Why do some accuse you of being close minded if your opinion is different?
95464
It can be a maturity issue, too, irrespective of the actual age of the person using the epithet.  My 16 year old daughter always tells me that I "don't understand" when the truth is that I understand just fine, I just don't agree.  "Lack of Understanding" is similar to me as "close-minded" and sounds like it comes from someone frustrated by his or her inability to change the mind of the person being spoken to in a matter about which the speaker is passionate. Passion is a feeling, feelings often calm down when maturity lends perspective.
646101
People arent open minded about their religious beliefs because they have had their personal religion enforced into their brain as truth, not a belief ,since they were a child. They don't understand opposing viewpoints especially if they are older. Don't try to argue with someone whos closed minded about religious beliefs..You'll never win and you'll walk away angry. You can't change someones mind about something they feel is true. In their mind they don't feel its true they KNOW it. Its like trying to tell someone the sky is sometimes grey when they are positive that its always going to be blue. They won't listen.
626258
Usually it's because other people don't understand a person who's different so then they'll say that the person is weird or some other dumb comments.Instead of embracing someone who's unique or different.I look at this way it's refreshing to meet some one with different views on things,If we were all the same the world would be very boring and there would no adventure to look forward to in the day.
270343
Some people are religious fanatics, unfortunately. Others believe that only their opinion/religion is the correct one and you aren't allowed to think any differently, sorry this is me also ranting. You're absolutely blummin right!
402832
Close minded people are those that aren't willing to consider that other people have differing beliefs and they may be correct sadly many of them seem to be religious fanatics that are unwilling to even think logically about certain issues. \nOpen minded people are willing to consider all possible ideologies or beliefs without judgement. They are generally more secure in themselves.\nI happen to believe in god and Jesus, but i willing consider the ideas of all faiths, and i would advise everyone to try that. It helps you to see life through the eyes of others, and that is all i meant in my definition of closed minded. I just hate seeing christians being so unchristian in jumping on people with different beliefs. I thought generally having a christian ideal would endow a sense of kindness in most, but hardliners seem to never understand that. I hope personally i didn't insult anyone, because i personally feel that whatever makes you feel closer to god or whatever you believe in that you should go for it and let others do the same.
582000
Because they think they're better than others, or either they're insecure about themselves and try to find fault in others just for the heck of it. It happens a lot nowadays, you just have to learn to be more open-minded. If people dont like you for who you are, that's their problem.
621831
Some people have one set thing in the mind and are not open to others beliefs. I am Christian but on the other hand try to be open minded about others religions to.
574907
Yeah… Well, they just don’t understand why can’t we think their way. It’s understandable. I mean, if you were so sure in your right, it would be hard to accept why others think differently.
985926
I think it does sharpen your beliefs when someone challenges them. Sometimes the anger that people show is insecurity in what they believe. They don't know how to answer a question someone asks them and so they lash out at the person for even asking.  When people ask what I believe it also helps me to examine what I believe and creates a dialog between the two of us.
325189
To some point of your question, I agree. I don't like others attemping to force thier beliefs on me. But, just listen anyway.They mean well, but do not realize what they are doing. But from a standpoint of their beliefs, they are doing what they think is right. Just grin and bear it.
396994
People change, sometimes with reasons, sometimes without.  It is hard to tell whether you think they have changed or they think you have changed according to your statement.
336782
Because it's easier. Because it doesn't require them to come up with their own ideas as to what is 'right' and what is 'wrong'. Because it's easier to make a snap judgement on a person. Because people are strange little creatures. Because when all is said and done most people don't want to put the effort into enriching their lives by understanding how someone else might view the world. Because it's easier to follow rules in a book and then pick and choose those that you like and disregard those that you don't really care for. Because it feels good to judge other people. Because saying that someone is doing something wrong makes the things you're doing wrong in your own life seem smaller.  \n\nThere are so many reasons as to why this happens out there. Mostly I think it happens when closed minded people start trying to 'help' others find 'happiness'. Sure, they want you to be happy..but their methods aren't always right. People like that..should be ignored.
563431
worry about what other people think
730481
A common belief among people is that different is wrong. Like if one person does not fit perfectly into the little box that is considered to be "normal" then there is something wrong with you. For instance, being gay to many people is "wrong" but when asked why the best they can come up with is because it is wrong. It is not wrong it is just different than what they are used too.
930466
I'm perfectly fine at hearing the opinions of others, but i don't like it when others attack my belief. I think it's uncalled for and rude. They wouldn't like it if I attacked theirs.
343855
People are closed minded.  I am an atheist with one atheist friend and one pagan friend, and the rest of the people I associate are Christians, and I know how people must react when you say you are pagan, many people freak out when they find out I am an atheist.  They do because you are different, because you challenge their beliefs and make them wonder "hmm, is it really true?"  And so they resent you and I for that.
458565
It is because their beliefs don't seem to have a logical basis.  However, it is the task of evolved people such as yourself to respect other peoples beliefs even if they disagree with yours.