A Question: Why Do Religious People Routinely Inquire....

[dixierose]

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1218269494

MineralMan (103,594 posts)

A Question: Why Do Religious People Routinely Inquire
as to the religious beliefs of people they do not know? It has happened to me any number of times, always to my surprise. Generally it occurs shortly after we are introduced to each other, but sometimes comes out of the blue from someone I don't know at all. What response is expected?

Normally, I say, "Why would you ask that?" One's beliefs about supernatural stuff seem to me to be a personal thing. I would never inquire into anyone's religious beliefs or affiliations. I don't care about that. And yet, the questions come.

If my first response doesn't end the curiosity, I don't mind telling someone that I have no religious beliefs at all. If they press me further, I will tell them I am an atheist. With further questioning, I will explain that I became an atheist after long study and consideration. If even that doesn't end the prying, I simply say, "Good day to you," and walk off. I will not argue with anyone I do not know well in a public place about something as personal as religion. My lack of religious beliefs is none of anyone's business, really, and particularly if a person isn't well known to me.

Are these questions a rehearsed come-on of some kind, designed to lead into some sort of evangelism? If so, that's ill-considered, and will not prove to be effective with anyone, I'd think. Or is it a way to announce that one follows some particular religion? If so, why would anyone think a stranger cares about such a thing? I certainly don't.

It continues to happen from time to time, and it continues to puzzle me. Between established friends, discussions like that are sometimes appropriate and can be interesting. On a message board where religion is the topic, religion gets discussed. But with someone who is a complete stranger or who has just been introduced, it seems rude to me to begin inquiring about personal beliefs.

Am I wrong to see it that way? Out of my own ethical standard of reciprocity, I would not initiate such a conversation, since I don't care for others to do so. Do religious people not care about reciprocity? Or do they ignore that common ethical standard for some purpose? Maybe someone can answer these questions for me.

I have never asked a stranger what their religious beliefs are, nor have I ever been asked that by a stranger.

As I suspected when I saw this topic, the South is brought up.

The Velveteen Ocelot (57,389 posts)

4. That seems to be more of a thing in the South

where it is likely to be one of the first questions asked of you, after your name and where you're from. But what they really want to know is not which religion you profess (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, etc.) -they will assume you are Christian because of course you are, isn't everybody? - but which Baptist church you go to, and if you're new in town and haven't picked a Baptist church to go to yet they will invite you to attend theirs, even going so far as offering to escort you.

With one exception, I've never had anyone here in the frozen North ask me that question unless it had to do with which choirs I'd sung with or some other religion-related matter that was directly relevant to the conversation. That exception was some years ago when I started a new job and a co-worker from Georgia (maybe it was Alabama) asked me, within a few minutes of meeting him, what church I went to. I thought it was a surprising and rather nosy question and blew it off with some comment about how I liked to sleep in on Sunday mornings.

I do think it's a nosy, personal question, and a bit rude, like asking someone how much money they make.

Ohiogal (881 posts)

No worse

than when complete strangers come up to you in a store and ask you what your political affiliation is! This has happened to me maybe ten times since Trump was elected. (why me? I always wonder). In every case the asker was a Trump nutter. But, I digress.

I agree with Velveteen Ocelot that in the North, we consider asking a stranger what church you go to, to be very nosy, and borderline rude! I guess the people that do this must spend every waking minute trying to "size up" strangers. As in, Friend or Foe? Glad I don't live in the South.

I'm glad you don't live down here either.

[Old n Grumpy]

MineralMan (103,594 posts)

A Question: Why Do Religious People Routinely Inquire
as to the religious beliefs of people they do not know? It has happened to me any number of times, always to my surprise. Generally it occurs shortly after we are introduced to each other, but sometimes comes out of the blue from someone I don't know at all. What response is expected?

Maybe it is because of the pentagram you have tatooed on your fore head. Or it could be that you just look and act like an ass hole all the time.

[USA4ME]

If being asked that “surprises” you, maybe you’d be better off just staying in your mom’s basement.

Did it ever occur to you that religious people might bring up religion because it holds great meaning to them? I doubt it. That would take thought, Rockhead, something of which you are incapable.

.

[Delmar]

I've noticed that Rock Head has been posting more and more lately about philosophy and religion and less and less about politics.  He still comes off looking stupid, but not as stupid as when he makes political predictions.

[BattleHymn]

I can count on one hand the number of times I've been accosted by so-called religious people and asked about my  beliefs. 


I cannot count how many times I've been accosted by some leftist dipshit asking me to sign a petition to fuel or legalize their vices and societal destroying habits. 

[BlueStateSaint]

I can count on one hand the number of times I've been accosted by so-called religious people and asked about my  beliefs. 


I cannot count how many times I've been accosted by some leftist dipshit asking me to sign a petition to fuel or legalize their vices and societal destroying habits.

Ditto here.

[FlaGator]

I have never asked someone, outside of a conversation about beliefs, what someone's religion or political affiliation was. Also, I have never had this happen to me. I suspect this is thread is some form of a bouncy.

[USA4ME]

The more I consider it, I'm almost dumbfounded as to how these individuals who believe themselves to be highly intelligent and well versed in the ways of the world can't field a simple question should someone ask them about their religious beliefs or lack thereof. I view it no more personal a question than someone asking me my occupation, or where I live, or what kind of car I drive, or my political opinion. But to them, watch out! Now you're asking them personal questions. The whole lot of them need to take a collective chill pill; it's just a question.

Could you imagine one of us coming here and asking such nonsense as did Rockhead and complaining about it? Yet they revel in it.

.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I can count on one hand the number of times I've been accosted by so-called religious people and asked about my  beliefs. 


I cannot count how many times I've been accosted by some leftist dipshit asking me to sign a petition to fuel or legalize their vices and societal destroying habits.

I don't need any digits to count how many times I've been asked by strangers what my religion is.

Amongst people who I'm already acquainted with, it might happen.  But very rarely. Same with my political views.

[DUmpsterDiver]

>Rockhead inquires...Why Do Religious People Routinely Inquire as to the religious beliefs of people they do not know?

Well, you self appointed dictator of what "you" believe, those that follow a belief is always fine if they do not mandate one follow their belief.  You, and you leftists filth requires people to follow it with rule of law.  ESAD rockhead.

The only filth I see telling people what to believe are islam filth and leftists.  The others are fine with you not following them.  If not then they would just be as a filthy toad as you and your islam followers and leaders.

[Carl]

George is lying.

He is just looking for DUmp attention.

[SVPete]

George is lying.

He is just looking for DUmp attention.

Unless MM has a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in his neighborhood or went past one of their tables at the DMV or the airport he's making @#$% up to feed DU anti-Christian stereotypes.

[FlippyDoo]

MineralMan (103,594 posts)

A Question: Why Do Religious People Routinely Inquire
as to the religious beliefs of people they do not know? It has happened to me any number of times, always to my surprise. Generally it occurs shortly after we are introduced to each other, but sometimes comes out of the blue from someone I don't know at all. What response is expected?

Although I have a hard time believing this happens with any frequency the reason it MAY happen is because the religious people that DO NOT KNOW YOU (that's important) are concerned about the final destination of your eternal soul. Those that actually do know you probably know where you're going and are okay with it.

[Texacon]

In the south it’s very common to ask someone where they go to church. I’ve never seen it as anything more than a polite question. It’s usually followed closely by; didja eat yet?

Down here it’s the equivalent of talking about the weather. It’s just something to start a conversation. This is why the southerners view northerners as rude.

KC

[FiddyBeowulf]

I can see an atheist asking strangers what religion they are because they are usually the only ones I see starting conversations that way.