How do I know what to believe in? How do I respect someone else’s beliefs without practicing them? Is it wrong to feel like others’ beliefs are wrong? Is there a way to share my beliefs without making people feel like I am forcing it on them? How can I repent for my sins? Why are people so uncomfortable around the topic of religion?
Great questions. Religion is always a complicated topic to cover, for there are so many different religions and ways of believing in the same faith that it can be hard to know exactly what someone believes.
The only real way to know what you believe is to do research. Educate yourself on the different belief systems and try to understand the creation of the belief systems. In understanding history, you will also understand the meaning behind every rule or belief. Once you have gained enough knowledge you should be able to figure out what you believe in, or even figure out you do not believe anything. No matter the answer, your beliefs are valid.
Respecting others’ beliefs is very simple: let other people believe what they want and keep your opinions to yourself. Having a discussion about the thoughts behind your beliefs is different from telling someone about your religion without listening to that other person discuss their own. It’s OK to not agree about their beliefs, but it is not OK to make them feel bad about it. Everyone is allowed their own beliefs.
There is always a way to share one’s beliefs, just be mindful that some people may not want to listen. The best way to talk about your beliefs is to just ask if a person is willing to have the conversation. If they say no, then accept it and walk away. Once people start to see more religious people allowing the conversation to happen more naturally, they will understand it is more of an optional topic than a required one.
Religion is a really uncomfortable conversation to have because some people have it forced upon them at a young age, making it hard for them to have the conversation. The best way for religion to become a more comfortable topic is to let people come to religion on their own instead of attempting to help forge a connection for them. Religion can be very important to some people, but others may not view it that way. It’s best to keep in mind that, if someone is to believe in something, they have to come to it on their own.
If you truly desire people to share the same belief system as you, then you should find people who do, instead of looking for it in people who don’t. I personally have had the best conversations about religion with people who have different beliefs from me — it is always important to stay open to new information.
Do you need some advice? Are people in your life too indecisive?
Do you need a new point of view?
Just email me at [email protected].
