Why do people argue over religion?

[Gardenlover]

For kicks I asked Bard AI, here is what it came up with:

People argue over religion for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Different beliefs about the nature of reality and morality: Religious beliefs often have profound implications for how people understand the world and how they should live their lives. This can lead to disagreements about issues such as the existence of God, the meaning of life, and the proper way to treat others.

2. Different interpretations of religious texts: Religious texts can be interpreted in many different ways, leading to debates about the meaning of specific passages and the overall message of the text. This can lead to disagreements about the nature of God, the role of humans in the world, and the path to salvation.

3. Different experiences of faith: Religious experiences are personal and subjective, and people often have different ways of understanding and relating to their faith. This can lead to disagreements about whether certain experiences are genuine or whether certain beliefs are necessary for salvation.

4. The desire to convert others: Many people believe that their own religion is the only true path to salvation, and they may feel compelled to try to convert others to their faith. This can lead to proselytization and religious debates.

5. The power and influence of religion: Religion is often a source of power and influence in society, and people may argue about the role of religion in government, education, and other aspects of public life.

6. The need to find meaning and purpose in life: Religion can provide people with a sense of meaning and purpose in life, and people may argue about the best way to achieve spiritual fulfillment.

7. The desire to belong to a community: Religious groups often provide a sense of community and belonging, and people may argue about the best way to organize and manage religious institutions.

8. The fear of the unknown: Religion can provide some people with a sense of comfort and security in the face of the unknown, and they may argue about the best way to cope with uncertainty and death.

It is important to note that not all arguments about religion are negative. Some debates can lead to greater understanding and appreciation of different perspectives. However, it is also important to be aware of the potential for conflict and to approach such discussions with respect and civility.

 

[dilettante]

When the boy proclaimed that the Emperor had no clothes his followers immediately fell upon him.

 

[Nathan]

People are tribal by nature. "My [this] is better than your [that] thinking.

 

[-Oy-]

People are tribal by nature. "My [this] is better than your [that] thinking.

The root of most of this world's woes.

Tribalism also causes the "we" are better than "them" because they are different.

 

[Paco Dennis]

For kicks I asked Bard AI, here is what it came up with:

People argue over religion for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Different beliefs about the nature of reality and morality: Religious beliefs often have profound implications for how people understand the world and how they should live their lives. This can lead to disagreements about issues such as the existence of God, the meaning of life, and the proper way to treat others.

2. Different interpretations of religious texts: Religious texts can be interpreted in many different ways, leading to debates about the meaning of specific passages and the overall message of the text. This can lead to disagreements about the nature of God, the role of humans in the world, and the path to salvation.

3. Different experiences of faith: Religious experiences are personal and subjective, and people often have different ways of understanding and relating to their faith. This can lead to disagreements about whether certain experiences are genuine or whether certain beliefs are necessary for salvation.

4. The desire to convert others: Many people believe that their own religion is the only true path to salvation, and they may feel compelled to try to convert others to their faith. This can lead to proselytization and religious debates.

5. The power and influence of religion: Religion is often a source of power and influence in society, and people may argue about the role of religion in government, education, and other aspects of public life.

6. The need to find meaning and purpose in life: Religion can provide people with a sense of meaning and purpose in life, and people may argue about the best way to achieve spiritual fulfillment.

7. The desire to belong to a community: Religious groups often provide a sense of community and belonging, and people may argue about the best way to organize and manage religious institutions.

8. The fear of the unknown: Religion can provide some people with a sense of comfort and security in the face of the unknown, and they may argue about the best way to cope with uncertainty and death.

It is important to note that not all arguments about religion are negative. Some debates can lead to greater understanding and appreciation of different perspectives. However, it is also important to be aware of the potential for conflict and to approach such discussions with respect and civility.

Great answer to your question. I have been using Bing Chat for inquiries lately. They seem to put together explanations that are not as bias as other sources. I know there is some bias but it isn't so dualistic. Have you tried Bing Chat? Do you like Bard better?

 

[Gardenlover]

Great answer to your question. I have been using Bing Chat for inquiries lately. They seem to put together explanations that are not as bias as other sources. I know there is some bias but it isn't so dualistic. Have you tried Bing Chat? Do you like Bard better?

Will PM you.

 

[CallMeKate]

AI makes me extremely nervous. But... that's not the topic. I don't know why people argue about religion. I *do* know that there isn't a person alive who could shake my faith or change what I believe, so why people even try is beyond me. Even more dismaying than that is why there is such mocking and bashing when someone's belief/non-belief doesn't line up with your own. (Royal you, not *you*, @Gardenlover ). I try to stay in my lane about religion unless asked by someone who sincerely wants to hear my thoughts/feelings on the topic.

 

[horseless carriage]

The root of most of this world's woes.

Tribalism also causes the "we" are better than "them" because they are different.

Is that why politics can get so heated?

 

[Nathan]

Is that why politics can get so heated?

Yep, politics is as strong a poison as religion...

 

[Pepper]

We're not arguing. We're discussing.

 

[Old Salt]

I had an unexpected encounter with "The Source Of All Being" (Tillich) which led me to a Baptist Church. However, I never defined myself as a Baptist, but as a believer in a wonderful source of light and love, and always strongly believed there are many ways to this awesome Spirit! And that He would never condemn those who happen to have an interpretation, different from mine, of His Being, Law and Guidance!

And since He is pure love, He hates our divisions and bickering and mocking and would remind us daily, if we listened, that His one command is to love others as we love ourselves.

And, as an afterthought, I am deeply grateful that He pardons our frequent lapses as long as we are trying.

 

[Mr. Ed]

I don’t argue about religion, however discussing thoughts and concepts involving religious beliefs and rituals educates me about other worldviews than my own. As a rule, people are different, they think differently and their association with life and people they know are likewise different. What better discussion is there than your neighbors and forums like this one.

If you think just because we may disagree does not mean we are arguing.

 

[Old Salt]

I don’t argue about religion, however discussing thoughts and concepts involving religious beliefs and rituals educates me about other worldviews than my own. As a rule, people are different, they think differently and their association with life and people they know are likewise different. What better discussion is there than your neighbors and forums like this one.

If you think just because we may disagree does not mean we are arguing.

All of it true @Mr. Ed, trouble is, as in politics, civilized disagreement all too often leads to heated arguments and superior scoffing when it comes to these two subjects. I always pray that we may have meaningful discussions about our differences, and hope I am right ... this time!

 

[CallMeKate]

If you think just because we may disagree does not mean we are arguing.

I don't see "arguing" as much as uncalled for nasty and offensive remarks. Sometimes veiled, sometimes not. As soon as someone can't come up with a good point to make, then out come the snide and sarcastic comments... things like "those who believe in fairy tales"... there's no need for it. That's usually where I tune out.

 

[oldaunt]

For kicks I asked Bard AI, here is what it came up with:

People argue over religion for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Different beliefs about the nature of reality and morality: Religious beliefs often have profound implications for how people understand the world and how they should live their lives. This can lead to disagreements about issues such as the existence of God, the meaning of life, and the proper way to treat others.

2. Different interpretations of religious texts: Religious texts can be interpreted in many different ways, leading to debates about the meaning of specific passages and the overall message of the text. This can lead to disagreements about the nature of God, the role of humans in the world, and the path to salvation.

3. Different experiences of faith: Religious experiences are personal and subjective, and people often have different ways of understanding and relating to their faith. This can lead to disagreements about whether certain experiences are genuine or whether certain beliefs are necessary for salvation.

4. The desire to convert others: Many people believe that their own religion is the only true path to salvation, and they may feel compelled to try to convert others to their faith. This can lead to proselytization and religious debates.

5. The power and influence of religion: Religion is often a source of power and influence in society, and people may argue about the role of religion in government, education, and other aspects of public life.

6. The need to find meaning and purpose in life: Religion can provide people with a sense of meaning and purpose in life, and people may argue about the best way to achieve spiritual fulfillment.

7. The desire to belong to a community: Religious groups often provide a sense of community and belonging, and people may argue about the best way to organize and manage religious institutions.

8. The fear of the unknown: Religion can provide some people with a sense of comfort and security in the face of the unknown, and they may argue about the best way to cope with uncertainty and death.

It is important to note that not all arguments about religion are negative. Some debates can lead to greater understanding and appreciation of different perspectives. However, it is also important to be aware of the potential for conflict and to approach such discussions with respect and civility.

9. they have nothing more important to do...

 

[Remy]

Some people can't be wrong, have to be right.

 

[Old Salt]

Some people can't be wrong, have to be right.

Aren't most of us like that? We all have our deeply held convictions and the older we get the more we cling to them! The challenge is to stay civilized and courteous despite our differences. Almost impossible to do in the present climate.

 

[Old Salt]

9. they have nothing more important to do...

And your participation in this thread proves that you're one of us, @oldaunt !

 

[Jace]

O M G...as if we had nothing better to do!!

 

[Old Salt]

O M G...as if we had nothing better to do!!

Go do it, Jace!

 

[CallMeKate]

Aren't most of us like that? We all have our deeply held convictions and the older we get the more we cling to them! The challenge is to stay civilized and courteous despite our difference.

I think a time comes (or maybe it's just me and I'm weird) when it just doesn't matter. That point where I realize I don't give a fig whether someone listens to or respects my beliefs or not. It doesn't matter... insignificant. I cling to my convictions and if someone starts mocking or disrespecting them, I zone out. I'd rather tune out than try to be courteous to someone who's trying his or her best to rile me with remarks about my beliefs. Hehe I just read back over that... I sound like a hot mess, don't I, Salty? @Old Salt

 

[Grampa Don]

You can’t discuss religion because it’s a belief. And, beliefs are not rational. When you really believe something, you identify with it. It becomes part of you. If someone questions that belief it is like they are questioning you personally. Obviously, your belief is right. What’s wrong with them. Atheists are as guilty of this as anyone.

If you look at the evidence, anything is possible. Maybe God is a kid playing with his toy universe. Maybe we will all be reincarnated. Maybe we will all go to heaven. Maybe there is no God. Your belief is as good as mine.

People will die and even kill for their beliefs.

 

[Old Salt]

You can’t discuss religion because it’s a belief. And, beliefs are not rational. When you really believe something, you identify with it. It becomes part of you. If someone questions that belief it is like they are questioning you personally. Obviously, your belief is right. What’s wrong with them. Atheists are as guilty of this as anyone.

If you look at the evidence, anything is possible. Maybe God is a kid playing with his toy universe. Maybe we will all be reincarnated. Maybe we will all go to heaven. Maybe there is no God. Your belief is as good as mine.

People will die and even kill for their beliefs.

You make some good points, but your definition of "belief" is a bit off in my eyes. I believe in the law of gravity, as one example. So it's eminently rational!

 

[Grampa Don]

You make some good points, but your definition of "belief" is a bit off in my eyes. I believe in the law of gravity, as one example. So it's eminently rational!

And you make a good point. I should have said that beliefs are not always rational. But then we get into what is rational.

Gravity is a good example. We don't really understand it. Apparently it is actually a distortion of space time. We've detected gravity waves from colliding black holes. It may be that there are something called gravitons that carry it. It travels at the speed of light. It affects the passage of time, stronger gravity slows time down. But, in everyday life we know how it acts so we made so called laws to deal with it.

People tend to believe in things that they would like to be true, and often they will ignore evidence to the contrary. It's our nature. That's how cults start. A cult is a belief that doesn't agree with my belief.

 

[Trish]

I think people will argue over most things! If we were all identical and all shared the same thoughts and opinions, I am sure we would still find a reason to disagree - it's the human condition.