Do you feel respected by people of other beliefs in R&S? How about real life?

Question

For me I'd say it's 50/50 in R&S.

In real life I only know one person who doesn't respect me just because I'm a Christian, so that's completely different.

Johnny: for a lot of people, respect is related to faith. Sometimes somone will lose all respect for you because of your religious beliefs, or lack in the case of atheists. This is what I'm refering to.

Answer 1

Well here there are very few Christians who respect Atheists and very few Atheists who respect Christians.

I don't feel like it is the same way in real life because you're not walking around asking ignorant questions. In real life most people don't have the balls to say what they say to each other on here in real life.

The only time I feel disrespected by Christians is when they knock on my door at 8 in the morning trying to save my soul. But I only think that this is because I try not to discuss religion especially since where I live there is a church for every five people. It would be pointless. Not only that, I don't like it when people force their beliefs on me so why would I do it back?

Answer 2

I'd say 50/50 is right on target.

I've gained respect for certain individuals in how they express their beliefs which are different from my own. Some haven't done a thing to earn it and only perpetuate the poor image their "group" has. Still some of those people are truly hurting and so I try to be charitable to them and have included some in my contacts as they haven't been offensive to me directly.

In real life, I have friends of varying beliefs and it has never been an issue with anyone who truly cares about me - I had one friend who chose to make my being a Christian a huge issue - even though it's something I pretty much keep to myself except on this forum, or to answer a question as in "Where were you this morning?" and I answer saying "I was at church" That's as pushy as I get in the real world.

Answer 3

In real life I'm respected as a Christian and a person. My friends and family knows my sincerity.I can't say that I've ever personally met a non believer.
On R&S I've only had one negative comment and it was from a Christian who apparently misunderstood my question.
I don't recall being bashed for my belief nor do I bash others. Without coming off as a goody-two-shoes, I try to live by the golden rule. Treat others as I would like to be treated.

Answer 4

Sometimes it is hard to respect other people's beliefs. For people that are not part of some kind of religious cult, personal freedom is often of the utmost importance. I feel that as a responsible adult member of society I should be free to do anything that does not violate the rights of another. On the other hand, the religious cults worship gods and their fancy magics and would gladly hand over personal liberty to serve their godly masters. I am completely at odds with that. I will never respect delusional cultists that feel they have a right to restrict my actions based upon their cult teachings and believes.

Answer 5

Like always, I say as long as you don't try to legislate your beliefs or legislate things that restrict mine, I don't really care if you don't like them.

I wouldn't want many of the users of R&S in public office.

In real life, people don't really talk about beliefs. If they do, I usually just say, "I'm not a Christian" and the conversation usually stops there. I'd rather avoid the scowls or misconceptions that go along with Atheism. And real life debates can become more heated when religion is involved. The peoples that I might converse with on these topics are usually someone I already have a relationship with and making waves wouldnt really benefit me. I'm not afraid to talk about my beliefs, but with people I must cohabitate, I'd rather leave it unspoken.

Answer 6

I think respect for atheists is so-so here. There are quite a few of us here, so there is a bit of "safety in numbers".

I don't discuss religion very openly in public. The few cases where my lack of belief has come up I have received some pretty shocked (and one disgusted) looks back in response to that.

Answer 7

I am respected most of the time in R+S. (Probably 90+ %). And in real life even more. People have found that if challenged, I am ready for a good debate, and that I can defend Christianity well.

Answer 8

I agree with the 50/50 split. There are people of different religions who I like (yourself, Sisterzeal, Primoa, etc). And there are people of other religions that I can't stand (too many to list).

And what is this "real life" you speak of? I've spent so much time on Answers I've forgotten what it's like to actually HAVE a life.

Answer 9

I'll agree with you there. I'd say its more of 25/75 in favor of disrespect. This is due to my beliefs drawn from my faith. The codes of ethics and morality which are deemed obsolete and politically incorrect.

Answer 10

For the most part. I've been lucky enough to surround myself with very accepting friends. The group of friends I formed at college, there were 3 atheists and 5 Christians, and we got along amazingly.