Is it an unfortunate part of the free expression of religious ideas that some people get offended, but not all

Question

Can we, in a free society, share ideas with one another in a peaceable forumn such as yahoo answers, even at the risk that our thought might offend someone?

As an example, I find myself believing that God made the human being using evolution, and that Genesis 2.7 is to be taken as figurative. This might offend some people, but isn't it neccessary that I make this statement in order to share this idea with other people?

Answer 1

I don't believe people should be offended with other's comments, however, I do not believe people should antagonize one another either. To call someone stupid or an idiot because of one's beliefs is completely immature and low-rent. I have my beliefs, but I do not criticize others for theirs. I am not the religion czar. Its not my place to judge others. I sometimes think other's beliefs are far off the mark, but it is not my place to say so. Who is to say that we are not all a little confused when it comes to doctrine? Everyone thinks he or she is correct, but we cannot all be right when there are so many opinions. There is only one Truth, so someone is wrong. So who are we to criticize others and get offended when someone says something we do not agree with?

Answer 2

It is unfortuanate only as long as people have closed minds and refuse to objectively listen to another's ideas. It seems like people think that when someone shares an idea that the person is actually forcing the idea on them and so they get angry. If people understand the basic idea that an idea can not be forced on anyone and that any ideas or beliefs that someone holds has been developed and created by the person that holds the idea.

For example, I can tell you all of my ideas and that would be all that I am doing, you would not start believing what I believe just because I told you, and there is no way I can make you believe, even by threatening your life. You might feel that your idea is worth dying for and so die, or you might feel that you would rather live than continue to openly support that belief so you lie and say you agree, but your underlying belief remains the same. If you really do change your belief it is because you have gained some new information from me that you did not have before and you have used that information to reevaluate your belief. You changed your own belief based upon information you recieved, not an idea that I forced on you.

I used to believe in evolution as you do Jim Darwin, but after gaining more information I discovered all of the holes in evolutionary theory and realized that evolution as we see it so far is impossible. This is my belief and my telling you this will certainly not change your mind (although I would hope that it would get you to search for more information). So, since the only alternitive at this time is Creation, I find that more believable (based on science. Although, granted, if i did not believe in God, then my only choice would be to evolution). Truely though, I think that perhaps both are mostly wrong, although perhaps correct in small areas, and there is a completely different explanation out there somewhere.

Answer 3

Yes, Jim, it is unfortunate that some people get offended. The first question you would want to ask yourself is whether God wants humans to use reason to try to understand the nature of God. That is where the offensiveness and defensiveness comes from. Some people maintain that all they need to know about God is contained in the scriptures and that the physical world, along with all its products like the human brain, is inherently evil and not of God. These are ususally people who have not seen much in their lives that they would call good and their entire reward lies in the afterlife. The opposing idea is that nature is basically good and that humans have minds and reason because it was put there by God. They have been given the duty to think and understand. Neither of these types of religious thinker will turn away from his or her ideas. Arguments only lead to the strengthening of arguments and then- as history shows- to war. Acceptance of the opposing point-of-view is the only peaceful solution, but I don't favor "agree to disagree" because that only means that we can never agree. What I recommend is that we understand that none of us really knows the mind of God and we all must act according to what our hearts tell us. At least in the Christian point-of-view, we have this commandment: Judge not, or you may also be judged. That can de-fuse an argument. After that, each person must be allowed to understand God in the way that their conscience says they must. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Well, most people seem to confuse the meaning of "disagree" and "offense." People should be able to have a different viewpoint without everyone flying off the handle. It's silly to argue for the right to free speech but not be willing to allow others the same right. So, while I may or may not agree with what you've written, I absolutely agree with your right to say it. In reality, though, I don't think the beginning of the world question has an answer so I don't really understand why people continue to argue about it.

Answer 5

People should be able to say whatever they want, if it is in a peaceful, respectful tone such as yours. I am willing to listen to, and have interesting discussions with people who don't share the same beliefs as I, as long as I don't have their beliefs thrown at me in a hostile or hysterical way. I think most rational people would feel the same way, even though they might all have different ideas about religion, politics, how our world began, etc.

Answer 6

I have no problem with the question, the statement, or the belief, but unfortunately someone always seems to get offended. Much of the Bible is figurative or if you like written in a parable style.
But keep posting I like to see different view points.
Peace Be With You,
Debra

Answer 7

It is a double edged sword. People are bound to be offended by some statements, but the Constitution does night grant the right to not be offended, only the right to speak freely.

Answer 8

It's your freedom of speech and mind.
I don't see you forcing it down any ones throat.
Everyone has opinions.
What works for one may not work for another.
Its what makes the world go round.
2 snaps for your well worded question.
That is a rare item in here.

Answer 9

I have no problem with people sharing their opinions and people who share their opinions, but they should be ready to hear other people's opinions in response to theirs and neither should be offended. People who act like douche bags that just get mad and tell people their ignorant and stupid are the ones that shouldn't be posting.

Answer 10

no offense taken it is an interesting Idea and a good one at least your honest about what you think and you come out and say it. That what is great about a free society