Why do we always say "no offence" to religious people?

Question

I've found myself doing it, why?

Why oh why do a large percentage of religious followers instantly treat people who ask questions with such utter discontempt?

It seems on here that asking a question is almost against some peoples belief's!?

I've never heard a religious follower say "no offence mate, but you should try some is this buddhiststuff, it's seriously easy going".

Why do we feel the need the pitter patter around them when they feel no need to do the same to us?

And for the record, this is not intended to be offensive, it's a factual observation of recent events from posters here on YA.

Additional: "No offence" is normally something you say right before you tell someone their a moron (or similar), but we seem to say it just because we fear we might hurt their feelings by offering up a different suggestion of things.

Answer 1

its because religious people take offence easily...

Answer 2

Steven,

It's an astute observation. Many believers have had the luxury of being cocooned and protected from the ideas of non-believers. They have been the visible majority. The ideas we raise are shocking to them because they've been insulated and so well indoctrinated, that they haven't heard the "other side's" point of view so clearly before. This can be very threatening to them. It challenges their entire worldview. Each believer knows deep down his beliefs are silly and they are perfectly content to believe the emperor has new clothes when in fact he is naked. It is a willingness to suspend belief.

If we must play the theological game, let us never forget that it is a game. Religion, it seems to me, can survive only as a consciously accepted system of make believe.
— Aldous Huxley, Time Must Have a Stop

The loss of religious faith among the most civilized portion of the race is a step from childishness toward maturity.
— Charles Eliot Norton

People are zealous for a cause when they are not quite positive that it is true.
— Bertrand Russell

You are never dedicated to something you have complete confidence in. When people are fanatically dedicated to political or religious faiths, or any other kind of dogmas or goals, it’s always because these dogmas or goals are in doubt.
— Robert M. Pirsig

No one is fanatically shouting that the sun is going to rise tomorrow. They know it's going to rise tomorrow.
— Robert M. Pirsig,

One of the most constant characteristics of beliefs is their intolerance. The stronger the belief, the greater its intolerance. Men dominated by a certitude cannot tolerate those who do not accept it.
— Gustave Le Bon, 1841-1931

Most believers would kill truth if truth threatened their religion.
— L. K. Washburn

Dogma is a defensive reaction against doubt in the mind of the theorist, but doubt of which he is unaware.
— Harold D. Lasswell,

Inquiry is fatal to certainty.
— Will Durant

Beliefs are what divide people. Doubt unites them.
— Peter Ustinov

Where all think alike, none thinks very much.
— Walter Lippman

Answer 3

I think the problem in communications is that first and foremost people are people, they see what they think is an insult and react to it and it all ends up in a big fight. All the people on here need to think about how they couch their answer (or question) before they post it and make sure it will not be misinterpreted as a challenge or threat.

This place is always going to be full of arguments because of how it's set up - you can state your opinion in perfect anonymity. The only way the disrespect on both sides will stop is if people treat other people with respect regardless of how they portray themselves or how they come across.

I may believe in God but I don't hate any one of you - I don't know you. And what you say here is probably not what you would say to me in real life. I enjoy the rational discussions but I'm not here for a fight.

And I for one have previously stated that I think Buddhism is a good alternative to religion for those who don't want to include a Supreme Being. Buddhism does not preach a single immoral action. I looked into this before deciding to become a Christian.

Answer 4

I totally agree with you.

They are so rude.

EDIT>> I never say no offence. they have to expect some sort of negative response to the questions they are asking. So if they cant take the criticism then don't ask the questions.
I think people who are open minded are more prone to be offended than religious people. the reason they get offended is because every religion belives what they say is right and everyone else is the devil. And how dare you question their belifes. They are all out to convert.

if they dont like it they can pray for my black soul. who cares.

Offence Intended


i know where my thumbs down come from. hahahahaha

Answer 5

They are touchy behold believe. And bang on in your observation that they never apologise to us for any offence. See, that proves the point, none religious people are much more considerate and able to accept that people believes are important to them and it's what they believe and that should be respect even if we don't share or understand that believe. you'll also probably be report by them you for daring to not pitter patter around them!

Answer 6

Religion IS a sensitive subject and ......it is more like asking questions about one's parentage and so it is better to apologize first and ask later. Even then one does feel offended.
Well, if religious people are offensive and boorish to you, it shows their immaturity.
Haven't you heard of Transactional Analysis and the terms "Parent, Adult and Child"? I would prefer to stay in the "Adult" status when transacting (speaking) about religious matters. Also quoting some source or other helps instead of saying outright "I think...........", etc.
As educated and rational human beings we should use the forum to ask good questions and get enlightening instead of being vituperative.........Thanks folks.

Answer 7

Because some respond to a new or different persepctive with agresssion, saying "no offence" is a reasonable way to make a point & (hopefully) avoid an explosion of righteous indignation.

OTOH some people just use the phase just to be offensive.

.

Answer 8

is because religious people gets offended so easily. I believe one should answer question on ones perspective, not taking offence on any issues. People need one opinion or the other to make things work out, and need new ideal of any issues.

Answer 9

Because it's R+S

It's an environment that's constantly combative, and anyone that's been here for longer than a week understands that, so when someone wants to ask a neutral question or give an honest opinion they have to show that they don't mean to offend.

Answer 10

It's a very easy thing to do when people, mainly non-believers, constantly and willfully show contempt for anyone of faith, willfully and arrogantly misinterpret the bible and then claim they've somehow proven it wrong, and then tell people of faith that they're stupid for their beliefs. Yet, these same people whine about being treated with utter contempt in return. Show me anywhere in the bible where it says that followers and believers in Christ have to continually endure such abuse.

Answer 11

Actually it's the scum sucking, right wing, ignorant, bible-thumping fundamentalist Christians who should be saying "no offense" because they are the most offensive to genuine Christians everywhere.

Fundagelicals are indeed the Great Whore of Babylon as found in Revelations--their favorite Book you know. They are the 4 Whoresman of the Apocalypse. They are the bum-chums of Ted Haggard and the followers of the devils Hagee, Colson, Dobson, and the sons and daugthers of the Great Beast Jerry Falwell who now rules from Hell. No Offense