Too often people cannot have civilized convo about religion without getting Hot Headed. Why is this? Simply put, there is no Universal Right Answer. Doesn't mean it can't be discussed and Debated and The way I figure it... If you can't tolerate other religions because of yours, then you clearly have the wrong one. Your faith/Lack Of Faith shouldn't be based on Proving all other solutions wrong, it's about yours being right FOR YOU. Big Difference.
I think too often people focus on all the differences as opposed to the similarities to search for Truth. People fear what they don't know, but then don't educate themselves on what they don't understand. I guess Ignorance is Bliss for those weak minded. No amount of education will hurt my Belief in My God... it CAN'T. If you do not believe that then maybe you should reevaluate your Views on Religion. But I want to make a list for those who want to engage to assist in keeping the discussions civil...
1) Religious Fact vs Scientific Fact: Understand the Diference
Please do your best to realize that and you will save yourself a ton of headache.
Religious Fact: Based off the Belief that Sacred Religious Texts are accurate
Scientific Fact: Based off results that can be reproduced
With these being VASTLY different there is only room for frustration when 2 people are speaking from different viewpoints and don't realize it. Get on the same Foundation and you will be able to both voice opinions in the right context without disrespecting anyone's mindset.
2) Religious Texts have Similarities to each Other
I was surprised to learn that certain Events, People, Places and even Rules share a likeness.
For Instance in the Qur'an, Torah, & Bible...
Jesus Christ is Spoken of
The 10 Commandments Exist
All Labeled the Supreme Being as "God"
Garden of Eden Existed
And many more...
The point I'm trying to make is If you don't educate yourself, How will you ever truly appreciate your understanding? If you take a Test in class, and ask who else got similar results, Doesn't it make you at least a little bit more confident in your responses when you find out others came to similar/same Conclusions? Educating yourself might strengthen your faith.
3) Agnostic vs. Atheist
There is nothing wrong with either title, but you should know who you are speaking with if you intend to make a point. Truth be told I don't think a lot of people that fit into either category know which they are so let me briefly explain.
Agnostic: Does not have faith in God because they Doubt such a being Exists.
Atheist: Believes God does not exist.
When debating someone in these categories you want to find out WHY they do not believe and address that instead. I mean think about it, would you try to prove 2 + 2 = 4 to someone who doesn't believe Numbers exist? Sounds dumb huh?
Well that's all I have for now, Go Out, Be Merry and make sure you understand EVERYONE is entitled to their own opinion. Your experience will be different from another's so Agree to Disagree because that is how Every Religious debate will end anyway. Focus on voicing your views, not proving them. Be Respectful and most Importantly... Know what you are talking about. There's nothing worse than believing something for the wrong reasons. Reading Religious Texts in itself is Hear-Say, but believing something is there that you haven’t seen for yourself is Meaningless. What if they were wrong?
Read the actual text for yourself.
