Will we ever get to the point in which: I might not like what you believe but still respect it?

Question

I feel so sad about some countries that say they are understanding of cultural differences, yet, they ban the religious/social minorities from expressing their beliefs. I have traveled to a few countries and I must say by far we (Americans) are more liberal when it comes down to letting folks express themselves. We are not quite there yet in my opinion, but we are way ahead of the rest! What do you think?

Have a great day!

Answer 1

I may not be there yet but i am working on it.

Answer 2

I think people will never totally respect what all people believe or how they choose to live their lives, however, I think it has come to a point where most people are "accepting" of others. This country was founded on religious freedom and I think that it still carries that tone today. As far as other groups that are not religious but have different lifestyles like gay people, I don't know what their fate will be. So far there is not much respect OR acceptance from religious and Christian because we are told that it is wrong. I have come to the point where I love the person but not their lifestyle. I think that attitude is acceptance to a point. But, sadly, there are people still in the united states that are trying to deny and take away rights from all camps.

Answer 3

I don't know if I respect other beliefs so much as I think that it's counterproductive to try to force others to believe as I do. All that that can possibly do is produce lukewarm "Christians" who might mouth the words but don't believe them in their hearts. True Christianity, however, is love God, which can only be done willingly and of one's own accord.

"Intolerance does not arise when I think I have found the truth. Rather it arises comes about only when I think that, because I have found it, everyone else should agree with me."

- Michael Behe, Darwin's Black Box, p. 250

Answer 4

Only when (A) No religious law is imposed on anyone other than those who are members of that faith and (B) Anyone who wishes to depart a particular faith group is allowed to do so without reprisals.

For example, Southernmale42 (above me) speaks of respect, but in his profile decries anyone who does not accept his faith, saying flatly that belief in Christ is the only way into heaven. That falls far short of respect. It is stating his opinion as fact. I'm not certain he has learned yet what respect is.

Answer 5

America is far behind many coutries when it comes to the expression of belief, even now atheists are not allowed to stand for election in some states.

Answer 6

Yep. I'm there. Just because you may not believe what I believe I don't hold your beliefs against you. I simply state my own beliefs and listen to yours and hopefully we can meet somewhere in the middle of the road to exchange ideas. However, I certainly do reserve the right to poke fun at those who deride me and question my intellect simply because I refuse to betray my spirituality.

Answer 7

i wish it was like that. i personally don't mind what my friends believe in because i know they have my back. with my good friend we don't worry about the politics side, your religious belief, etc. it works out we all have fun and believe in unity.

Answer 8

I tend to agree, but you also have to consider we are harder to get to than most other places and more costly, hence we attract a more refined and self-disciplined level of outsiders.

Answer 9

I can only speak for me, but I have always respected everyone regardless of their beliefs or philosophies. Thanks for asking and have a great day!!