Why should I respect your beliefs?

Question

I've said this before in response to other questions. I respect your right to believe, even if I don't respect your beliefs. But if you're trying to convince someone that your beliefs are worthy of their respect, what arguments would you use apart from "It's what I believe"?

I mean, if I told you I believed that the holocaust never happened (I don't believe this btw) would you respect such a belief? Would you respect my right to hold such a belief?

Based on current law in the Criminal Code of Canada, if I were to speak publicly or try to publish a book espusing such beliefs, I could be prosecuted.

So the question is, why is religious belief held to be more sacred than non-religious belief in terms of receiving respect?

Answer 1

I totally agree. I think that just because you have a belief in a mainstream religion should not give you the right to do whatever you want with it. Lots of people have beliefs that are individual to them - why should quantity be the deciding factor?

Answer 2

That's a good question actually.

Personally I think everyone should be able to holf their own beliefs as long as no one intentionally insults another like when some people say that Christians worship a man who wears a nappy, I'm sure there are plenty others you have heard of. (And to anyone who took offense I apologise this was not my intention neither is the example my opinion I have just heard it a matter of times)

I say if you choose to believe that the holocaust did not happen then I would say that is your belief, I personally don't know enough to be swayed either way on the matter at the moment (Though I don't believe in people being killed for no reason be this past, present or future).

Oh well I've rambled enough I doubt I've given an argument to respect my faith but then again whatever I may say it's only you that can change your own opinion.

Take care.

Answer 3

that is a very good question. It does not have a simple answer. In richard dawkins' new book, he argues that all religions are silly and thus deserve no respect. I disagree. I will dissect your holocaust example to show why.

1) It is a belief whose very foundations are rooted in hatred and bigotry. There is simply no source claiming that the holocaust did not hapen which does not have rascism as it's agenda.

2) the holocaust is still relatively modern history so there is ample evidence that it happened. A denier essentially calls anyone claiming to have survided a concentration camp a complete liar. They clearly have no respect for the people who suffered during that time.

3) Absolutely no reputable source backs up the claims

to summarize, believing such is not worthy of respect because it has a maliscious intent, shows lack of respect to other beliefs and has no support from anyone who isnt antisemitic.

The story of creation has no proof either, but at very least it usually does not harm anyone to believe in it and has some benefits, IE instills a sense of purpose in peoples lives.

Answer 4

Well, if you respect someone else's beliefs then they are more likely to respect yours. And if they still do not respect yours then you have already proven yourself to be the better person...

I agree that all beliefs should be respected, because you will come of as condescending and ignorant if you try to attack a belief while holding it in contempt...

Answer 5

Which is your real question:
So the question is, why is religious belief held to be more sacred than non-religious belief in terms of receiving respect?
Or
Why should I respect your beliefs?
I have evidence for intelligent design in creation and prophecy evidence left in the Bible.. I can provide either or both. So it comes down to this You don't need to believe as I do but you should respect my beliefs because that have as much or more evidence of their truthfulness as your do.... Jim

Answer 6

You don't have to respect my beliefs, only *me*, providing I have earned your respect.

(Of course, that opens the question of whether respect should be given until abused and therefore revoked, or whether one withholds respect *until* it is earned.)

It seems to me that even if you do not respect my beliefs, if you respect *me*, you will withhold your thoughts regarding my beliefs, or at least phrase your criticism in a respectful fashion.

I do not necessarily respect the beliefs of others -- some I find downright amusing! -- but if I respect the person, I do not call their beliefs into question or fault them for them.

As far as Canadian law goes, I suspect it may be one of those laws that was well-intended, but can be abused by a vocal minority to persecute in their own fashion. There are plenty of laws like that around, unfortunately.

.

Answer 7

I agree. It's the person that should be respected. The beliefs could be wrong or harmful and shouldn't be believed, but the person should still be respected.

Answer 8

You don't have to respect anyone's beliefs, you should respect other people as humans but if you think their beliefs are ridiculous you cannot respect their beliefs and you should not pretend to respect them.

Centuries of bullying from religious groups has made people overly deferential not out of respect but out of fear the religious might throw another violent tantrum if they don't walk carefully like they are treading on eggshells in their presence.

Answer 9

Non religious as well as religious beliefs that can be proven wrong should be dismissed,but proven with out a doubt.The holocaust has photographed and human remains,so don't use that as an argument.

Answer 10

Respect is a common courtesy. ALL sides should be respected, whether you agree or not. Its just an act of Human Kindness. Regardless of religion, we are ALL human, arent we?