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Farokh Shahabi Nezhad

Silva Group

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Is there any way to prevent religious debates from turning into a big fight?

People discuss lots of things, politics, sports, anything
But when they discuss religious opinions, most of the time, they get all angry and try to win even with fight.
why is that? why that can't be a normal subject?
and more important, How can we prevent this?

Topics: argue debates religion
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Closing Statement from Farokh Shahabi Nezhad

Tnx everyone for their replies. I enjoyed learning from different aspect for this problem.

I can only conclude this : Don't argue with someone unless they are open minded and ready to be changed and challenged.

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  • William Whitehead

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    Feb 18 2013: i have found that it depends on the brand of "religious" that each person claims, or more specifically, what their intentions are in practicing a religion. take for instance, Christianity. realistically, no two people can have the same motivation to practice a specific denomination of Christianity, or any religion for that matter. however, in a general view, you will find that there are two primary categories that emerge naturally in regards to the individual purpose of christian practice; one being the legitimate curiosity and desire to seek truth about spirituality, god, and purpose of the individual, the other being the sense of requirement (and even guilt) that arises from societal expectations, tradition, or fear of burning in hell for all of eternity as punishment for anything less than perfect adherence to the doctrine of Christianity.

    the primary difference between these two purposes is the central motivation. for one, there is truth. for the other, there is the well-being of the self. that, i believe, is the root cause of the volatile, illogical, unforgiving advertisement and pseudo-martyrdom that you see in christian groups (and in many religious groups, for that matter) and their practitioners. they were never interested in contemplating the possibility of "the truth" being separate from their own doctrines, because their doctrines do not allow it. they have been taught that if they question the rules of their religion, they will be made into a social outcast, rejected by their loved ones and piers, and be sentenced to an eternity of unimaginable torture and suffering by their creator. it isn't far-fetched that they react in such a way; it is only self-preservation.

    i try to remove myself from my fate in the afterlife. i do not deserve heaven, so i assume that i will go to hell, or whatever alternative you prefer. it is, in fact, what i truly deserve, and i should make peace with it. my concern is not my well-being; it is simply the truth of all things.

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