Isn't it odd--or should I be using the term "hyppocritical?" ?

Question

How people who claim to be "open-minded" and "free" gripe because people (of ANY faith) try converting them? Then they turn around and do the exact same thing by trying to convert you to THEIR beliefs by bashing yours and telling you how ignorant and naive you are?

Where's the open-mindedness and freedom?

Answer 1

I believe the difference is that many atheists are open to new information, and will change their views if presented with evidence.

Many (if not most) atheists were brought up with a religion.  It was our very open-mindedness that led to our becoming atheists.  Many theists, however, are not open to any information that contradicts what they believe.  The basic attitude of many theists seems to be "Don't confuse me with facts."

On November 18, NOVA (PBS) will air a program called "The Bible's Buried Secrets."  Christian groups are already complaining about the program, before it even airs.  Why?  Because it delves into the real history of the christian bible, and some christians just can't have that.  Such opposition to evidence is the antithesis of "open-minded."

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Answer 2

Yes it is, I don't believe in God myself, but I also have nothing but the deepest respect for anyone who does, I will never try to convince anyone who has faith to think otherwise. That is wrong to do that.

Answer 3

Convert you to what? I as an Atheist don't want you to become an Atheist, You need to be cured of your mental disorder(theism) first. It's not something anyone can do but you, You are comfortable in your delusion and it's easier to live in a fantasy world. Don't feel bad though, millions of people do it.  

Answer 4

I don't know a great deal about religions other than Christianity, but I can tell you why (some) Christians try hard to convert others to Christianity.  It is because of a passage in the Bible referred to as "The Great Commission.

It's the last recorded personal instruction given by Jesus to His disciples, and it's a special calling from Jesus Christ to all His followers to take specific action while on this earth. The Great Commission is found in the Gospel of Matthew:

     "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'  Amen." (Matthew 28:18-20)

So, those Christian who try to convert others to Christianity are following Jesus' commands.

Christians' not wanting to listen to others who try to convert them to another religion or non-religion, is not being closed-minded.  It is being a true Christian.  They are firm and confident.

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You would do as well to call the answerer john jacob jingleheimer schmidt "closed minded."

And, answerer solarius, do you ever question your Christianity, since it appears you do not practice The Great Commission?  Just wondering.

Answer 5

I am a Christian. I do not believe in proselytizing, and do not do it to others. Allowing random strangers to aggressively push their religion upon you is not a sign of open-mindedness. I do not bother other people about my religion, and expect others to show me the same courtesy.

Answer 6

Sorry about that. We'll just start using your tactics instead.

Could you suggest a good agency for the billboards and some good lobbyists to help us get some new laws passed?

And how do you decide which heretics to burn, and which to imprison for life, and which countries allow that still?

Edit: Sorry again, I assumed you we a part of your religion. Or at least I assumed claiming to be part of a religion but not at all a part of that religion's actions would be hypocritical enough for you to avoid. But then again *I* never called *you* ignorant or naive OR tried to convert you, did I?

Answer 7

Well, you do have a point there, ma'am.

Pity is that the "conversion experts" don't really know enough about their own religion to really have the conviction of knowledge, but, instead, go on their "Belief".

While I'm not meaning to be criticizing of you, as a person, have you noticed how many Muslims go around trying to convert people to their "Belief"?

Pity, isn't it?

Like Lao tse said in the Art of Warfare, "True Strength needs no showing".

Of course, I do not condone to "Conversion", because, very simply put, "Belief" is a personal experience which shouldn't be forced upon others.

Peace.

ST

Answer 8

I don't think it's very polite of your intended victims to call you ignorant and naive just because you fell into a primitive blood cult and now you want them to join it too.

Answer 9

Yes, I have noticed that!  I guess it's human nature to believe we are the only one that has the answers.

Answer 10

Just an answer to your additional details,

your self righteousness is inferred in your opening statement by your bashing of those you say are not being open minded.

Bashing is judgmental and hypocritical in itself and lacks self control in keeping an open mind.

Answer 11

I'm opened minded, but I believe that stupidity isn't a trend that I should look into.

That sounds hypocritical, but I know more about Christianity than any Christian. It is all lie and I have to draw a line some where.

I reference Christians because no other religion hassles me about anything.  

Answer 12

That's an interesting observation.  I never try to convert anyone to my faith.  That would be rude.  It is rare that anyone tries to convert me to his or her faith.  Rare indeed.  Consequently I am unaware of any whining on my part.  Perhaps I have been merely inattentive.  Now that you mention it, I will watch myself more closely.  Take care.

Answer 13

same with christianity. people say we must be tolerant of all beliefs but when a christian speaks up, the same people are saying your being intolerant. the hypocrisy.

Answer 14

Opinions are like A*#holes. Everyone has one, and everyone thinks their is better I guess.

Anyway it is their opinion and that is all it is. It would be really nice if everyone could share their ideas openly without judgment. There are some that do. You just need to take the good with the bad.

I like to hear your views. =)

Answer 15

No.

I have already studied a bunch of religions, decided which one I wanted to follow, and I really don't want my time wasted.

Now sure, I listened to people when I was searching - but I'm finished and I don't care anymore.

I still study religious texts and stuff so I can better open my mind, but I'm not interested in converting.

Answer 16

I don't gripe, but respect equal time.

Answer 17

A person can be open minded to the fact that YOU may hold other beliefs while still upholding their own.

Why is that difficult to grasp?   How do You measure "open mindedness" ?

Answer 18

Telling someone they are ignorant and naive is not trying to convert them, even if those are the tactics that YOU use. Those of us who call people like you ignorant and naive are sick of hearing your self-righteous religious tripe.

Answer 19

The problem is that ALL religions try to convert people either by yelling Scriptures at people while claiming these are the truth (LOL), or by offering them food or shelter wrapped in scriptures . As an atheist I have nothing to convert people to . I just present scientific facts that happen to debunk Scriptures .

Answer 20

For 2 reasons.  

1)People are creatures of habit, and we are all the same no matter what our religous beliefs are or are not.  The problem is everyone wants to be accepted & when they don't feel accepted by others, then they often become aggressive.  It is the root of racism, and sexism, homophobia, and every other ism.  It is why it doesn't seem to make any difference the religion or lack there of, the s*x, gender, or race.  Once you become happy with you are and are not worried about "fitting in" or "being right" that you actually can just say "well, that's your belief & that's fine, but I just don't agree."

2)  It's what happens when the oppressed finally get power, they go for revenge.  After feeling for years that a person has to keep their beliefs to themselves for fear of retaliation or attack from friends, parents, co-workers, teachers, bosses, and strangers when someone comes up and tries to tell them something different they get very aggitated and aggressive, and feel those old feelings again.  it's called transference.

Why do people feel as if they have to change people's minds.  You're not going to.  We are who we want to be & if we want to change then we will if not you are just wasting your breath & like I said that goes for any religion or lack there of.

Answer 21

I say "THERE IS NO GOD" only as information.  Do with it what you will.  Just because you do not agree with it does not make it false.  I try to convert no one.  I just pass along information.  You God is a Myth.  If you wish to pray to a myth, that is your own prerogative.  Now leave me alone.  Okay?