I can understand that some people don't share my beliefs. I can respect that. What I can't respect is the ones who are rude and make comparisons to Sant Claus or Big Bird and some sort of spaghetti monster. I personally don't make up names to insult Atheists or Agnostics or any other religions. Can you please show Christianity the same respect?
2007-09-02 07:56:09 · 35 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
CJ, I'm not bothered by them. I just see it as childish. Seriously childish. When I was a child I did as a child would do. When I became a man, I put away those childish things. I know you're right CJ. I guess I'm just tired of ignorance.
2007-09-02 08:04:43 · update #1
REBORN, Christians call ourselves sinners as well. We are all sinners having fallen short of the Glory of God!
2007-09-02 08:13:37 · update #2
You're actually bothered by atheists? I take it as a compliment. Jesus said if you truly know Him and believe in Him, the world will hate you.
2007-09-02 07:59:59 · answer #1 · answered by CJ 6 · 6⤊ 10⤋
I share your frustration, but I don't really see a question in this. I personally am a Solitary Wiccan/Pagan because I believe that spirituality is a totally deeply personal issue, but also because I have not seen ANY religious group in which the vast majority practice what they preach. i respect them for their individuality and diverseness (I also think that all religions teach the same tenets or "guidelines to live by", they just do it in different ways). Very few people see spirituality and religion as a way of life.
I've seen small groups (in all religions) do it, but the vast majority do not follow their Religion's teachings- even among Priests, Ministers and other religious leaders.
Whenever I encounter someone that is rude or berates another (for any reason- religious or not), I just politely (try to anyway) state that I respect them for their differing opinion or beliefs, but that they should do the same. I will use some teaching from their own religion, such as "Would Christ act in such a manner?" and I non- verbally send them light and spiritaul blessings to heal their spirit., then let the incident go.
People, reguardless of religion are the same world-wide. Some follow theirs and the vast majority do not- they observe the holidays & traditions, go to services, but outside of that they do not make it a way of life. Then there are the ones that believe that their religion IS the only right one, but aren't there at least one of those in every group, club, or even family?
You can choose to interact with them or not, just silently send them your blessings as well as the person they offended and go about your day. When & if it's in their heart to change- they will.Oh, I also do not argue, I agree (it's difficult to argue with someone that agrees with you) that they are right to their own beliefs. I just disagree on how they deliver their message.
2007-09-02 08:48:22 · answer #2 · answered by Kathy Pop 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think atheists would be happy to show the same respect, if the religious would simply leave us alone.
The Christian Right in the US doesn't just advocate guidelines and standards for living in the private sphere, it wants laws passed. Too many religious people want me to have to live according to the rules of Christianity whether I am Christian or not. This is a transgression and it will be met as one.
I think there would be a lot more peace between us if the separation of church and state was a bit more separate. If you believe abortion is wrong, don't have one or better yet, offer to take in an unwed mother and help her out so she doesn't need one to keep her life from blowing apart. But don't try to legislate your beliefs on other people.
What atheists want is choice--you live by your rules and we'll live by ours. The main ones we can agree on, no problem, they are the hallmarks of a civilized society, not necessarily a religious one (no murder, no stealing, etc.). But gay rights? Abortion? Stem cell research? You are free not to participate in those things, but when you try to stop others from living according to THEIR convictions, you will be pushed back, and sometimes not very gently.
I am sure you would like to keep this conversation separate from politics, but it just isn't separate. That's where the hostility comes from. Otherwise atheists would just think you are a kindly person but misguided. I think of the religious as misguided and needlessly intrusive.
2007-09-02 08:04:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anise 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
In general, I think you have a point. However I think the spaghetti monster is just in fun, with no intention to insult. - or maybe taking a jab at all beliefs, not just Christianity.
And let's face it: some people will believe anything, just for the sake of believing something. I say this as a convinced Christian.
EDIT:
While some are deliberately being insulting, and name-calling (Christians too I'm afraid), I think that a person who doesn't believe in anything supernatural might have trouble differentiating between Christian belief and the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Take it as a challenge, to show that your belief has more foundation.
I generally appreciate having my arguments ridiculed a bit from time to time, because that way I can hone down my arguments, and not just talk into the air to people who are too polite to let me know I'm not getting through at all.
2007-09-02 08:03:05 · answer #4 · answered by Mr Ed 7 · 6⤊ 1⤋
I tell you what is hard to believe...I saw two, (not one) but two gaggles of geese fly over my head yesterday...one directly behind the other. I also know you don't share my beliefs about such an overwhelming occurance. But I had just made my first contact and donation to an outreach and soup-kitchen ministry minutes before what I consider a miracle of nature took place, in an area that used to be lucky to see one goose in a year's time, and that as a migrant stray. Now, the big birds LIVE here! Iv'e never seen so many in my life, but them flying over my head is a special event to me...and I interpret this as Divine Favor, at least for me, that is...
Nevermind the bickering, hold your head up!
2007-09-02 14:33:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your reference to "some sort of spaghetti monster" tells me you know absolutely nothing about why The Flying Monster is important. I know a lot about your god and Jesus. Broaden your horizons enough so you at least understand the concept of the FSM. It's not a "real religion." But it's as valid as any other.
2007-09-02 08:05:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
But it all amounts to the same thing. I didn't make up the Flying Spaghetti Monster or Big Bird either. Doesn't matter that it's just as ridiculous.
2007-09-02 08:00:47 · answer #7 · answered by Becca 6 · 4⤊ 2⤋
The same respect as calling me and others who don't believe in your God sinners? You personnel may not have said it. But if they can't handle the truth they need to stay in their safe little churches with their safe little bibles. stop denying those who still have control of their minds the rights to which they are entitled. IE free speech, pro choice, homosexual rights to the pursuit of happiness, and the free study of science theory's. We, no I speak for my self, I deny your God and I deny your "right" to use your God to control government.
2007-09-02 08:07:37 · answer #8 · answered by The true face of religion 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
If your faith is threatened when you are asked to explain the difference between believing in your God and beliving in some other mythical creation, then you should be seriously questioning your own faith.
If your faith is that solid, you should have no problem with it.
If you can't deal with the heat, get out of the kitchen.
2007-09-02 08:04:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
When I mention Santa or FSM, it is not to disrespect Christianty, only the argument put forth. For ex, If the argument is evidence for Yehweh, does it also hold true for other unseen entities?
EDIT: Feel free to respond to anyone who disagress with you also.
2007-09-02 08:00:35 · answer #10 · answered by Eleventy 6 · 8⤊ 1⤋
i rather focus on the respect of my ABBAH FATHER than any thing that shows their own credit. Christ have full compassion as Christian too,in obedience to His command.Each of their religion shows fruit/fruits of what they believed and act,if we know how to love our enemy then i believed you belong to the kingdom of Christianity.
2007-09-02 08:25:15 · answer #11 · answered by m2t2_jh2007 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋