Are you able to disagree with another's beliefs without attacking them for those beliefs?
I ask because one user, "Pinky," seems to be an atheist who only has it out for Christians and has been posting many offensive and insensitive questions.
2006-12-17 13:45:00 · 28 answers · asked by Joy M 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Thank you all for your answers, they are very thoughtful.
2006-12-17 13:50:33 · update #1
Of course. If people aren't accepting, they're simply ignorant. How can one want others to be accepting of what they believe until they accept others?
2006-12-17 13:46:20 · answer #1 · answered by Almana 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I don't agree with all beliefs (obviously) but I respect other's rights to their beliefs as they derive a value from them. It's not my concern if someone believes differently than I do.
As far as offensive and insensitive questions, I have seen many Christians post questions asking Atheists if they realized they were going to burn (or boil) in Hell. Where's the love in that? It works both ways here on Yahoo. There is a small group of people (from all faiths) that post offensive questions and answers on Y!A. They don't realize they are only posting bad press for their religion.
2006-12-17 21:52:38 · answer #2 · answered by MyPreshus 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In your primary posting you ask if we can accept other people's beliefs?
As a Christian I can acknowledge the rights of others to chose what they believe, but I cannot "accept" their beliefs without becoming one of them.
It's not my job to make others believe anything, that job belongs to God. It is however my job to share what I believe at appropriate times. And that should not be perceived as an attack. Intelligent discussion may lead to debate, but the attacks usually come from those intolerant towards Jesus.
2006-12-17 21:54:22 · answer #3 · answered by Bobby Jim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can accept people who believe things I don't believe, and I can respect their right to believe what they choose, even if I think it is stupid. But, I have a problem with some people thinking that their way is the only right way, and everyone who doesn't agree with them is going straight to hell. Many people believe the things they believe because that is what they have been taught, and they are afraid or unwilling to question and think for themselves. I have a bit of trouble respecting that. Many people are also afraid of things they don't understand, and are rather close minded because of their fear, and I have a bit of trouble respecting that as well. But, I don't attack anybody for having a different view.
2006-12-17 21:55:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the utmost respect for the beliefs of others until they start telling me what I believe is wrong and that I'm going to hell.
And until they try to force their beliefs on other people. Which means that I am at odds with the Xian and Muslim Fundies.
2006-12-17 21:49:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Acceptance and disagreement are mutually exclusive. If you disagree with someone else's beliefs then you are not accepting the beliefs.
I think the word you wanted would be 'tolerate' or 'respect.' Respecting people is vital, but you don't have to accept their beliefs as sacred and untouchable, especially if their beliefs include discrimination against you.
2006-12-17 22:48:47 · answer #6 · answered by February Rain 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
haha, when i first saw "pinky", i thought it was me, and i was like "what??"
anyways, i am a nontheistic and buddhist at the same time, but i can accept other religions quite well. i have many friends that are christians, and they are very nice people. people that cannot accept other religions are mean, and unlikely to have many friends, or their friends are all that kind of people.
if we can all accept different religion, maybe we will form a NEW religion... one that everyone agrees on...
2006-12-17 22:01:07 · answer #7 · answered by pinkygrl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes! Christianity is not to be forced upon anyone. God created the Angelic Realm, and well as mankind with two abilities.
(1) The ability to act independently of his will.
(2) The ability to have a spontaneous from the heart relationship with him.
2006-12-17 21:50:51 · answer #8 · answered by n_007pen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course. That's the way I was raised many years ago. I respect the beliefs of others and live and let live.
2006-12-18 12:21:19 · answer #9 · answered by Witchy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am! I am most likely friends with people who don't disrespect our argue about what I believe. I have Muslim and atheist friends, and they respect me as much as I respect them. My boyfriend is Muslim also, and he is in love with me like none other. I'm Christian and i don't force my religion on anyone. I do answer certain questions about when asked and my friends and some other people usually respect it.
Krazy Libra
2006-12-17 21:48:54 · answer #10 · answered by krazy_libra_from_ac 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋