I'm glad you are open to hearing other beliefs. I was told that in the Middle East, even Qatar, which is less biased than many other Muslim countries, that no religion other than Islam is recognized and that non-Muslims had better be careful to avoid sharing their faith (to avoid getting arrested). Lack of religious freedom is found in many (not all) non-Christian nations today, including China. It was certainly found in the former USSR (only atheism was allowed). Some nations actually have a "convert or die" philosophy currently or in their past.
In the USA, all have religious freedom and ALL religions are recognized and can build their buildings (mosques, synagogues, churches, whatever) and can share their faith as much as they want--even send missionaries door to door or invite people to their services, with absolutely no fear of being arrested.
I respect all peace-loving people and their religions (or lack thereof), and if you feel the same way, then thank you, and I wish everyone were like you! I've heard that Qatar is very progressive for the Middle East and maybe it's moving in that direction. I think there will always be many different religions in the world. Most people simply believe what their parents or culture teaches them without really searching for anything else. A few switch religions after a lot of soul-searching, and a few stay in their same religion after a lot of soul-searching. I hope we can one day all live in peace regardless of what religion we do or don't believe in.
I'm glad you are open to hearing other beliefs. I was told that in the Middle East, even Qatar, which is less biased than many other Muslim countries, that no religion other than Islam is recognized and that non-Muslims had better be careful to avoid sharing their faith (to avoid getting arrested). Lack of religious freedom is found in many (not all) non-Christian nations today, including China. It was certainly found in the former USSR (only atheism was allowed). Some nations actually have a "convert or die" philosophy currently or in their past.
In the USA, all have religious freedom and ALL religions are recognized and can build their buildings (mosques, synagogues, churches, whatever) and can share their faith as much as they want--even send missionaries door to door or invite people to their services, with absolutely no fear of being arrested.
I respect all peace-loving people and their religions (or lack thereof), and if you feel the same way, then thank you, and I wish everyone were like you! I've heard that Qatar is very progressive for the Middle East and maybe it's moving in that direction. I think there will always be many different religions in the world. Most people simply believe what their parents or culture teaches them without really searching for anything else. A few switch religions after a lot of soul-searching, and a few stay in their same religion after a lot of soul-searching. I hope we can one day all live in peace regardless of what religion we do or don't believe in.