why can't we just respect eachothers relegion instead of criticizing it?

Answer 1

There is more bullshit per syllable in the phrase "I respect your beliefs...", or "I respect the beliefs of others..." than any other phrase in the English language... with the possible exception of "I won't cu..." ... never mind.

The phrase is insipid, politically correct garbage, uttered in an insincere attempt to deflect retribution for the offensive words which usually accompany the phrase. Offensive, because the words usually threaten the beliefs of the listener. Any assertion that conflicts with a held belief is a threat... or at least, that is how it is subconsciously perceived by those who are infected by belief systems.

Yep... that's right... infected. Belief systems are an intellectual infection; an infection that inhibits one's ability to employ critical thought. ALL belief systems are stupid and irrelevant, and so is their basis... 'faith'.

Back to "respect the beliefs of others". Why would anyone want to do that? It is condescending... patronizing... insulting... insincere... intellectually dishonest. Oh, the heck with it.. it's a DAMNED LIE. On the one hand, you think that a person's beliefs are WRONG... harebrained... nonsensical fairy tales... and on the other hand, you're going to claim to RESPECT those wrong, harebrained, nonsensical fairy tales? Hah... I don't THINK so.

I have found that it is very useful, though, to respect everyone's right (in the privacy of one's own mind) to delude himself in whatever fashion he sees fit.

As it turns out, respecting the other's right to delude himself has very much the same result as respecting the other's beliefs. The chief difference, which is not noticeable in ordinary discourse, is that the former is intellectually honest and the latter is not. It is not necessary to go around claiming to respect other's beliefs. All that is necessary, really, is to treat people (those who deserve it, at least) with respect.

If I were to announce, every time that I am presented with someone's belief, that I think it is stupid and irrelevant, then in very short order no one would want to communicate with me, other than to tell me to get lost. This will not do, since I am eager to share views, evaluate the viewpoints of others... to learn. In order to do that, it is necessary to be able to communicate in an orderly and socially acceptable fashion. And even the most ridiculous of beliefs may contain some useful information, or present an interesting paradigm (don't wabt to throw the baby out with the bath-water).

Even though I might THINK that all belief systems are stupid and irrelevant, I must still acknowledge and accept the fact that for SOME people, those beliefs are honestly come by, through critical thought and inquiry, and honestly held. I cannot disrespect a person for that, even if I cannot understand how such beliefs can be derived via critical thought. So, the only ones that deserve derision, scorn, contempt and disrespect are those who would not recognize an original thought if it bit them on their collective butts... i.e., adherents to faith-based beliefs.

So... even though I might think that someone's religious beliefs are stupid and irrelevant, I will try not to remind them of that unnecessarily, and I will try not to disrespect them for it (outside of the privacy of my own mind).

What this comes down to, really, is an appeal for intellectual honesty. DO NOT say "I respect your belief." Instead, say something like "I respect your right to believe that, but...", or "I understand that you see that as truth, but...".

Answer 2

I'm with you. As a pagan, or naturalist, depending on my mood, I respect everyone's beliefs. Everyone has the right to believe what they wish. If a person is true to their beliefs, then they are correct. Virtually no one gives me that same respect. I was raised baptist and absolutely believe in christianity. Though I am more open minded than any christian I've ever known. The catholic church adopted many many pagan traditions and even their deities. So, I also think that organized religion is dictated by men, and therefore not true and correct. I don't consider myself religious, but I do consider myself spiritual. And as long as God and I have a good understanding with one another, no one else has the right to criticize it.

Answer 3

This is by far the best question I read on here tonight!
People should and don't and everything that religion teaches as far as judgment, seems to be out the window with alot of these people.
People don't realize that we are at war to give other people these freedoms that we have, but than yet we don't allow our own people this pleasure at least not on this board.
I call the worst ones Extreme Christians no better than the Muslims (extremist) or the Nazis, and by the way I am Christian but I still live my life, it is to short. Enjoy your beliefs that is what is wonderful about our Country!

Answer 4

Because some religions teach that all others are wrong and therefore the non-believers are not worthy of respect.

Personally, I think there's something positive to be found in almost any religion. I've known people of many different religions who are all wonderful people, and I refuse to believe that any of them are going to hell. (I personally don't think they're going to heaven either, but that's just my opinion.)

If there truly is a just and loving God, She will not send good people to hell for the simple reason that they refused to worship Her.

And, if there is a god who sends good people to hell for that reason - I can't worship him.

And if there isn't a god? I will be happier if I make other people happy. And I can do that by leading a moral life. Those who choose to make others miserable will only end up making themselves miserable. Thus, justice is served.

Answer 5

Great Question! Especially when most likely NONE of us are correct in our spiritual beliefs. But really what is religion? It is something humans make up to explain their day to day lives. That is it. As long and you find one that makes since to you what is the difference if you are right or wrong. And HOW would any of US know. People just love telling other people how to think. It is sad really.

Answer 6

If a religion asserts something that is inane or insane, the abuse is going to fly.

Most people don't waste time doing that, and many people of various religions have great insight and character. It is certainly easier to respect the people than the beliefs most of the time.

Answer 7

A lot of people can't be happy just believing whatever they choose to believe. They have the mistaken idea that their faith is weaker if they don't force their beliefs on others. It's a distorted version of the herd instinct.

People who truly believe don't feel the need to have others agree with them, or to put others down for believing differently.

JMB

Answer 8

because some religions are taught to share their beliefs to tell people about it in order to bring more to that religion. so when religions disagree with a certain part of the belief they do like most of this section is doing. for instance Christians don't consider dying for their cause compared to the people in these wars.

Answer 9

Because there is only one way to God, and that is by Jesus. If that is so, as He claimed, that means other religions are false. Why would I respect beliefs that will send people to hell? Now I don't go around ranting and raving, but you have to really think of this logically. All religions cannot be true, they contradict one another. Therefore, someone has to be wrong. And if they are wrong in rejecting Jesus Christ, the price is going to be a eternal one. That is something to be concerned about!

Answer 10

For your consolation there are many who do respect and do not criticize. Therefore we do not hear them...