When is it acceptable to question another person's beliefs?

Question

At least in Western culture, there is a well-understood principle of Freedom of Conscious -- that is, we are all free to hold our beliefs without interference from the government, our employers, or even our friends and family.

When does this go too far? When is it acceptable to question or even reticule another person's faith? Is there a line that can be crossed?

Answer 1

Assuming you are talking about religious beliefs, since you mentioned "faith", I cannot think of an instance when it is acceptable to question anaother person's beliefs. You might very well challenge thier actions, particularly when, as another answerer wrote, their actions impinge on your own freedom (such as the religious right's attempts to arbitrarily dictate their religious views on creationism or abortion, regardless of what you personally believe).

But I don't think it is ever correct to question their beliefs. They are entitled to their beliefs just as you are. So long, as I said, they are not attempting to force their beliefs upon you.

A MUCH more important point... while it is not acceptable to question, or challenge, another person's beliefs, it is ESSENTIAL that we question and challenge our OWN beliefs. Why do you believe whatever it is that you believe? Because it is what your parents, or friends, or minister told you that you should believe? Or because it is written in a book written by men, be it the Bible, the Qur'an, the Torah, or whatever?

Answer 2

Any time you feel like it. As long as you try to discus things with a cool head.. When you do reticule someones faith do it slowly and with logical points. You go to far if you use violence, tell people there wrong and not explain your point. It is also wrong to not listen to there argument for there belief. Also you have to consider your point might be wrong. Also every one should question there own belief. I am an agnostic. I used to be a Catholic. Honestly, im very thank full i was able to question my own religion and leave it. I feel im more of a moral person without religion. Since i can decide what is right or wrong without a filter.

Answer 3

A person's beliefs are strictly between them and their god. If you are not comfortable around someone due to their spiritual beliefs, then you should simply not be around that person, because none of us has a right to try to change the beliefs of another. A persons spiritual beliefs falls into the private sphere of life and that is where it should be.

Having said that, I must also add that in the Personal Sphere of life these conversations arise, and that should be ok. We should be able to discuss spirituality with those closest to us - and so we should never have to worry that we might suddenly be ridiculed or challenged for our beliefs.

If you feel someone is in danger, of course, you should speak to them to express your concerns - but even then you will get much further speaking out of concern from your heart rather than ridiculing them. Personal spiritual beliefs are to be respected at all times (even conquerors know that, it seems).

Peace!

Answer 4

When individuals or groups can do it in a polite and respectful manner without bias. It goes too far when a person who is in opposition is incapable of being respectful,moral and open to all opinions and not see that people will change because of their opposition. This site defines intolerance,racism and immorality by those who are not here for the Right reasons. *(*

Answer 5

When you have concrete proof that their faith is harmful to you, themselves, or others they are around. Faith is the belief in a better life; if that faith makes death for others an option, then we need to challenge it.

Answer 6

you can question it all you want. i do all the time. i think it's important to question things.

i think we should disaprove of a persons beliefs based on their actions. i always try to beat them at their own game. man contradict themselves and so i look for the contradictions. for example Christians who fear terrorism like Bush wants them to. i tell them it says in the Bible that we are not to fear evil. or to Islam i would say that it says in the Koran that there is to be no compulsion of religion. it also says not to kill innocent people. therefore they cannot argue if they say they believe in their religion.

Answer 7

Freedom of speech. I believe that you should question and ridicule stupidity 24-7. Why should you let something that you believe is harmful go by unquestioned? If you are right, you might be helping someone. If you are wrong, you will learn something. At worst, you won't be bored.

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Answer 8

I only feel comfortable to reticule ones beliefs when they are spouting hate and bigotry and using a religious text as justification.

Answer 9

The line is when that person's faith starts infringing on your personal freedoms. For instance the christian lobbyists who are trying to make abortions illegal. That's when I consider it acceptable to question their beliefs and why they're trying to force their backward hate-filled beliefs on others.

Answer 10

In answer to the questions in your details, I think you will need to be the judge. Different circumstances, different limts.
I Cr 13;8a
11-19-6