Dear I-am-oneness,
The Buddhist view is always one of non-aggression,
love/compassion & wisdom. Buddha did exhort us not to
criticize other faiths and religions. However, i think if
there are practices conductd by other faiths or denominations that
are harmful to beings in general then it shd be ok to denounce the
practice itself. An eg is animal sacrifice.
this world has a wide variety of people with varying
conduct, character and so forth. We can't expect everyone to
conform to some ideal, no matter how wonderful it is. Trying
to impose one's own expectations on others will generally lead to
disappointment and perhaps create even more animosity. So dun
create war in the name of peace, dun kill in the name of love.
A unique characteristic of Buddhism is the absence of dogmatism
and fanaticism. We do not cling to extremes whether in
material or ideological terms. In the teachings, it is said
"If there is grasping, there is no view." Which means, our
view is one of no grasping to any view ultimately. Thus, in
Buddhism, trying to adamantly establish a so-called perfect view-pt
and then to impose one's views on others shows a lack of
understanding.
In general, when others criticise one's own beliefs, the main
impulse to respond roots partially from a sense of insecurity in
one's own faith which is really lack of faith or
confidence. If something is true, it remains true no matter
the amount of averse opinions against it. One does not feel
in the slightest threatened. Suppose i shd insist that you
are blind, when you can perfectly see, then it doesn't become much
of an issue for you. You know you can see, that's all that
matters. Would you engage in a lively debate on it?
The only reason why we wish to respond to any misstatements in
the Buddhist forum shd be to prevent a misunderstanding of the
teachings for those who wish to learn. Any negative
motivation from pride, anger and jealousy will only be a cause for
negative repercussions in the future.
(p/s: having said 'dun kill in the name of love'
, sometimes, there may be exceptions... there are also such
examples in Buddhist history, but guided by completely authentic
motivation of wishing to benefit others, heehee... sorry, as i
said, views are not fixed.)