Anonymous: As well, I feel like people go too far in pushing their religion. Anytime people try to impose their beliefs on others, I just feel like it's a violation of that person's rights. I've had quite a few people push their beliefs on me, or assume I was religious, and when I tell them that I'm not, I get shunned or treated differently. A world where people aren't open about their religions, and don't judge people by them is one I'd like to live in.

I don’t mean to be rude but I think you’re being hypocritical. You’re voicing your opinion against religion, so why do you want to hinder the voices of those for religion?

It’s human nature to feel more comfortable with people who share the same opinion and mindset (in this case, the same spiritual connections) as you. If a video gamer is stuck in a room full of stereotypical jocks, they’ll have very little in common so the gamer will be shunned. It’s expected, and you can’t hold the jocks at fault because they’re very different types of people. On a grander scale this concept applies to religious and non religious types. 

I admit though, assuming you are a stand up human being and are kind and generous and an over all good person, it isn’t fair for you to be shunned due to your lack of belief. Maybe you need a change of scene, find people who are more accepting. But it is unfair of you to view all religious people in such a negative light, because coexistence is very very possible. The faiths of my closest friends are: Orthodox Christian, Mormon Christian, Orthodox Jew, non specific Jew, non specific Muslim, Hcore Sunni Muslim, Ismaili Muslim, and two Bhuddists. 

We all coexistance perfectly, and are respectful of our differences. May I suggest you find your self an atmosphere where respect is more valued, because your treatment wasn’t fair. I’m truly sorry if I’ve offended you in anyway with this post, and if I have please forgive me. 

 Anonymous: I'm the same anon as before.. For the record, I was raised in a non-religious environment, and I've tried different churches, and although I haven't tried Islam, Buddhism or Hindu, I have studied them. I just feel like because of religions, there has been so much conflict in this world. And frankly, I don't feel like a lot of the people I know (friends, peers, etc), I feel as though people raised in a religious environment don't have the change to think for themselves.

I have to disagree. The conflict isn’t because of different religions, it’s because of corrupted religious leaders. The flaw is in the individual, not the religion, in my view. Every pure version of every single religion (this means not the different cults that spring out with leaders claiming to be Prophets) promotes peace and peaceful coexistence. 

The chance to think for them selves? No offence but I think that part of your argument makes absolutely no sense. Holy Books give instructions to individuals on how to live their life. There is no holy force field forcing them to act in the prescribed manner. They have the choice of following those instructions (and in effect, making the decision to agree with those statements) or not to follow the book. ‘Thinking for your self’ doesn’t mean doing the opposite of what the Holy Books say. On the contrary, it means making the conscious decision to follow the guidelines because your thoughts agree with those of the Holy Books. In no way does religion force an individual to conform to one mindset, because he or she always has the option disagree and not follow the teachings. 

 Anonymous: I don't mean this in a disrespectful way, but I really don't believe that religion is used in a positive way by most people. People use it as an excuse, or say "people discriminate against me because of this". Same goes to race. Religion can be so positive for people, and so incredibly amazing in times of need but I think that people should keep their religious beliefs to themselves, and not use it to justify anything. That is all.

No disrespect taken, you don’t have to be anon btw, it’s not like i’m going to spam you with hate mail. 

I agree with you to an extent. Yes, religion as an excuse to commit acts of terrorism and to inflict political agendas upon other people is quite common unfortunately, and in that way religion isn’t used positively. But you have to admit, discrimination is rampant. I’m assuming you’re of a majority race and a majority religion (or atheist, as is the trend these days). But those people who are of visible minorities do face issues due to their expression of religion or their physical characteristics. 

Personally I feel like religion is positive when an individual is able to explore it on their own as opposed to having it forced upon them. I know for sure that it makes people better human beings. How? Because, religion is the single biggest authority that takes the inherently selfish nature of humans and directs it towards the common good.  For example, giving money to the poor is considered a good deed. Now for most of us, we want our money and we want to spend it on things that’ll make our life better. But because it is considered a good deed, people do give to those less fortunately with the thought that, This will please God (and then God will be pleased with me and I’ll get to go to heaven). And eventually people are conditioned to do the right thing after doing it so many times, that instead of thinking of it in a selfish way, they just think ‘im doing this because it’s the kind thing to do’. 

I’m not sure why you say that people should keep their religious beliefs to themselves, if they want to express them they should be able to. Of course when that individual is being aggressive about it or justifying something wrong, it’s the fault of the individual, not the religion.  

And what really is the underlying message of religion? All religions promote peace and kindness - in that respect, if a person wants to spread awareness of their religious beliefs, I don’t think there is harm in it. I encourage you to respond, anon or not, cause I really like talks such as these and I think your opinion is interesting. Cheers bro