To all non-religious people: do you feel that it is necessary to respect something you don't believe in?

Answer 1

How can I respect someone who posts this kind of answer

"Non-Religious people by definition should only live for today.
If they show any moral fiber, they are religious and don't realize it."

This guy is a moron and will never get an ounce of respect from me.

Answer 2

You've said ''necessary to respect', by which you must mean some kind of religious writ that other people follow. Which is really not so. I know a lot of very religious people who do not respect other religions or other people's beliefs.

As for non-religious people, the same human nature that governs us governs them too. Being respectful to something has nothing to do with religion, it has to do with social conditioning.

The only way non-belivers are different from believers is that they do not feel guilt, because they do not believe in punishment after or before death by any higher force than them.

Other than that, they pretty much react as similarly or differently as religious people.

Answer 3

It's a broad question. I do not respect beliefs that are held uncritically, whether, religious, political, racial or social. I do not respect attempts to impose these uncritically held beliefs on others, whatever form those attempts may take. I do not venerate traditions simply because society hates and tries to punish non-conformity, and I especially do not respect someone who espouses beliefs they cannot articulate, in fact don't understand themselves, yet insist on the absolute rightness thereof, all the while acting in contradiction to those beliefs. In this camp I place all fanatical religion and the mindless triumphalism it manifests, having a character almost indistinguishable from overt racial/ethnic bigotry in tone, demeanor and hostility toward non-conformity.

Conversely, when I encounter thoughtful people who hold beliefs I do not respect, people who examine these beliefs and their motives in accepting them on an on-going basis, who realize that no belief is beyond correction on the basis of new information and so hold their beliefs in some humility, who practice their beliefs in peace and sincerity, while I don't respect the belief, I tend to like the person and respect them. In this camp I place Sufi masters, the Dalai Llama, the marvelous Monks of Gethsemane Abbey, the Zen Buddhist masters of the Monterey Mission, Quakers, Mennonites, anyone that's never thought to use their religion as a cudgel, and even the Mormon kids who get up every morning and throw a leg over a bicycle to respectfully carry a message they believe.

Answer 4

I do. In fact some of my best friends are religious and of different denominations. We respect others even though they look different or have a different skin color. Why? Because when it comes right down to it we may not all get along, but we are all human.

I love my best friends for their humor, how kind they are, how they listen at all times of day and night if I need to talk. Religion never comes up. It doesn't need to. I like them as people and they feel the same. I respect their decision,because it's their decision to make. We have free will and we should be able to use it.

Answer 5

Short answer is YES. The reason is this. Each person has the right to their own beliefs. Just because I don't agree with them doesn't make them wrong. I have many friends that are very religious. We just go by the old adage: Don't discuss religion or politics. It is a smart adage to live by, it will save you many arguments. It will also help you to keep your friends. Friends do not have to agree on everything in life. The differences are what make each of us interesting.
So basically if you can't say anything nice about another's beliefs don't say anything. Just gently steer the conversation in another direction.

Answer 6

I'm as non-religious as they come, but I have respect for the beliefs of others.

The respect comes from the underlying message in each religion that is roughly the same: "Do unto others..." I just have to remind myself that all of the dogma draped over each religion has distorted their true meanings.

Also, people are scared. They hang onto these religions like people hang onto flotsam in the ocean. It's scary at first to let go of religion. To just float free and look at things as they are.

Answer 7

To a certain degree. I do respect other's opinions and beliefs. However, it can be difficult to maintain that respect when the people in question do not respect MY OWN opinions and beliefs, if you know what I'm saying. I never try and force my thoughts on anyone else, and yet, certain other people live to do just that...

Answer 8

I guess you would consider me religious, so I wasn't supposed to answer but I couldn't help it!

If I'm speaking not from my religious beliefs, but from life experience (I didn't always follow God), I would say that I've been happier and more at peace when I had respect for others, no matter what they believe. I never felt good about myself when I hurt others, insulted others, etc.

Answer 9

No, the thing or maybe something the person believes in you don't respect, if it goes contrary to your beliefs.
But you respect the individual as a human like you are,
we all are sinners and fall far short of the truth.
One thing though we don't want to force our beliefs on any one.
If they ask you questions about your belief make sure you don't personaly attack his. Just prove why you believe it.

Answer 10

I generally let my respect for someone else's views dictate my actions. However, I do not sit still while someone tries to convert me, or show disrespect for my beliefs, or my lack of belief in their beliefs.

So, while I do respect religious beliefs I don't share, I demand and stick up for my right to expect the same.