What is the right and true way to “respect someone’s religious beliefs?”?

Question

Some who say this seem to refer to treating every individual with respect, despite their religion, and not forcing anyone to believe anything or looking down on anyone as being inferior. (And this to me seems like the appropriate attitude to have as a Christian, whenever spreading the Gospel as we are called to do).

Others, however, seem to insinuate that in order to truly be disrespectful of others religious viewpoints, we must open ourselves up to the possible validity of the other religions themselves and/or refrain from “judging” the truthfulness of any such religion. And so this essentially encourages Christians to doubt the truthfulness of what Christ said out of “respect” for others. Yet Christ said, “Blessed are those who have no doubts about who I am.” Is unwavering faith in and of itself seen as disrespectful (or arrogant) just because it refuses to doubt?

** in order to be truly respectful of other religious viewpoints (not disrespectful!)

Answer 1

If unwavering faith is perceived by others to be arrogant, so be it. If other people hear and do not believe the Word of God, and are angry at you because you do, upon whose head does accountability fall?

When people charge me with arrogance or closed-mindedness or whatever terms they come up with because they are offended by God's Word, I say, "I'm not saying anything about myself other than that I am a sinner, cannot save myself, and God can and did when I asked his mercy through his Son." In other words, you can call accepting who I am and knowing exactly who I'm not to be arrogance if you wish. And yet if you look more closely, you may begin to see that its entire foundation is humility. I am not saved because I am fantastic; I am saved because I am not.

Respecting others' beliefs is just that: I honor one's right to choose, as God himself honors one's right to choose. God has laid out the consequences of disbelieving his Word. I seek to find out if people are aware of the consequences, and, if they aren't, I inform them of the consequences. I explain that it isn't my opinion, but that it comes from an authority much higher than I. If they choose to believe that what I'm saying is nonsense, or arrogant, or hypocritical, or whatever, I say, "Okay, you can think that."

Certainty in God's Word is--to restate--not arrogance but humility. People who don't understand it may perceive it to be arrogance. There is sometimes nothing to be done to persuade them otherwise, and so I don't try again after having tried and failed. Respecting another's belief is not hounding them about Truth. It is letting them be, as they are, and being available for when what they have chosen to believe wears thin for them. If that day never arrives, then it never arrives. It's not up to me anyway. See John 6:44.

Best to you.

Answer 2

I see universality in the tenents of my faith already, so of course I will see truth in other religions and cultures. There's probably not a religion in the world that promotes lying, stealing and killing. And many support the belief in one God. I'll never convert, and come to think that another religion has 'the way,' but I can certainly find a lot of common ground, and respect their faith and humanity.

Other than this qualification, I agree with everything you've said.

Answer 3

You pose some provocative thoughts on the subject. However, I've found the best and unequivocal way of respecting the religion of others is to keep my mind open and my mouth shut. Works every time!

Answer 4

I feel that the only one to judge is God himself and as far as different religions and respect, to have an open mind and respect that person is just that. I dont look at the person as to what "religion" they are, but only to respcet them and love thy neighbor and forgive if needed. Certainly not to look down on anyone as we are all sinners. We are all for God and should help eachother no matter what religion.

Answer 5

I believe that we can learn something from all religions discussing with each other our beliefs. We are to love and accept one another and be supportive. It is when man brings in his interputation of religion that we have problems. Notice I said discuss, not fight, accuse, and call each other names. This is what gives religion a bad name.

Answer 6

You were right in your first paragraph. That is how a true Christian should behave. Unfortunately, Christians are also humans and it is human nature to want to be right and arrogant and sopping with pride.Pride is a terrible thing if you have too much of it.
GOD bless

Answer 7

I can respect the person without respecting their theological beliefs. Because of the personal respect I may take the time to try and understand why they believe as they do.

Answer 8

no it is not. every religion is right and just to those who practice it. they r all basically the same also.. 1 God , do good. people should not b judged for race, creed or color. there r though because of the ignorant, fanatical people that r out there. u just do ur religion as faithfully as u want and i will do mine.

Answer 9

The best way to respect another persons beliefs is not to impose our own beliefs, or degrade the spiritual individuality of another. No matter what relgious sect it is, evil, good, right, wrong.......if you have nothing nice to say about them, say nothing at all.

Answer 10

RESPECT= HONESTY.
*GIVE A PERSON THE WHOLE TRUTH.
THEN LET THEM DECIDE "IF"THEY ARE GOING TO LIVE BY IT OR NOT!=)
LIVE4TRUTH=]http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0003/0003_01.asp
Godbless.