Atheist: Is there a theist that you respect or admire despite their beliefs?

Question

It could be anyone at all, Someone who despite their belief system, you still hold a lot of respect and admiration for. Me personally would have to choose Francis Collins. He is a Christian Scientist who is also head of the Human genome project. Although he considers himself Christian he still acknowledges evolution and the big bang as fact. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Collins

Answer 1

The Dahli Lama .
Always preaches peace and unity ,never judges .

Answer 2

I'm more of an agnostic but am not usually a fan of Christianity. Still, I think Tammy Fae Baker is awesome. She's a Christian and I think she's the example of what Christianity SHOULD be. Being positive, loving, joyful and accepting of all people and lifestyles (was very accepting of the gay community). Great lady, sad to hear she's so sick now.

EDIT: The Dali Lama was actually my first pick (a great, wonderful, joyful man) but I didn't include him because Buddhism isn't really a god-themed religion. It's more of a religion of the self (or non-self, if you will).

Answer 3

Tons of them!

I loved the previous Pope (dont care much for the new guy) for one.
I dont see how any true and self-respecting atheist can allow religion to influence whether or not they admire people--it all comes down to the person, not a belief.

Bad Liberal nailed it: the beliefs just arent important unless they are used to justify being a bad person, which unfortunately is done frequently.

Answer 4

Not an Atheist
but that is a cool question, as there is knowledge to be had every where. I have had really great thought inspiring conversations with Atheists. In some ways I fee like they are people with very high integrity, and that makes it hard to concede to anything their brain cannot comprehend. and they keep us theist on our toes, and don't let us get Sloppy, and unclear about our beliefs, and actions!

Thanxs

Answer 5

Of course, there are many theists I admire and respect, friends family and otherwise.

Their personal belief does not affect my evaluation of them as a person.

The person who springs to mind at first would be my mother, who's own religious beliefs are very strong, but has never sought to impose them on the rest of her family.

Answer 6

I incredibly have entire understand for the rights of theists, non theists, atheists, polytheists and agnostics to have their ideals. I have no repect in any understand in any theory which inspires a one way/in basic terms way physique of concepts or a condemnatory, or perhaps improved, physique of concepts in the direction of different faiths. besides the undeniable fact that, whilst confronted with self righteous theory platforms i'm a technique or the different forced to play devil's propose.

Answer 7

Desmond Tutu.

He is probably the only notable Christian I can think of with a set of values I would consider even 1/10th decent.

In fact, he may well even be a truly good man.

Answer 8

Jimmy Carter

Answer 9

There are countless excellent theists I admire and respect. "Despite their beliefs" doesn't come into it until their beliefs invade racist, sexist or otherwise bigoted territory.

I think Dorothee Sölle was a pretty remarkable example of what a Christian should be.

Answer 10

Ken Miller

Answer 11

Too many to list,from friends and family to public and historical figures.I especially admire anyone willing to die for their beliefs[peacefully],as that shows sincerity.Despite what some theists think in the heat of debate I for one do not think they necessarily are unworthy of repect or admiration.
After reading delighted's comments I would add her to my list.