"my beliefs"?

Question

how come people always say "don't impose your beliefs on others" like i'm supposed to just keep my beliefs to myself b/c somebody might read/hear them and not agree? what ever happened to free speech? nobody asked for you to agree, or read this for that matter, so what's the prob?

i put "impose" b/c that was the quote...there is just no reason for anyone to gripe about anyone "imposing their beliefs" when all they are really doing is expressing their opinion

Answer 1

I think there is a distinct differance between voicing your opinions and imposing your beliefs on someone. There was a famous quote:

"your right to swing your fist stops at the other guys nose". Basically - your right to free speech stops at another persons right to not be harrased (if they feel that way) and to not be enlessly proseletyzed to.

People really need to learn the differance between the two - and not get upset when someone is simply stating their beliefs without the expectation of converting you.

Answer 2

I agree, generally I keep quiet and wait for the other person to make the first move. Well sometimes if there is a discusion and something I am really apsionate about comes up I will get into it. generally though I don't just come out of nowhere and randomly express my beliefs to strangers, well except on Yahoo answers.

Answer 3

The First Amendment guarantees the freedom of speech but this freedom is not absolute in the sense that you cannot say whatever you want. For example, Justice Holmes in Schenck v. U.S., wrote that you cannot yell fire in a crowded theater when there is no fire because you would be harming others. Basically John Stuart Mill's harm principle applies to the 1st Amendment.

Answer 4

because generally people impose their beliefs onto others.

so when someone wants to share their ideals people automatically put up the defenses.

it's expected, i do that myself now after many years of people trying to convert me. it's nothing personal it's just something that happens automatically.

try to make that point when you talk about things you believe in.. making sure to tell them (if you want to or not, it's just one of those things you know just pass it along to ensure you're not imposing that's all, nothing personal as i said...) that it's what you believe in.. that you're not telling them to agree just you want to share that's all and of course you'll have to deal in the 'what they believe in' besides if both sides approve in the topic and you both listen to one another..

it'll be a much more rewarding experience.

whether or not you two agree upon the topic.

:D

Answer 5

Free speech, free exercise of religion. That's what is says.

They can't argue the constitution grants free speech and then tell you to be quiet. They can't argue that the constitution grants free religion and then tell you that you can't pray.

It's liberal hypocrisy at its worst.

We live in a republic. Majority rule. And the majority of the country is Christian. If the liberal commies don't like that they can leave.

Answer 6

Because "Freedom of Religion is also Freedom FROM Religion" for allot of people!

Because of Pentecostal or other tightly wound upbringings many consider themselves abused by their religious parents and churches and it can be a very, very touchy subject to them. They feel like they deserve the respect of not being "force fed" more religious doctrines.

Answer 7

Impose!!! Look it up. You obviously don't know what it means.

Answer 8

If you want to be heard with out
speaking a single word, do it by example,
believe in what you believe, and act the way you believe

Answer 9

share or express, not impose. learn your vocabulary.

Answer 10

I'll listen to your beliefs if you listen to mine.