One particularly common piece of advice I have encountered in my life is "Don't judge a man before you walk a mile in his shoes." I try to do think from the perspectives of others, because it really helps me understand them. I would like for you, the reader, to take a moment to think from the perspectives of an adherent of a different religion than yours when you consider the following question: When talking about religion, what is up for debate?
From a Deist perspective, basically anything is up for Debate, even the existence of God, which is one of the things many Deists appreciate about Deism. Looking from a Christian perspective, God is undeniably real. The question is whether you are trying to defy Jehovah's will or accept Jesus as your savior. From an Atheist perspective, God is a lie and people who think God is real are deluding themselves or actively deceiving for profit. From any person's point of view, they are right and anyone who disagrees with them is wrong.
This is what makes many people hate talking about religion. Too few people have an understanding of what the other side is thinking. Most Christians aren't deceiving for fun and profit, and most Atheists don't know God exists and are promoting Satan and evil by defying him. People honestly believe what they are saying. All people, Deists included, need, at the very least. a basic understanding of the perspectives of others.
Otherwise, talking about religion ends in anger and resentment. This anger and resentment will lead to people avoiding the topic of religion entirely. Many Deists are alright with having their viewpoint consistently challenged and derided, but most people aren't. We won't make any friends by telling them how wrong and evil their religion is. The only way Deism will ever grow if people can understand religion doesn't have to be about anger and bitterness, but respect and understanding.
From a Deist perspective, basically anything is up for Debate, even the existence of God, which is one of the things many Deists appreciate about Deism. Looking from a Christian perspective, God is undeniably real. The question is whether you are trying to defy Jehovah's will or accept Jesus as your savior. From an Atheist perspective, God is a lie and people who think God is real are deluding themselves or actively deceiving for profit. From any person's point of view, they are right and anyone who disagrees with them is wrong.
This is what makes many people hate talking about religion. Too few people have an understanding of what the other side is thinking. Most Christians aren't deceiving for fun and profit, and most Atheists don't know God exists and are promoting Satan and evil by defying him. People honestly believe what they are saying. All people, Deists included, need, at the very least. a basic understanding of the perspectives of others.
Otherwise, talking about religion ends in anger and resentment. This anger and resentment will lead to people avoiding the topic of religion entirely. Many Deists are alright with having their viewpoint consistently challenged and derided, but most people aren't. We won't make any friends by telling them how wrong and evil their religion is. The only way Deism will ever grow if people can understand religion doesn't have to be about anger and bitterness, but respect and understanding.
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