I have been here for some months, regularly ask and answer questions and (generally) try to be respectful of other's beliefs even when I find them to be confusing to me or even foolish.
When asking questions I try to use words and style that are in keeping with my "targets". As an example - and only as that - when I ask questions specifically to Christians I often capitalize the word "He" when referring to Jesus. The reason I do this is because I feel it's most respectful to those I'm asking the question of.
On the other hand, I'm an agnostic and don't believe in these particular dogmas but rather am here mostly to learn about other's faiths, why they believe what they do, etc.
My question: Should I continue to use a style of writing that defers to, or uses what I perceive to be the grammatical customs of those I'm asking the question of (or those whose questions I'm answering) or is this being somewhat patronizing?
2007-09-19 19:03:14 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Oh, and please -- spare me the "there's no etiquette on R&S" lines. I couldn't think of a better word at 1am. :P
2007-09-19 19:08:22 · update #1
Rin: Yes, perhaps sometimes I do but at other times I am asking objective questions about their faith without judgement or bias.
2007-09-19 19:12:51 · update #2
nicely: I'm not suggesting that *not* doing so is disrespectful; I'm asking if it's somehow more respectful to do so.
2007-09-19 19:14:18 · update #3
If you are comfortable with the way you post questions, then continue doing so :) No one can fault you for being polite.
2007-09-19 19:12:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
I'm agnostic also and I find that no matter what you do you are offending someone here. I've had people that I'm agreeing with or defending attack me for some perceived insult. Continue your questioning the way you see fit, and if others don't like it, oh well. On a side note, antagonizing both of the majorities on R&S can be quite fun.
2007-09-20 02:15:04 · answer #2 · answered by tremonster 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
you won't please everyone, no matter what you do. if your objective is to learn, it seems possible that you would be best served by letting them assume that you agree with them a bit more than you actually do - but some may find that deceptive, especially at the moment that they work out that you're not quite in complete agreement with them! i find it difficult to conceal my distaste, so i try to be straightforward about it - but that also rather limits my options right from the start. oh well, what can you do?
2007-09-20 02:21:54 · answer #3 · answered by vorenhutz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to, out of respect, go ahead. Go with what feels right for you.
Personally, I rarely capitalize anything having to do with a deity (the exception being Jesus, because it's a proper name).
2007-09-20 02:14:25 · answer #4 · answered by Bill K Atheist Goodfella 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Personally I don't capitalise god or him...because it is simply a statement that I think he does not exist and therefore capitals would indicate I did. (ie a noun rather than a description)
The offense is unintended I just consider it part of the integrity of my life philosophy that I don't bend my rationale to keep others happy.
2007-09-20 02:13:03 · answer #5 · answered by nicelyevolve 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Capitolize according to your beliefs. In my opinion this is the best way to be true to yourself and others. Capitolize proper nouns, but capitolize pronouns based on your beliefs (i.e. if you believe Jesus (peace be upon him) is God, then by all means capitolize pronouns refering to him).
2007-09-20 02:22:57 · answer #6 · answered by Salmah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't capitalize those proper pronouns because I don't believe in them.
I think it's about being honest with who you are. Trying to 'conform' and blend in is lying to yourself and others.
2007-09-20 02:20:34 · answer #7 · answered by sprite 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't see the point.
You are questioning the most basic of assumptions about their god, confessing your disbelief, and challenging the Bible. That should be enough to piss someone off...I don't know why capitalizing a pronoun would make this act of questioning any better for them.
2007-09-20 02:12:02 · answer #8 · answered by Rin 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Language is for communication. Just do your best to make your point and be honest about who you are and what you believe, and it will be fine.
2007-09-20 02:24:19 · answer #9 · answered by firelight 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that you should do what you choose to do. If you think it is respectful and that's the kind of person you are, then by all means do it.
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AD
2007-09-20 02:13:03 · answer #10 · answered by AuroraDawn 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋