is there a such thing as healthy religious beliefs

[Alex K]

Please give a description of what ur idea of healthy religious beliefs/practices are

And God said unto the people: eat your greens!

[Hezekiah]

I would argue that that which is good does not rely on self-interest, but rather something deeper than self-interest. I agree with Doubting Thomas and add, that the ideal religious practice would be that which recognizes the right people have to believe what they please, and for the interested mind it would gladly share why it hold to its belief. That way respect and reason on both sides. A lot to ask for, I know, but I hold those of the same faith to a higher standard. Especially in light of all the misrepresentations and misconceptions some who claim to be under it seem to have about the religion itself.

The problem with Christianity is that a strict interpretation of its doctrine doesn't allow for others to believe as they please. Believing in something else means you deserve an eternity of torment, and it's hard not to be pushy about your beliefs when that is the consequence. Its very nature requires it to be thrust upon the unwilling.

I agree that is the problem: Strict "interpretation" of its doctrine. I also believe you are right when you say it's hard to be pushy about your beliefs, but I don't think its impossible to be a reasonable Christian who acknowledges that this is a problem and doesn't in any way force your beliefs on people. It doesn't matter what I believe, personally I will always respect beliefs of any kind.

[Zidneya]

I'm an Atheist but never the less I have always found that the Anthony de Mello ideology and philosophy is a very healthy and focused religious beliefs which I respect and some of them I can relate. And I think that if I had meet him I would like hang out with him.

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Anthony_de_Mello

[Wyrd of Gawd]

Also depends a lot on beliefs. Is it healthy to throw babies in the fire?

Throwing babies in the fire is just as healthy as throwing adults in the fire.

---

---

The problem with Christianity is that a strict interpretation of its doctrine doesn't allow for others to believe as they please. Believing in something else means you deserve an eternity of torment, and it's hard not to be pushy about your beliefs when that is the consequence. Its very nature requires it to be thrust upon the unwilling.

---

I agree that is the problem: Strict "interpretation" of its doctrine. I also believe you are right when you say it's hard to be pushy about your beliefs, but I don't think its impossible to be a reasonable Christian who acknowledges that this is a problem and doesn't in any way force your beliefs on people. It doesn't matter what I believe, personally I will always respect beliefs of any kind.

Since all beliefs are not equally good (or beneficial) it's foolish to respect the bad ones.

[tor]

Throwing babies in the fire is just as healthy as throwing adults in the fire.

To the babies?

[Wyrd of Gawd]

Throwing babies in the fire is just as healthy as throwing adults in the fire.

To the babies?

When did it become acceptable to throw anyone into the fire?

[tor]

To the babies?

When did it become acceptable to throw anyone into the fire?

People sometimes blame the grown ups who are thrown into fire so I choose babies throwing cultures to avoid excuses.

[Hezekiah]

Also depends a lot on beliefs. Is it healthy to throw babies in the fire?

Throwing babies in the fire is just as healthy as throwing adults in the fire.

---

---

---

I agree that is the problem: Strict "interpretation" of its doctrine. I also believe you are right when you say it's hard to be pushy about your beliefs, but I don't think its impossible to be a reasonable Christian who acknowledges that this is a problem and doesn't in any way force your beliefs on people. It doesn't matter what I believe, personally I will always respect beliefs of any kind.

Since all beliefs are not equally good (or beneficial) it's foolish to respect the bad ones.

I agree, but you have to remember that even the person who's beliefs support murder (or some other clearly bad quality), they have a "right" or "choice" to stick with their beliefs. I respect that fact alone, without agreeing with the individual's beliefs.

And yes, in that extreme case, the person will still have to suffer the social consequences of the actions that stem from his or her beliefs.

[psychoslice]

Any belief system is Ok if you don't force it onto others, or cause misery to others, no matter what that belief is, religion or non religion.

[Chas]

Any belief system is Ok if you don't force it onto others, or cause misery to others, no matter what that belief is, religion or non religion.

A belief system that negatively affects others in pretty much any way is not OK.

If you are merely offended by another belief system, too bad.

If the other belief system harms or threatens with harm, then it is not OK.