Lightkeeper said:
Does the way we treat others effect our happiness?
Does patience and kindness make a difference in our lives?
For me, it does. I would not be able to live with myself if I was anything less than kind to others.
Lightkeeper said:
How does it effect us if we accept that others have a different belief system from us?
Again, while I can only speak for myself, it came as a great relief when I realized that my personal approach to religion allowed for happiness and respect for everyone. I found myself more happy to celebrate the similarities I have with other people.
Lightkeeper said:
How does it effect us if we degrade others? How does it effect us if we chip away at another's belief system?
I'm sure it effects us all differently. Since my religion says that all religions are 'equal', chipping away at another's belief system would be like removing the cornerstones of a house I'm living in. I know that other religions approach it from the stance that there's is the only true faith. I remember being taught that, while 'witnessing', if the other person saw the good and grace in your religion, it was not through anything you did, but only because the Divinity was working through you. Thus, you wouldn't take any credit if the other person decided to convert.
Mister Emu said:
As wrong and as mean as this sounds, as I chip away at another's belief and they are coming closer to Christ it makes me feel better, bringing a person to Christ is probably the best feeling you can have.
You're a stronger person than I to be able to admit that to yourself. I would feel horrified if I knew that I was taking something that another person percieves as precious away from them. Again, that's just my feeling, though.