the narrow path, even if I have to endure the 'burning missiles' of Satan and his followers. Thank you for such a thought provoking question.

Answer 7

You're not wrong--there is way too much infighting between the various Christian sects. We disagree a lot more than we should and let our disagreements become a source of conflict. Still, there are just as many people who wouldn't dream of attacking other Christians no matter what the differences are. We don't see as many of them on YA as I'd like, unfortunately, but no true Christian is going to behave badly towards anyone.

Answer 8

I've seen a small number of cases where folks of a different world view will attempt to correct or defend when the attack is unfair or incorrect. Mostly, though, people just pile on, adding their insults to the carnage. I suspect part of the cause is an age thing. Many participants aren't yet adults. They lack the restraint that comes with wisdom. Not all, mind you. But many.

Answer 9

Just to explain, I have always noticed most religions have their differences but are very alike.



I was once Christian and have been to too many religions than I can handle. I believe that you are correct in the "unity" you describe, however, I do not believe people will stop fighting over their differences(in this case, religious differences). That's what humans do, they disagree, and fight. But, with that said, if one were to place themselves, lets say, halfway Jewish and halfway Christian, they would stand beside both sides.



I am sort of like that, but I am not halfway in Jewish religion. I am glad to see that this question is meant in no offense whatsoever, while most answers/questions from agnostics or atheists is very insulting to most religions.

Answer 10

The 'hate-filled people' you refer to are obviously atheists.

I hope you can at least get a sense that when a culture tries to shove a non-sensical ideology down your throat, you might begin to resent it after a while.



Imagine your peers trying to get you on board with recommending the celery and raisin diet to overweight people.

They have no proof that it works. In fact it sounds ludicrous to you. But they are so insistent that it must help people in some way that they mock you for not jumping on board, even though they have absolutely no evidence.



This is the world of the atheist.

Answer 11

Some people just ask ignorant questions and act ignorant. There's no need to get into an argument with them since they truly do not want to know an answer. Then there are some who are genuinely sincere and want to know a truthful answer. These are the ones whom I try to help.



The bible does state what the apostle Peter admonished Christians: Always be “ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you, but doing so together with a mild temper and deep respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) To make such a defense of your faith requires that you take in accurate knowledge and that you come to understand the reasons for your beliefs.



During his ministry on earth, Jesus Christ was ridiculed—laughed at, sneered at, made fun of, treated insolently, and even spit upon. (Mark 5:40; Luke 16:14; 18:32) Early Christians were also objects of mockery. (Acts 2:13; 17:32) Modern-day servants of Jehovah face similar abuse. According to the apostle Peter, they would, in effect, be labeled “false prophets.” “In the last days,” foretold Peter, “there will come ridiculers with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires and saying: ‘Where is this promised presence of his? Why, . . . all things are continuing exactly as from creation’s beginning.’” (2 Peter 3:3, 4) God’s people are ridiculed as being out of touch with reality. The Bible’s moral standards are viewed as old-fashioned. To many, the message that we preach is foolishness. (1 Corinthians 1:18, 19) As Christians, we may face ridicule at school, at work, and at times even in the family circle. Undeterred, we continue to reflect God’s glory through our preaching, knowing as did Jesus that God’s Word is truth.—John 17:17.

Answer 12

I think one of the most 'impressive' moments on Y/A for me, was when I saw a bashing question directed @ my chosen religion, went to respond, and I had to get in line behind others (mostly atheists - none that I recognized as sharing faith) who got there first and said all the things I wanted to say and more..... =D



I think it is more of a 'we are united against repetition of stupidity' than we are united together as groups facing attacks. but that is, of course, jmho.

Answer 13

Very good question. For me, I don't know what religion others are if not a JW as we always say we are one. I only feel what another JW says.



The Bible says that few will make it into God's Kingdom so those that attack God by putting us down have a choice to have faith in Him or the consequences of their actions. That is not my judgment but God's Himself. If they are not warned how would they choose?

Answer 14

Well, as a Christian, I think its more than just here on this forum. Other Christians are actually my brothers and sisters in Christ. I may not agree with everything they say, but they're family.



edit: And as for the others, well, I really can't abide ANY other people being attacked. Even if they are atheists, you know. Christians are called to love ALL of our neighbors, not just some of them.



and to that guy who was insulting you, I would say, what have you never made a transcriptional error?

Answer 15

You've pointed out an interesting facet of human behavior. In most cultures, it's considered unacceptable to attack a smaller or weaker individual. Many people will step up to help that vulnerable individual, even if they are not as big as the attacker, AS LONG AS THEY PERCEIVE THEMSELVES TO BE BIGGER THAN THE PERSON BEING ATTACKED. That goes for verbal attacks as well as physical ones, and I think that cultural response is what you're seeing here. We're often obliquely reminding the "big bully" that picking on someone smaller than himself doesn't wash.



Edit: To the pin-brain below me - "philiological" is a perfectly good word. Do yourself a favor and get a dictionary. You DO know how to use one, right?

Answer 16

How deep does your persecution problem go??

I'm told every day to "rot in hell" yet I never tell Christians that I'm going to puncture their intestines and slowly let the bacterial flora invade their tissues causing sepsis.

Answer 17

Well, seeing as 0.00000001% of the population of earth even knows Yahoo Answers exists, grouping together here seems insignificant and pointless doesnt it?

Answer 18

Obviously not. Look around, all you'll see is one religion killing another. Right now, in the news, it's Evangelicals vs. Moslem's.

Answer 19

I forget who said it- "nothing brings people together faster than a common enemy."

Answer 20

Which "group"?



You mean the atheists?



JWs get more attacks from "Christians" than the atheists that we (as a group) don't even notice them that much.



JWs do not do "interfaith" in real life, neither do we do it on here.

Answer 21

yeah, but we went through sh*t to get there.

You should have been here 2 or 3 years ago.

this is a cake walk

Answer 22

Jesus said if they mocked and crucified him... we can expect the same treatment in his name, but we are blessed when we are.

Answer 23

I feel no unity of any kind with Muslims.

Answer 24

Buddhists sum it up best.



Your enemy is your best teacher

Answer 25

tell me 'doc' during your seven years of training (U.K.) didn't you ever learn to spell psychological correctly? I would have imagined that word would have cropped up occasionally in your career.



do you seriously consider the answers in the link you have provided as 'attacks' didnt you think the question was a little stupid to begin with?

Answer 26

As a Christian, the Holy Spirit within me does not unite with the spirit within those other groups.