I wonder why it is diffucult for people to respect other people's perspectives and beliefs. Understanding others doesn't mean we have to agree.
2006-06-30 07:34:10 · 18 answers · asked by JENNIFER 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think the reason it is so difficult for people to respect others beliefs is because of stereotypes and general ignorance of other religions. If people would take the time to learn about others and stop making snap judgments, then things would be a lot more peaceful on this Yahoo Answers board. And you're right, understanding or respecting someones beliefs doesn't mean you have to agree with them. I'm a Catholic Christian and my older brother is an atheist and we totally respect each other.
2006-06-30 07:39:26 · answer #1 · answered by Candice H 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree, tolerance is a real gift- some people feel threatened by change and difference, thinking it will take something away from them, yet as every tolerant person knows, people's differences just enhance and enrich our lives. If only every one had the courage to recognise this, then the world would be a truly happy place.
I always say- wouldn't the world be boring if we were all the same- it is our diversity that makes us human and not robots!!
2006-06-30 14:40:34 · answer #2 · answered by loobyloo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think there is some confusion here. In your question you ask about valuing other beliefs. In the expanded part you talk about respect, understanding and agreement with other beliefs.
The value of a belief is its correspondence to the truth of reality. If I believe that I have a million dollars in the bank, should the bank value my belief? No, I don't actually have a million dollars in the bank. Should the bank respect me even though I have that incorrect belief? Of course they should. Should they respect the belief itself? No, it doesn't correspond to reality. Should they try to understand me? Of course, they need to understand my belief before they can evaluate whether or not it is true. Lastly, they do not need to agree with me either. In fact, it is their duty not to agree with me. If they agreed with me then it would cost other people their money.
The problem we have with belief systems is that we think they are wholly different from reality. This is where the bank example comes in so useful. It links reality with belief and truth. If our beliefs are wholly different from reality then they are unreal.
2006-06-30 15:00:47 · answer #3 · answered by Joshua 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because some beliefs are beyond understanding. There are some crazy radical beliefs out there. Like sewing the womans genitalia closed so that she cannot have sex before marriage... or blowing up the twin towers will take you to heaven...
You have to think what that would mean if we valued EVERY belief.
2006-06-30 14:36:33 · answer #4 · answered by PD-Prince 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I bet if you figure this out, someone will crucify you.
People don't like having their belief systems shaken up. And it is hard to listen to someone else's belief without questioning your own. Personally I take listening to others as a way to solidify or evolve my belief system - to grow as a stronger and more flexible person. Others snap in the wind.
Good luck out there. The world needs more questioners than it needs answers.
2006-06-30 14:40:58 · answer #5 · answered by arrghyle 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Zombie" has the only answer that floats my boat. Suppose you are convinced that it's a good thing that your god is going to send countless innocents to eternal pain because they did not subscribe to his/your credo. I will not discriminate against you in any way, and I will never interfere with your rights. But I will NEVER "value" those beliefs. I will respect your right to believe, not necessarily the content of your beliefs.
2006-06-30 14:48:02 · answer #6 · answered by JAT 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most people feel an overwhelming need to be right in their beliefs. this causes them to automatically dismiss the beliefs of others as false and there for unacceptable. it is something mankind has done since the dawn of time and will continue to do well after we have turned to dust.
2006-06-30 14:40:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can respect those who earn my respect (and do), and I can support their right to think and act as they wish (and do), but I don't have to value the beliefs of anyone.
2006-06-30 14:39:38 · answer #8 · answered by Zombie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For me it's pretty easy. I think everyone is wrong but I don't tell them that. If I were to tell evey person who belivieves in anygod they are wrong do you know what they would do? They would go against their own religion and be hateful with me! so I don't tell them they are idiots I just stand to gain profit from thier need for comfort.
2006-06-30 14:42:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's simple...every religion thinks that, that religion is the truth...it would be foolishness if they would agree with people of other religions...except christianity...it doesn't want wars with ex. paigans...instead convince them....that's why I like God ....He always tries to solve things the best way possible
2006-06-30 14:39:57 · answer #10 · answered by Bazsa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋