Why do Religious discussions have to turn ugly?

They involve ugly subjects. You're talking about huge organisations that are responsible for a significant part of the suffering and bloodshed in the world today, whilst hypocrtically preaching about peace and love. Even the most liberal ones leave a patina of guilt and repression on people's lives which cause misery to millions. I guess that's why I can't agree to disagree, any more than I would with any objectionable organisation.

I think the probable is that people can't just discuss their points of view when it comes to religion. I have a very strong stand on religion and I will not back down but I know that everyone believes in something not the samething. If people would say "I believe that..." or "In my faith, we believe that..." instead of saying "I'm right because my religion says I'm right" we would be better off.

I would love to see that happen but I think it will never happen. Why? Because some people think that they have to convert people to their religion or they just Have to show how their view or religion is the Only way. I am religious but I Know there are many paths and I am always interested in other religions. I don't go into a discussion thinking I Have to change the mind of the person. I go in hoping to learn somethging new. And if they have a question about my religion, I am so happy to answer it. I find that your beliefs get stronger if you have to explain them to someone.

Somehow your right. I am honestly active in the religious section and have found people of the same views ganging out a single person just because of differences. I am active as well in other Christian forums and have observed that each representative believes what you said, I am right, then everyone else wrong. And it's quite funny, considering that God is the one being talked about.

There just seems to be something about religious discussions that draw out the meanness in some folks. Even though they'd probably deny it, they are more than likely to be the person that will tell someone that there are two ways in the world, the wrong way and their way. It is a shame that they cannot get it through their head that it is okay to disagree without the venom Shucks, even a poisonous snake can choose not to bite someone!

It turns ugly because people tend to be persuasive of the things they believe in. No one wants to respect what one believes in. It also turns ugly because of too much pride in the participants of religious discussions, their pride causes them to never give up on any argument.

Religion and politics are two things that always get people angry. There are just to many opinions and to many people that are not accepting of others view. They want to cram their beliefs down others throats and get them to be just like them. People are Stuborn and are not willing to let others alone.

It always turns ugly because people have different views and strong views as well. Instead of accepting differences, we try to force our beliefs on others. For example, your statement says we "were given free will by God alone", what if one doesn't believe in god? Also, that is your view and your god...mine may be different. We tend to forget that.

I agree to disagree on certain points and still discuss what we believe in. Hows that? Sounds great to me! LOL Sweets, things turn ugly when ugly minds let their fingers do the talking. It's a pain, but it will never go away, much like poverty will never been gone from the world. I do so wish it could be different, but people being what they are - it just ain't gonna happen in this world. Have I told you today how much I love you?

hi erilyn, there is a joke about heaven and hell. maybe you have ever heard about that. after the judgment day, every body will have been either in heaven or in hell. there will be a few people 'live' in heaven and most of people 'live' in hell. the ones who live in heaven are budha, jesus, mohammad, lao tse, and other spiritual master. the others who live in hell are their followers . i hope what you mentioned doesn't prove that religion make us become a narrow-minded people. the narrow-minded people cannot see the truth which hides behind every religion. they just think that the truth belongs to their religion alone.

yes, that's the sad (and scary) thing about religions. they can be divisive, they can turn friends into enemies, and even create wars between nations. the thing is, a religion is a part of a person's core beliefs and values, and the firm believers refuse to back down like someone else has mentioned. add to that the fact that certain religions belief that you will spend eternity (a very long time!) in hell unless you belong to that religion and therefore, their followers believe that it's their duty to save as many people as possible by getting them to be a part of that religion. like you said, every religion in the world (i believe it's 'some', not every religion) believes they're right and everyone else is wrong. well, who likes to be told they're wrong?! and not just wrong, but will also burn in hell on top of that! now imagine you're having a casual discussion with someone of a different belief and somehow the conversation leads to the other person telling you that you (or your loved ones) will burn in hell or be cursed by God becuase you are a _______ or because you believe/don't believe in ________ (you fill in the blanks with whatever words that describe your situation), and this person firmly believes this while you don't. wouldn't you feel uncomfortable at the very least? it would take a very wise and mature person to agree to disagree at this point with no hard feelings. unfortunately, many people are not that wise and mature (myself included - i would have hard feelings but normally i would walk away rather than fight). when their core belief is rattled, they get defensive, start arguing and become offensive. then the other party does the same because they feel attacked. that's why many religious discussions turn ugly. i usually avoid religious discussions for that very reason. but since you said in the beginning that this is not intended for people to bash each other, i decided to chime in . let's hope it stays civil.

AMEN! Wouldn't it be nice? Stuff like this gets ugly because people are so caught up in trying not to be converted, they lash out. What I would like to ask these people is, if your faith is so strong and your information is the only truth, why do you have to defend it so brutally?? I mean, if it is all that, then everyone would be able to just accept it and move on...right?? But no..they have to go on and on, and avoid the real question, or throw in scriptures from their own holy book...which the opposer might not even deam reliable. It sickens me...really. So, for all those whocan see past a person's religion, and look at them for who they are not what they believe, I extend my hand. A friend here on the lot started a discussion about everyone joining hands instead of fighting and bickering. I liked that so I'm carrying it on... Hands accross the lot (((reaches her hand)))

Religious disccusions in my opinion turn ugly because people do not want to accept how others think or their beliefs. Lack of tolerance I imagine.

I think religion and politics are subjects that might be well left alone. The old religions were all writen about by men who wanted to control the people. Politics is about more people, mainly men having control over people. A lot of religious people have done a lot of bad things in the name of their god and a lot of governments have done the same. look at all the wars throughout history. The problem is it is human nature to fight.

I feel that this is due to religion being something that is very dear and very personal to a person. It impacts their lifestyle, their philosophies, mindsets and beliefs, their values, their emotions, their relationships and so on and so forth..The effects of religious beliefs is one that encompasses so many aspects of our lives that it is hard not to become offended easily. Personally, I exist as a freethinker and do not subscribe to any religion. However I do believe in a higher power being out there. I agree with your sentiments...The one about religious wars- well sometimes I think that religion is just a really convenient excuse. In the end, I believe all roads lead back to heaven as everyone with an open mind should too- if all the religions preaching the fact that if people who do not believe in that particular religion will go to hell, were true- then we are all screwed for believing in one and not believing in the others, are we not?

just like the lyrics of one of my favorite song "debate to understand that we all have a flaw" I guess being the highest kingdom in the animal world we are too smart to just agree or be numb to all the beliefs of others and its in our instinct to fight for what we believe in.. and in those fight we see the right and wrong of others as well as ours.

Religion and politics will always bring out the ugly in people. Like you, I try to avoid the topics, but if I do get involved, I try to always take the high road. The fact of the matter is that name-calling and mud slinging are not part of the terms of use here and those who are guilty run the risk of being reported to Mylot and having their posts removed any way. I say if you can't discuss a topic with grace and intelligence, then move on to something more light.

That is because someone post something that is offensive to them and they Retaliate by leaving ugly remarks. They want people to disagree with what someone said because they don't like what they read.

Amen to that! I find it so frustrating, both on here and in real life, that some people are so blinkered in their religious views, and they can't entertain the fact that there are any other views apart from theirs. I actually know a few people like this. I am very good friends with them and they respect my views on every other subject and every other aspect of my life - but I just have to avoid talking to them about religion as I will be judged and they will try to convert me! I agree with you that as adults we should know better than this - it is a terrible example to set to our children and pass onto future generations. My own personal belief is that there are many paths to spiritual enlightenment, but I know that some (most?) people will not agree with this, as they think that only their view is the accurate one. In this case I applaud the idea of agreeing to disagree on religion. That way the world would be a much nicer, and a much safer place.

I think the reason a lot of conversations tend to get ugly is because people are so set and attached and sure their religious views are 100% right that when someone presents a valid point opposing their thoughts they think they are evil or ignorant; thus causing havoc.