Do you think that people should keep their beliefs to themselves??

Question

instead of prophesizing to others about it?

What about sexuality? Do you think the whole "keep your beliefs to yourself" model should also work on the basis of sexual orientation as well?

I post this question after see other posts on other relevant topics. R U offended by public religious spectacles, or for that matter straight or gay couples engaged in P.D.A. (public displays of affection).

What's your input?

Answer 1

Well, I am in the USA. And we tend to believe that anyone can say anything. If a person wants to keep their religious or sexual persuasion quiet, then can. But if someone tells it out loud, they ought to also be able to do it.

I think that the freedom of speech is a good litmus test as to whether or not a country is basing their laws on freedom.

Look at Venezuela, they have a dictatorial person in charge who thinks he can shut freedom of speech down. And also in Iran. They are both nuts who think that their priorities are more important than the people right to speak.

My personal desire is to tell people what I know. I couldn't do that freely if I was under the control of a nut.

Answer 2

No. People should share their beliefs, opinions, experiences, views, wisdom, and observations whenever they feel it is relevent. Everybody else would do well to listen and give everything a fair chance before they reject it. You're going to be offended in this world. Learn to deal with it with wisdom rather than get upset and shut people out. Besides, what are we doing right now on yahoo answers?

Of course, there is the quote: Example isn't the main thing in influence, it is the only thing. Walk more than talk.
People get upset when people share their faith, but in Christianity at least, they get NO benefits from this. Christians already go to heaven and receive every blessing promised. They don't have to tell you about it. In fact, speaking from experience, most don't want to unless they are new converts or wackos. It's a risk and when atheists laugh or are rude, it hurts.
It's awkward, you don't know what to say, you know a lot of people already hate the message or your best friend and passion. Most of the time, they only do it for you because they care and think you need it. I've never done it. I care, but not that much. Minds are closed as heck. Why not listen politely? It doesn't hurt you. What are you scared of?

Answer 3

Yes, people should keep their "beliefs" to themselves. Since "beliefs" -- and most specifically religious ones -- have no basis in fact or historical backing, they are nonsensical, untestable, delusional ideas anyway and have no business in intellectual discussions.

There are people who "believe" that the earth is a square, flat rectangle. There are people who "believe" that nobody has ever landed on the moon. And there are people who "believe" that there's a magical sky-god who got a hebrew virgin pregnant so she'd have his kid, and that we're supposed to worship this mythical being as our savior. All of these "beliefs" have in common that they're not backed by any evidence of any kind, making them all fantasy and speculation...pretty much worthless.

Now, if you want to discuss facts and evidence in a meaningful way, that's fine. That's rational and intelligent. But spouting fantasies for which there is no evidence and claiming they're facts...that's just plain silly :) If you accept such behavior for christians or muslims, then you have to give just as much credence to the flat-earth folks...'cause they have just as much evidence that they're right as you do (i.e. NONE).
People in the US happen to live in a society where a large part of the population holds such fantastical beliefs...so the delusion is reinforced, and it's "ok" to believe this stuff. Some of those people should spend some time in cultures that don't have christianity, it might open their eyes a little to how culturally influenced "beliefs" can be...

As for sexuality -- as long as it's two adults, it's nobody's business but theirs. PDA by two guys or two girls is just as acceptable or unacceptable as PDA by a guy and a girl -- there's no difference.

Peace.

Answer 4

There is a time and place for everything.

On a public message board such as this one, it is appropriate to share your beliefs.

In the workplace, when you are supposed to be engaged at your job, it is not really appropriate. At lunch or breaks, sure, you may talk to anyone about anything if they are willing to participate. If someone outright tells you they don't want to talk about it, then respect that. If they don't come right out and tell you to shut up about your beliefs, but the give you subtle queues, such as changing the subject, or burying their head in the newspaper, or look at their watch, then take a hint. If the person politely listens to your beliefs, and then express that they would like to share their beliefs, it would be nice to return the courtesy.

If you are a public school teacher, or administrator, YOUR JOB IS TO TEACH THE CURRICULUM, not to evangelise your students. You wouldn't want teachers trying to convert YOUR children away from YOUR religion, so practice the golden rule.

If you are a public school student, you have a right to peaceably discuss your views during non-instructional time, in the same manner as you would have to discuss the latest sporting event, or the current music. However, you should not pester someone who clearly does not want to discuss your beliefs.

I can't cover EVERY situation, but I think common sense and courtesy should prevail. I know a lot of people look for legal loopholes to engage in obnoxious behavior and hide behind their religion.

It is generally considered taboo to discuss religion, politics or sex amoung people whom you do not know to well. There is good reason for that.

I am offended when I see religious nut cases standing on the corner with their gay bashing signs, but that is the price we pay for living in a free society. I would rather be occasionally offended by someone exercising their free speech, than to give up mine.

As far as PDA's, little tokens of affection such as holding hands, or a peck on the cheek don't bother me. But sucking face & grinding into each other bothers me, weather the couple is gay or straight.

Answer 5

I don't think people should keep their beliefs about anything to themselves. If we did so, no one would be permitted to communicate. I am not offended by PDAs that are child-friendly between hetero- or homo-sexual people. For example, holding hands, light kissing, etc. I am not offended by religious "spectacles" or rituals unless those "spectacles" attack those not in the religion.

What I do think people should do is respect other people's beliefs as beliefs that are just as acceptable and viable as their own, whether they agree with them or not.

Answer 6

by sharing beliefs, do you mean to make them public, and not try to force them on anyone? that would be great. if you mean, in the term 'sharing' that someone attempt to force their beliefs, whatever they are, on anyone else, that would be an egregious
imposition.

as far as sexual orientation, if you mean that no-one should have any sort of public display of affection, of any sort, at any time, for any reason (which would really be impossible to prevent) then, that could be acceptable. however, if you mean that only 'certain' people can't show affection, and others can, then, that would be wrong.

if you don't 'approve' of someone's choices, then, don't endorse them, however, it's unacceptable to try to dictate any choices to anyone else (as long as they aren't your minor child, whom you are raising and supporting)

while i don't share the 'joy' that many of the other posters have in christianity, i have no problem with them having that joy, as long as i am allowed to worship the way i want, and have the same freedoms they are claiming for themselves. which would include, if they are having a huge tree, or nativity scene, on public land, which is being funded by taxes, then there should be as large a menorah displayed, also on the same public land, also paid for by the same tax base.
if however, they are having said symbols displayed on church property, i would have nothing to say. it's on private property, and there is no tax funding for that.

Answer 7

I think religion, politics and how much money you make should only be discussed only if mutually agreed upon...like in a question and answer forum as this one. Uninvited proselytizing is very irritating. If it comes to defending yourself or others because of their beliefs, that is different. I am all for people's right to their freedoms. As for public displays of affection, they embarrass me and I would prefer it if they did it in private...unless it's a small kiss, hug or holding hands. I'm not a voyeur.

atheist

Answer 8

Absolutely.
Ok to be religious, or not ,to be gay or straight , this national origin that.
Problems arise when people define themselves by their beliefs & reject any point of view other than their own.
If one takes a cold look at historical fact.
The bloodiest events ever were "faith" driven.
The crusades, the inquisition for openers.
The notion of keeping it to yourself sounds good to me.
But I have no hope that people will ever agree to disagree
I do'nt care what a person believes or does in their own life as long as it does not call for violence against others who do not share their beliefs.
Point is, we do not have to love our brothers.
What we must do, is tolerate & minimally ,be indifferent to the
things that define them in their own eyes.
How about just letting each other live.

Answer 9

There is progress because they keep it to themselves. Some people just don't want to hear about it, rather they don't unless you've actually got something important or meaningful to say, not the same old stuff that goes around.

Answer 10

We should always be ready to give an account to those who ask. Also we are told in Matthew 28:18-20 to go and make disciples of all nations. So preach on the street corners. I cannot condone the practices of immoral couples wether straight or gay but that doesn't mean that under the "Banner" of christiandom I can intentionally cause anyone harm.