Thinking Religion - Essay Example

Thinking Religion Introduction Christianity is comprised of many different schools of thought or “denominations”. This means that these churches subscribe to a different set of guidelines. While all Christians believe in and practice infant baptism, the “Baptists” differ in that they believe that baptism is only legitimate when the person understands religion and becomes a believer of choice and conviction. This paper answers some relevant questions about misconceptions people and I had about Baptists. Misconceptions about Baptists Like every person who is not a Baptist, I too had certain misconceptions about Baptists. These misconceptions came about in discussions with practicing Baptists. What I thought was part of their beliefs later turned out to be personal interpretations of the way that they read the Bible and understand their religion. . There is the general belief that the Baptist church condones abortion. However, after a visit to a Baptists church it transpired that they oppose abortion if done only to avoid responsibilities as a parent and as means of birth control. However, they believe that an abortion may be performed to save the mother’s life, or in case that is a forced conception as when a woman is raped. Even if the fetus is deformed and has little chances of leading a normal independent life, an abortion might be carried out to save the child from a life of misery. Generally the Baptists believe in the sanctity of life (Dutch, 2002). Another misconception that I harbored was that music is not permissible for Baptists. That is also not true because you will find a “hymn book” in every pew in all Baptist Churches. Very few services are carried out or conclude without hymns .However, there are some churches that absolutely refuse any form of modern music, and the churches still adhere to the old hymns. These churches usually allow some guitars without amplifiers, but the guitar will not be accompanied by any other instrument. Therefore allowing modern music is not an issue per se not with people who like the music so much as those who oppose it. However some churches not only allow contemporary, but in fact encourage the use of new compositions. When the 60’s ushered in a new era of music, the Baptist church brought in a new era of Gospel music. In fact Carmichael who was one of the most sought after music director of pop music in the 60”s also composed many Gospel hymns. The hymns that Carmichael composed are still very popular and have great tunes (Dutch, 2002). Another misconception is that Baptists only believe in the St. James Bible, which is the first bible to be mass produced and distributed. This misconception came about because some Baptist churches insisted that worshippers coming to the church were given St. James bibles only. People bringing in their own bibles were pointedly asked by ushers which bibles they had, and if were any other version of the bible, they were asked to use the St. James bible only. Those who refused were asked to leave the church. This gave everyone the impression that Baptists believed in the St. James Bible only and not any of the other versions of the bible which people used. These conservative Baptists believed that other versions were not true interpretations of the word of God, and that the true word of God must not be diluted or misinterpreted in any way. This fierce debate was generated by Dr. Peter Ruckman with his book, Bible Babel (1964). Dr. Peter vehemently attacked those who did not agree with him. This hostility caused embarrassment to Baptists when the debate spread even over the Internet. Many websites were committed to this issue, each with its own version. Some were downright hostile and mean that contradicts any form of academic discussion (Dutch, 2002). Before this controversy, choosing a bible version was quite easy. However there are some scholars who have maintained self-esteem and responsibility in these discussions. Such sanity is much-admired and highly praised. Instead of making personal attacks on others, they believed in the power of God and his text and did not think that a good Christian is the one that reads the St. James Bible only. They just present the true facts as they understand them, and leave it to the believer as he/she thinks appropriate. This has helped to dispel the misconception that Baptists use only the St. James version of the bible and are free to read and gain spiritually from any version of the bible that suits them (Dutch, 2002). How My Views Changed? After meeting with other Baptists, reading their literature and discussing my misconceptions about their religion and my previous view of the Baptists was radically changed. Most misconceptions people have, and even I had were that I did not take the time to find out the truth about the misconceptions that I was harboring. Among the Baptists, as in every religion there are some adherents of that religion who are narrow minded and are not open to listening to other views about what they perceive is the true word of God. Most of my previous experience and association had been with people who were Baptists out of conviction, but did not have true knowledge to elaborate about dispelling any misconceptions that people like me generally had. Knowing the true facts had altered my previous understanding of the Baptist religion for the better, and I came to appreciate and respect the Baptists. This also created and reinforced my belief that proper perceptions about anything must only be formed only after acquiring proper understanding and knowledge of the same, otherwise they turn to misconceptions (Dutch, 2002). Misconceptions among People about Others’ Religions People have misconceptions about others’ religions not their own because they do not understand the other religion. There are common reasons behind these misconceptions among people, which include not studying and investigating true spirit of the religion, and formulating opinion on the basis of what they have heard from other people or the media or read about it in some books or articles written by people propagating their own ideas for their own interests (Dutch, 2002). Recommendations To dispel any misconceptions about other religions, the best way would be to get familiarize others’ religions. Read and understand its books, and have discussions with its scholars. There are extremists in every religion who want the people to adhere to their dictates at any cost. These people do not represent the true spirit of that religion and interpret it only according to their own specific beliefs. Such people believe that they are doing the work of God and do not consider any means wrong to advance and propagate their beliefs. To dispel any misconceptions, get to know their moderate leaders and discuss their religion with them. Tell them about any doubts or misconceptions that people generally have and ask them to clarify the issue from their religious point of view or take some steps to inform you and the general public about the true facts. This will positively dispel any misconceptions and make people understand that a few fanatic misguided souls do not represent their religion (Dutch, 2002). Not to speak out to address misconceptions will only heighten such doubts. These people must understand that most people are attracted to sensationalism and human nature takes to believing the worst about any matter, especially about religion. Such people play on the emotions of believers all religions and their interest is in people of different religions being enemies of each other. Such suspicion and enmity among different religions serves whatever agenda they are promoting, because when people are suspicious of each other, they get emotional and prefer not to discuss and dispel the misconceptions that they have towards each. It is up to the moderates and peace loving adherents of all religions to speak out so that everyone knows what the religion is about, which is generally peace and prosperity for their people (Dutch, 2002). Reference Dutch, S. (2002, March 7). The Single Greatest Misconception About Religion. Retrieved March 2, March, from https://www.uwgb.edu/dutchs/PSEUDOSC/BigMiscon.HTM Read More