Is it OK to challenge the beliefs of those who haven't indicated an interest in debate?

Question

When people come to a public forum and announce their beliefs or ask questions about religion, I think they're fair game for all the arguments and challenges that other people come up with, but if they're just going about their lives with a warm fuzzy feeling about their religion, and they're not really harming anyone, is it morally preferable to just not bring up the subject at all - i.e. to let their beliefs go unchallenged?

witchiebunny: I think you may be right.

Answer 1

i guess .. but challenging someones beliefs is not the way to get them to listen to you ... it accomplishes about nothing ..

Answer 2

Is it your goal in life to challenge others beliefs? You describe this as 'fair game' and use the words 'arguments'. Sounds more like anger than discussion or debate. You don't particularly sound like you worry alot about what is morally preferable. I don't really think you are trying to accomplish anything with this activity except being a verbal bully. So why are you really asking this question? You don't need anyone else to give you approval for this, even in your own mind. Why do you care if others run around with only warm fuzzy reasons for what they believe? I don't understand why you put so much energy and yourself into this. Do whatever you want.....but to me it would be more productive to discuss beliefs with people who are open to having this conversation.

Answer 3

I don't think that they are causing harm just by asking about a religion or announcing their beliefs. I don't think anyone deserves to be insulted or challenged just for asking a question. However one should expect to be challenged if being vocal about religion in a public forum. But is it "morally preferable" to just be quiet?

No. I don't think so.

I am an atheist and I hate nothing more than someone who tries to tell me I am going to hell, or tries to argue with me about my beliefs (or lack thereof). But I do believe in freedom of religion, even though I disagree with the concept of religion. I see nothing wrong with someone being comfortable and vocal about their beliefs as long as they are not challenging anyone else's.

Answer 4

One may challenge the warm and fuzzies simply by speaking and acting rationally about things they hold dear - but that's different from gratuitous attack, which I think is inappropriate. The sad and dangerous thing about this is that the dangerous fundamentalists, in any religion, can only persist because of the tolerance extended to the warm and fuzzies. In secular democracies they all shelter under the protective cloak of religious freedom - even to the extent of Government subsidies for religion based schools in a secular society!

Answer 5

It depends on the nature of the question. I think it is disrespectful when a Christian ask for biblical advice from other Christians and all they get are taunts and people telling them why they are ignorant and brainwashed.

That's true of any group, if you ask for answer from certain people or from a certain source or perspective, people to whom that doesn't apply shouldn't harass them.

It's not morally preferable to attack someone just because they have a different belief than you. If they want to debate something (and most people on R&S do) it's usually pretty clear from the question.

Answer 6

Strong Christians love a good debate. We can only give you what the Bible says. We cant put the Holy spirit in you that is between you and God. Believe me if we could the whole world would know him. That is a decision between you and God. All of us or at least a high percentage of born again Christians, remember when we were nonbelievers. If you think its about religion, its not its about a relationship with God. And when you feel the presence of God for the first time, you never forget it. Nothing can ever take that away.

Answer 7

You mean when the squad the Campus Crusade for Christ shows up at the dorm room door and announces "We'd like to tell you how we found Christ" without asking if the people in the room are Jewish, Christian, or care?
Or when the people show up at the front door to promote their religion, usually at a bad time for me, when I would like to sit them down and work on persuading them of my religion?
Or just the person who says "Praise God" when speaking of blessings.
In the last case, confronting someone who is practicing their religion in a ritual way is rude.

Answer 8

When those who hold said beliefs strongly influence legislation and foreign policy, yes. No question about it.

Ok, just read the details. (I have a bad habit of answering before reading any details that are posted.) When you take the fact that these people can vote out of the equation, challenging their beliefs is morally neutral, in my opinion.

Answer 9

I don't bring up my views on religion for no reason. I don't like theists to do it to me, so I see no reason to hold myself to a different standard.

If someone asks me what I believe, or if the conversation naturally turns to religion, then I may offer my opinion or explain why I'm an atheist.

But here? Definitely fair game.

Answer 10

no, you shouldn't just walk up to someone and begin an attack on their ideals. first off, unless they are wearing a shirt or something telling everyone what their religious viewpoint is, how would you even know what to say to them regarding it?

second, if they are wearing come type of clothing advertising their religious beliefs it's still no reason to challenge that belief. would you walk to up someone on the street wearing a calvin kilne shirt just teo tell the calvin sucks?

if you would then you are one of those people that just aren't really suited for modern civilization.


g*

Answer 11

I don't think I would just walk up to someone, we'll use Christian for this question, and out of the blue begin to challenge or question their beliefs. However, if the person is openly espousing their beliefs to you then I would say it would be fine to question or challenge the beliefs.