Will you sign the Namaste Declaration?

Question

I hereby declare I will not initiate insults, defamations or lies against those of differing beliefs.

This is in response to this question:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ArkyQBNsBgNR77P1L_LJQhvsy6IX?qid=20070411081629AA6QEM7

"Most all beliefs are wrong and we need to challenge them. "
Um, challenging is not lying or defaming last I checked.

Labgrrl: That's good. Maybe we can work out a draft proposal.

Gaz, you're a better man than I am! Let's get the ceasefire established then we can work on some active humility. Ok

Thomas: Absolutely. Polite disagreement is acceptable.

Gods Kitten: Witty sarcasm is acceptable. Just not all out dumping etc

Answer 1

Geoffrey, today you are my teacher... you remind me of correct speech, for benefit only.

_()_

Answer 2

An inspired initiative Geoffrey, a good start for understanding others. As with Vinslave you teach me Right Action.

Now for the much harder question which is part of your inspiration, Acceptance of other's Beliefs, a full magnitude higher.

Can we accept other's beliefs as being as valid as our own..? I'm willing to try....its an exercise in active humility...it may hurt for a time....this will pass....

Peace from a Buddhist....

Answer 3

I've got this instead:

The Affirmation of Acknowledgment:
I: I acknowledge the presence of other faiths on my planet, indeed, right here in my city/town/village. I acknowledge that the followers of these faiths feel as strongly, maybe more so, than I do about mine.
II: I forgive the other faiths and wipe clean the slate between us. I cannot hold a person responsible for the acts of their faith, I cannot hold a faith at fault for individual practitioners. It is not my place to convert, or otherwise alter a person's religion. I invite discussion of beliefs without judgment of those holding them.
III: I acknowledge that I may be wrong, and I have found comfort in the fact that I may be right.

http://www.cuew.org/affirmation.html

Answer 4

I hereby declare I will not initiate insults, defamations or lies against those who treat me with dignity, respect, and compassion; those who are open minded and do not come to this forum for the sole purpose of denigrating women; those who have a geniune interest in looking at this world through a gender lens; those without entitlement issues and a victim mentality. All the other trolls can KISS MY @SS

Answer 5

Namaste Declaration:
I hereby declare I will not initiate insults, defamations or lies against those of differing beliefs.

*Briar Rose*

Answer 6

Does that include poking harmless fun?

Ok, ok... I'll sign. Insults, defamations, and lies are all wrong. I do, however, like and encourage debate. You are all free to call me wrong and to call me misinformed if you would like. Just don't call me a bigot or an @ss, or any other type of insult. I will afford to you the same privilege.

I claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of my own conscience, and I allow all men (and women) the same privilege. Let them worship how, where, or what they may.

Article of Penguin 1

Answer 7

I agree absolutely that attacks against people do not help them change, do not promote dialogue, and do not present the attacker in a good light. I willingly and whole-heartedly sign.

Beliefs are open to ridicule, but people should never be subject to insults for believing what they've been taught to be the truth.

In other words, insult God as much as you want, but not his followers.

Answer 8

I'll sign. If I get flamed at, I will try not to flame back. I will try not to lie or speak badly of other religions. This does not mean I won't reveal what I know as truth, however.

Now, if only everyone would stop flaming Christianity.

Answer 9

Sounds like a good idea to me.

It's kind of sad, though, that it has to come to this in order to foment reasonable discussion among differing ideas, and that there are those who would rather insult, defame, or denigrate other ideas rather than discuss them.

Answer 10

*signed* under the following proviso:

If the Bible declares something to be wrong, including believing something else, I retain the right to say so, assuming I do so in a humble, meek fashion.

Answer 11

Okay, I'm in... except for an occasional troll topic meant to inspire thought or a good giggle.