Or doesn't believe? Why can't people just respect each other's decision to believe or not believe how they choose to do so without insulting or talking down to one another or mocking their beliefs?
2007-06-28 04:47:42 · 33 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
To quote my friend Soulful Kris, "The christians started it!"
2007-06-28 04:53:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 5⤋
I've just been reading the biographies of John Adams by David McCullough and Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. What's interesting is that during the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitutional Convention, Adams and Hamilton respectively were very outspoken and this hurt them politically later. Jefferson and Washington, again respectively and on the other hand, were tight lipped and went on to the Presidency. For me personally, I respect Adams and Hamilton more for their candid explication of their beliefs rather than biding their time like a snake in the grass. Of course, Adams and Hamilton were intelligent enough to know the value of tact and therefore spoke out against the idea, not the speaker, which would have been counterproductive anyway.
2007-06-28 05:02:25 · answer #2 · answered by Necromancer 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It happens more on here than in real life, truly. I live in a very diverse area--and believe me, no one out there is fighting over religion--or lack of.
Some people of certain faiths/denominations believe it is their God-given job to spread the Word--and most people of other denominations/faiths don't..
Those who do not go out and try to convert others are doing what they think is right--allowing others their God-given FREE WILL.
I was raised in a Christian denomination--but was always taught to respect the beliefs of everyone--and I do--and I taught my children to do the same.
I know some atheists--they are not out there telling people what to believe and what not to believe--they are going about their daily routine like everyone else.
2007-06-28 12:35:16 · answer #3 · answered by Holiday Magic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. It's bothers me when people call me stupid just because they don't understand where I came from in my belief. And yes, most everybody is guilty of demeaning someones intelligence at one time or another. The best you can do is when someone insults you, respond nicely, this drives them nuts, and you are able to keep you respect and dignity, without getting angry at someone who isn't worth your time.
2007-06-28 04:55:39 · answer #4 · answered by Mrs. Bear 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because most people believe that you can judge someone by what they wear, what they eat, and what they believe in (or not believe in). For some, intelligence is directly linked to a set of beliefs.
2007-06-28 04:53:42 · answer #5 · answered by Lisa 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's a conditioned response. We protect what we value the most (our belief system, our values) and try to take down those that happen to pose a threat.
Education and tolerance helps to deal with this conditioned response in a more civilized and respectful manner.
2007-06-28 05:07:03 · answer #6 · answered by smallbluepickles 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's just a learned defense. Kind of "What I believe can't possibly be wrong so what you believe has to be, and therefore stupid".
People do indeed need to accept the fact that no one knows (or could know) for sure which, if any, religion is true.
2007-06-28 04:53:21 · answer #7 · answered by Sun: supporting gay rights 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
you are right and i am seeing a whole lot of immature answers here. Everyone should believe as they like it is our free right. I think many of many paths lead to God and I get crap for that but I do not care because there are more important things in life then what religion a person is such as getting our soldiers home from Iraq alive. That is what is more important then fighting over whose religion is right. Not all religions are right and not all of them are wrong.
2007-06-28 04:57:24 · answer #8 · answered by daisy322_98 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You act as if it's impossible to both respect someone's opinion and think that person is a complete idiot at the same time.
I respect another person's right to have whatever opinion he wants on any subject he chooses. Just because I respect his option to have that opinion doesn't mean I have to condone it.
A guy has the right to believe the world is flat, there was no Holocaust, humans have been on earth for only 10,000 years, etc. That doesn't mean I can't disagree with him and think he's a complete moron.
2007-06-28 04:56:15 · answer #9 · answered by Peter D 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
its because everyone wants to defend them self it's part of human nature and its hard not to want to yell back or return insults etc people who go out of there way like email someone on here are not confident in there own belief and want to do whatever it takes to hurt someone so they fell better about them self
You have to be a strong person not to let people get you down
2007-06-28 05:01:18 · answer #10 · answered by Juleette 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That question is as old as the Bible. People are afraid of the unknown or what they don't understand. Simple as that.
If you are a straight Christian do you find yourself (even a little) irritated with the gay community?
We all demonstrate that action in some form or matter because we don't agree or understand.
And if your on YA expect it even more and meaner.
2007-06-28 04:55:33 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋