Insiders View Of Religion

An insiders views of religion are that of someone who believes in religion and practices it. Insiders usually have more of predigest and traditional views on their religion which makes them biased. While they are biased to their own religion they are still committed to it and love their religion because it is their own. An insider can be more of a narrow-minded person because of their strong believes in traditional values in their religion but only because they are so committed to their religion. An insider tends to have a viewpoint of an insider can can forget to take a step back and remember what it was like to be an outsider of their religion so they can be quick to judge an outsider or their actions could be effected by an outsider coming into their religion.
An outsiders views
of religion are from a more academic point of view so they are more focused on the studies, practices, and traditions of the religion in which they are learning about.
They tend to feel as though they are standing outside and observing these traditions in order to truly understand them. Outsiders still have commitments to the religion; they need to be focused on the learning of the religion and of other religions besides one's own religion to increase their faith and understanding of all religions.
The qualities that are important to have as an outsider viewing religion are that of open mindedness, respectful, critical tolerance, careful observations, readings and listening to those speaking/singing. Open mindedness is a key quality to have when you are an outsider studying a religion; you need this quality because if you are not open minded and you tend to shut out all of the information that is in front of you. You can not learn about a
religion if you are a closed minded person. Take advantage of all of the wonderful opportunities religion can offer you. Open mindedness is similar to critical tolerance which is also a quality worth having as an outsider. Critical tolerance endorses freedom of religion but does not automatically approve of any and all beliefs and practices. By having critical tolerance as an outsider in religion you are more prone to being able to understand the religion and their practices and also making sure that everyone gets along. Outsiders need to be respectful not only of the people who practice the religion but of the religion itself. By being respectful of the religion is shows those practicing that you are trying to become an insider and are looking for the same religious guidance they already have. In order to find that religious guidance as an outsider you will also need to have careful observation skills so that you can make sure you are practicing and understanding the religions practices correctly. These careful observations can be observed in the readings, by listening to the speakers and religious songs/music of the religion. But by also taking note of the participants dress/garments, colors, poses, sitting, standing rituals, smells and the atmosphere of the place of worship.