Religion: S/he's wrong, I'm right

 Religion is supposed to be a good thing, right? Yet how much has gone wrong because of it? Too much, that's all. Here we're going to examine effective strategies for minimizing the problems and animosity that may arise from two people who share different belief systems, especially if the two form a couple.
Religion is so touchy because even though everyone thinks they're right, no one can prove them wrong. The trick is in finding some common ground, using some respect and accepting some hard-to-swallow truths.

You're both right...

Religion is really about faith, so you two should acknowledge the other person not on what books they think are sacred, but on how they practice their faith. If they are sincere about their beliefs, then power to them. They deserve to be commended, especially since so little of today's "religious" people practice what they preach.
Oh, the arguing
Now, in a perfect world, everyone would respect another's rights and beliefs and get along happily ever after... better yet everyone would know the truth already. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. We have tried to identify, therefore, some of the most prominent reasons arguments and animosities arise, and how to prevent and/or counteract such a situation:
One person pressing their beliefs on another: this is very common. What you want to do is, first of all, not do this. Never insist that they believe what you believe. You have no right since they have just as much leverage as you do. Also, it's unethical to do so when they have kindly asked you not to. If someone does this to you, tell them kindly that you will not believe, and if they keep on, refer them to this article.

One person ridiculing what another has to say: this too is common. One person calls another an idiot or a sheep, and this is wrong on all accounts. Not only that, it is counterproductive... it does nothing to better the situation [and nothing to change their minds]. When this happens, especially in close relationships, it will create IRRECONCIABLE differences. I know it doesn't sound like it, but it is THAT serious. Instead...

One person SHOULD focus on what they believe in: people shoud do this more often without trying to convince others thay they are right. If you focus on explaining what you believe and practicing what you preach, one will be unable to criticize you on any account. You will also stop yourself from looking hypocritical.

No matter what, you may be wrong, and you definitely do not know everything. Just remember this and consider it fact. Thus, you should always approach a discussion on religion with an open mind.

Religion = Love

The next time you get into an argument over religion, consider what your religion is all about and you will see that arguing is not only going to make things worse, but its hypocritical. Most religions are similar anyway and they all say that you should love unconditionally and forgive, so there you go.

About the Author

Timothy Winters is a researcher and an author for thecollegeguys.com whom specializes in interpersonal relationships.

 Timothy Winters

More Articles 

Religion is Deeper Than Culture: On Being An African-American Buddhist - M LaVora Perry
The following commentary ran in the Religion Section of the Cleveland-based Plain Dealer, Ohio's largest Newspaper, Saturday, August 19, 2000. "Your father didn't teach you right, THAT'S your problem," I am told. It's late January, 1999. I sit in...

The Taxation of Religion - Punkerslut
The Taxation of Religion By Punkerslut [Author's Note: Written on Monday, November 8, 2004, with the Salt Shaker of Doom (TM) -- a salt shaker full of Codeine, Valium, Klonopin, Xanax, and sugar. Completion made on Friday, December 3-5, 2004,...

The Keys To Power - Where Science and Religion Meet - Alan Tutt
The Keys To Power - Where Science and Religion Meet by Alan Tutt http://www.KeysToPower.com The human species is constantly striving for more. More food, more friends, more love, more money, more sex, more power to get all good things. You and I...

Religion And Your Health - Elizabeth Newberry
Did you know a person may or may not support a medical practice or advancement based on his or her religion? It’s true, and to a degree it’s not at all shocking. Many Christians and Catholics alike oppose abortions because they feel an abortion...

Abandon Religion - Punkerslut
Abandon Religion By Punkerslut Why Abandon Religion? It is so commonly believed today that religion is a source of goodness and charity for so many people. It is also believed that to oppose religion is also to oppose the goodness and charity...

Believing in Jesus is NOT a Religion, and our Creator is NOT a Christian - Ina Bliss
Author: Ina Bliss © Copyright 2000-2003 telechurch.org What are the major misconceptions by ignorant atheists [Less than 4% of the world population (www.adherents.com)]? The ‘fact’ that we are primarily body, and spirituality comes second is...

Superultramodern Religion ( SR ) - Dr Kedar Joshi PBSSI MRI
Superultramodern Religion ( SR ) is a component of Superultramodern Science (SS). In particular, it is an application of SS [mainly the NSTP (Non - Spatial Thinking Process) theory] to religious viewpoints. SR states that the religious viewpoints...

New Books About Science And Religion: Same Old Arguments, So Here’s A New One - Tom Attea
Once in a while, there’s a proliferation of new books about the junction or disjunction of science and religion. Here are seven new ones by people with distinguished scientific credentials but constrained capacities in the...

Islam as a Religion of Tolerance and Moderation - David F Duncan
Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl has been described as "the most important and influential Islamic thinker in the modern age." An accomplished Islamic jurist and scholar, he received formal training in Islamic jurisprudence in Egypt and Kuwait as well as...

Pagan Religions Taught In Public Schools - Joel Turtel
In classrooms throughout the country, Judeo-Christian beliefs are often cast aside or ridiculed. Multiculturalism studies, environmental propaganda, and Save-the-Earth classes now indoctrinate children with New-Age religious beliefs, often without...

Believing in Jesus is NOT a Religion, and God is NOT a Christian - Ina Bliss
What are the major misconceptions by ignorant atheists [Less than 4% of the world population (www.adherents.com)]? The ‘fact’ that we are primarily body, and spirituality comes second is the first and most important mistake of all with the...

Freedoms of speech, religion and assemble - Max Weber
Democratic society is built upon freedoms. Without the freedoms of its citizens the society would become autocratic and manipulative, and would lose the flexibility and its own freedom. The USA was the first country...