Belief in God?

[cakemakermom]

I find that there are many people stating their belief in a God everywhere. I wonder why it's so important to those people that believe in God that everyone believe in the same thing?

What makes your belief in your God the one for everyone to believe? It seems that some people are extra pushy about their belief and that it should be believed by everyone.

Is it ok to have a different religion as long as it is similar to yours?

What is wrong with not believing in any God type being? Does not believing make that person mean or empty? What is your thought on non-believers?

(Yes, I know I'm opening up a can of worms, but I really want to know. I also know religion is very personal and different to every person.)

[bunsy]

I can't really put my God thoughts in words that make sense. I just know that I believe in some sort of a God and life beyond earth. However, I don't think there is only way to believe. I also don't believe it is my right to expect others to believe the same thing I do. No one in my house believes the same thing I do. That's freedom.

[cakemakermom]

I understand that Bunsy, and I wish more people would think like you. My thoughts in the front end there are my perceptions I'm getting from media and particular posts I keep seeing on fb and pinterest. It just seems like many people are in a "my way is the right way" mindset and I'm trying to understand that.

[supermommy]

I am with bunsy all the way

[supermommy]

People with that mindset need a wake up call in my opinion. It isn't anyone's one way or the highway, it is not even feasible, that is just stupidity and brainwashing--sorry but it is true.

I am not a fan of organized religion, I go more with the school of believe what you believe on your own not because someone taught or told you to.

[bunsy]

My biggest thing is if God is as all powerful and amazing as professed, how--as mere humans--can we even begin to understand it all. It just isn't possible.

[cakemakermom]

What about non-believers? If they don't believe in a God, does that make them bad people?

[smalltowngirl5]

I think that some people have such strong beliefs and are almost excited about their beliefs that they have a hard time not passing it on to others or sharing their beliefs with others. I have my beliefs and feel it is my choice to share it with others or not.

I try not to judge, listen to what they say and move on. I have found that religion and politics are 2 subjects that can become very combative with people.

[jrose]

I wish more people were open minded about people's beliefs!!! I don't really believe (well I guess I'm more conflicted than anything) and the people who keep knocking on our door know that DH and I don't believe and they stare at us if we happen to be outside and they walk by...I know they are judging us...just isn't right but I don't let it get to me. We are raising our girls to be the best they can and we will let them decide on their own what they want to believe.

It's really sad that I find some Christians to be the meanest and most hateful people I know and I thought they were suppose to be the opposite of that

[bunsy]

Non-believers are definitely NOT bad people. Many of my friends and family are no longer believers. I know some really mean, nasty "christians" and some really amazing atheists. Not to mention jews and bahai's.

[supermommy]

Yes non-believers are just as great as those who believe. It is not a belief in a God that makes you a good person. Your choices and personal morals make you a good person.

I actually read an article recently that people who are atheists are more compassionate than those who are not.

My two brothers are atheist and both are very very good people.

Like I said religion doesn't make you good, there are a lot of religious quacks out there...such as the westboro church, they are probably the best example.

[dara1012]

I strongly believe that my belief in God as a Christian does not mean that a Buddhist's belief in Buddha is wrong, nor are Muslim or Jewish or Agnostic or Humanist or Aethists, etc.

I agree with the others that I get frustrated when other people feel that their religion or belief is the only one that is right and everyone else is wrong.

I get so frustrated when people are closed-minded and push their beliefs on others.

[ReneeW]

I'm similar to Dara. I am a Christian--technically a "born again" one no less. (I got baptized when I was an adult.) However, I'm always interested to hear what people of other faiths think and believe and I try to learn from them. I believe (and the head pastor at my church always maintains this, which is so cool) that we can learn a lot about God by learning about other religions, because God is so great that he defies every little "box" that people try to stick Him into and limit Him by.

It bugs the daylights out of me when other people are so close minded and judgmental and hateful. I just don't get it. All people are God's children, and Jesus taught us about acceptance and love and being a good neighbor. Jesus had a problem with those "holier than thou" types (the Pharisees and Sadducees in the Bible) who said they had all the answers, not with people who were struggling with their faith, doubting, seeking, questioning.

[sharon]

I believe in G-d. I don't care if you do or not. I ask and hope that people treat others well. Some atheists do so far better than religious folks. There are good and bad in all religions and non.
Some religious people use religion to help them treat others well and some use it as an excuse to treat others badly.

[jo2]

I am a very strong Catholic. This being said I do not think everyone should believe what I do. I think it is very interesting to learn about other's faith.
I have nothing against people who do not believe...I do feel bad when kids aren't introduced to faith. I feel like they are misssing out on something they don't even know exists, and that doesn't give them their own choice to believe. DH's side of the family are perfect examples...most of the children are not even baptized, and the ones that are probably haven't been in a church more than a few times in their lives.
As Sharon said there are good and bad in all groups...the latest priest that was arrested used to be at my parish...he was kind of my mentor as I was entering the church. This made me feel very betrayed and angry, but not at God...at this person! There are bad priests, dentists, lawyers, etc...there are also great ones!!
I know I rambled...I hope it made some sence.