Relifgion is not a matter of dicussion...

Hi moneymaya! I believe that there's nothing wrong with religion as a topic of discussion. Religion is a value system, but more than that, it is also a truth claim. That is why it must be discussed. What I am against, however, is how people conduct themselves in such discussions. Therein lies the problem. Therein lies the divisiveness and strife, not in religion, but in people themselves.

I think that this depends on what is meant by "religion". If someone views religion as merely some set of practices that they prefer to others, then it isn't really all that important. I think that many people view religion as merely a set of preference, much like how I prefer my steak rare or medium rare, but never well done. If that is someone's view of religion, they have no business trying to convince people of anything. But I view religious view from a different standpoint. I see it as a worldview, or as a basis for truth. If someone looks at their religion as the standard by which things are measured or the filter through which the world works, then it is something important. Most Americans agree that 24 is a good TV show. Most Americans agree that murder is wrong. These are different arenas of "truth", with much different consequences to the way we live our lives. So for those with a "24 is a good TV show" type of religion, they can discuss it, but there is no real point in proving anything. For those with a "murder is wrong" religion, or one that makes serious basic claims about the nature of the world in which we live, then they have something they should try to prove. This is because one's foundational views of the world around them, or the basis for knowing anything, or a sense of good or morality, these things are of importance, and should be taken seriously, and debated vigorously.

Religion is in itself a great thing that if we start discussing on it, it may never end. I do agree with you that religion is not a matter of discussion. I feel so because while discusing religion we may knowingly or unknowingly hurt the sentiments of the followers of other religion, which in turn can can create hatered. So its better not to discuss religion on these places.

Hi moneymaya, For many people this is true because they have been indoctrinated to the extent that they refuse to listen to another point of view. I feel that this is very sad because I enjoy learning about other beliefs and have respect for all. I think it is wrong to tell another that they are on the wrong path because there are many paths and all teach a measure of truth, and none is perfect. Religion should be about a way of life but instead we have taken the teachings of all the great teachers and made it into something entirely different from what they were trying to tell us. Blessings.

Religion is a faith. We have to review and clean up practices which are not suitable to modern days and to ensure scientific approach are must to keep our religion strong. So I fell that discussions in that way are useful. But discussions of abusing other religion with a view to foster hatered towards others are bad.

I actually haven't seen much of that. I personally just put out what I believe in the discussions. I would never say that my religion is "better". I firmly believe that everyone should have the right whatever religion they choose. I'm sorry that you think the discussions are that way though. =/ ~Jesus loves you and I do too!~