Why are people expected to dance around religious people in fear of disrespecting their "beliefs"?

Question

Why can't you approach these people like a normal adult?

Answer 1

Yes, culturally it is one of the last taboos, to openly challenge someones religious beliefs. It's like they seem to think that they have "a pass" on normal debate. That is where this forum is useful on occasion...we can challenge every fatuous, arrogant assumption.

Most religious beliefs are learned from "higher authority" such as priests, pastors or parents, and at a young age. They are taught to accept on faith the things that don't make much sense, and so when challenged, they usually react very emotionally, like questioning their belief is a personal attack on them.

Answer 2

I generally try to be respectful of everyone else's beliefs, religious or otherwise.
If you think acting like a normal adult is being disrespectful and rude towards others you have a skewed definition of adult. Although in some contexts 'adult' may be a synonym for porno or something unsavoury this is not the definition one should take as regarding normal behaviour.

Answer 3

Probably because they are afraid that you might have ideas/views that would disturb the "faithful". After all, they have spent up to several thousand years constructing castles in the air, but, like a house of cards, it takes little to bring it crashing down. Look at the religions from 2000 years ago, the Roman Gods, the Greek Gods, The Babylonian Gods, the Druid Gods/Godesses, the Inca Gods, the Aztec Gods.. and, and, and.

All relegated to the ancient histories. People realised (in most cases) that it was all just myth and legend. The same happens to all superstitions eventually, however the priesthoods fight tooth and nail to prevent the fall simply because they lose jobs for life, money and power. Eventually, each priesthood resorts to killing disbelievers and apostates in order to preserve their religion by fear. Even that eventually ends, frequently with the slaughter of the entire priesthood.

Answer 4

Well, I don't think *** kissing is appropriate, but if everyone at least respected one another (or at least agreed to disagree) there might not be as much fighting. The problem is that some people just can't agree to disagree. Some religious people freak out over atheists or people of other beliefs, and the atheists and others freak out over the other religious people. Then everyone starts being crappy to everyone, the mud slinging starts, and it just doesn't stop. If we'd all stop trying to force our belief or disbelief on everyone else I think we'd all be better off.

Answer 5

I am always respectfull of other's religious beliefs. But that doesn't mean I 'dance' around them.

Just the other week I was speaking to a creationist and I gave him such an earfull about his beliefs, but I did it in a respectfull manner. I didn't go 'Oy you're wrong I'm right end of,'

I presented my argument in a semi-thought out way. Like any adult should.

Answer 6

You can and should.

If someone told you that it was their belief that there was an invisible pink unicorn on Neptune and it was this entity that controlled everything and gave us purpose in life, you'd laugh in their face. Irrational belief systems need to be criticized at every opportunity.

The same way we are critical about a persons claims about alien abduction and bigfoot sightings, so should we be critical of a persons belief in an almighty invisible, undetectable man that lives in the sky.

You can respect a persons right to believe, but you don't have to respect their beliefs.

Answer 7

Approach me like a normal person and you may just get invited to dance with me and my religious friends. Beware dear, for there will be a fire, drumming, Mead, a moon and clothing is optional! I don't expect anything from you. But then...we are the other kind! Ha ha....
Now if you wanna trash and pollute our Mother Earth...we may have to box!
Dance in celebration...not fear.
Blessed Be... ; )

Answer 8

depends on how you look at this, for example, why do religious people have to dance around gays because they can get sued for discrimination ? Why do religious people have to take down monuments that have been in place for centuries so it will not offend some one.......getting my drift here ? In other words, it depends on where you are coming from that decides who has to dance.

Answer 9

I do not confuse 'religious' with 'spirituality'.

I was brought up in a strong religious faith, and then discovered for myself my sense of spirituality.

My sense of this is a personal thing, a part of what makes me.......me!

This can be claimed to be a belief, for it is something which represents my personal belief system!

However, this sense of spiritual identity is for me only, a thing not to be shared. I might speak of it when asked, but only in words that are understandable to the listener.

Answer 10

From what I have read I don't think anyone can accuse you of dancing around religious people.