Atheists: How much sensitivity toward other religions is appropriate? For example...?

Question

People like Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins argue that Christianity has a detrimental effect on social policy and scientific progress. No one would suggest silencing religious people's opinions, but is "PC" sensitivity toward others' beliefs an impediment to real dialogue? I don't mean mockery, but shouldn't we be blunt and tell Christians (and other religious folks) their beliefs are unfounded?

Aah, I see...I've said "other religions," which indicates that I regard atheism as a religion. True, my wording here was poor. I don't think of atheism as a religion. I guess I used the phrase "other religions" when I should have just said "religion." My bad.

Answer 1

It is more respectful to bluntly tell someone the truth than to politely tell them a lie.

When people cling to irrational beliefs which are a danger to society, failure to speak out against those beliefs is disrespectful not only to the person who holds them, but also to the rest of society which is endangered by them.

Most Christian beliefs are irrational and many are also dangerous to society (for example: the Rapture is upon us, so pollution and global warming don't matter; Jesus forgives everyone and only God has the right to judge us, so rapists and murders should be "forgiven" instead of sent to jail; the Bible says to kill homosexuals, adulterers, and witches, so we should really do so; etc.).

Failing to speak out against the irrational and dangerous beliefs of Christianity (and other religions) is the true sign of disrespect.

Answer 2

This is a very interesting question, and while I am not an atheist I am an agnostic, so I wouldn't mind answering this.

I think it is important to be sensitive in that you respect those with religious beliefs as equals, however this does not mean that they must be agreed with. One can still respect yet disagree with another.

I do agree that there has to be a time where those will religious beliefs should be told that their beliefs are unfounded, but usually those times are when they attempt to use their beliefs as evidence to create or deny policy. The law should not tolerate religious truth as evidential fact. Morality can be backed up by logic, there is no need to use religious belief to support or deny legal policy. So, they must be reminded of this at times.

Answer 3

I hope you don't mind if a Christian pops in. I have no problem with you telling me that you feel what I believe is unfounded. You do not need to be PC with me as long as you are remotely decent.

What I will ask someone who simply makes an argumentum ad hominem is to please back up what they say.

I feel confident that what I believe is reasonable and based on a great deal of evidence. Possibly not enough to convince you but reasonable. Not provable mind you, there are some portions which are unanswerable and that is where faith comes in.

So sure fire away we can still be friends.

Answer 4

If an atheist showed sensitivity towards a Christian, and a Christian offered forgiveness to an atheist....would that be a solution to anything?

I think we're all in this together. The universe is equally balanced. We all vibrate at different energetic frequencies.

These differences may be necessary for the continuation of life as we know it in this galaxy. Not one of us knows everything absolutely, we are a united life-force.

Peace and Harmony!
(sorry I'm not an Atheist....kind of Deistish)

Answer 5

Where as I agree with you no I do not think we should.


WHY because they as we do have the right to believe whatever we want to esp in a free country like the USA, UK, CANADA etc. places where you can choose.

By telling them they are unfounded you are offending them, just as it would be if they told us the same thing. So if you want to try and convince someone i suggest you use tact and good manners and don't get upset if they do not convert and remain true to thier faith, just as you surely would if the tables were turned.

I think instead of us telling people bluntly anything on this subject is a waste of energy for it is negative energy and instead it is better to save that energy for doing something positive for your family or something.

Most true christians i have met are not bad and do not bash, it seems mostly here on Y!A that they do but those are most likely kids who can hide behind a user name to be unknown. They probably would never say what they do in person. So NO id not say anything unless they started a campaign to rid the USA of all non Christians then Id say something, as long as we have freedom of choice then I don;t care or mind what they believe so long as it does not bother my beliefs.

My friends respect me and vice versa and most are Christians only some pagan like me *but not Witches!!!

Hope that helps...I agree with your mission but I think it has to be done gently and with ease so we are not looked upon as antaganizers and bully's.

(see the diff with bonsai_boy and phishphish? One has respect and only wants it in return, just like my friends, then thier are people like phish who will thumb you down and prob start telling you that you are damned next, not what a true christian does as bonsai_boy has proved so ty bonsai_boy for proving my point though im not christian i know only a small portion are like phish and just give the rest of you a bad name just as the few bashers on the pagan side that do it for us. most of us are decent people on both sides of the fence and we both have our extremist, thank fully we have more level headed people such as this asker and bonsai_boy too show two opposites.

Answer 6

I love how onesided it is. As soon as anybody says they do not believe and why they do not believe all you here about is how badly picked on the poor Christians are. Yet it is OK for Olsten, Swaggart or until he got busted, Ted Haggard to rant on about ewverybody else and promote the idea of prison or death camps for nonbelievers. I think it is long past time for loud reactions to them. I think that People like Miss Coulson and the media that supports her should be getting charged with slander for a lot of what comes out of her mouth. I see American media and I am absolutely appalled by the stuff that the Christians and the Republican utter with such shamelessness.

Answer 7

We should always respect the beliefs of others in direct proportion to the level of the respect that they show others who disagree. Your question...and I am just guessing mind you. Has to do with those Christians who are so "enamored" with their own beliefs that they feel pretty much "attacked" by anyone who questions the validity of their faith.
For those who fit within that catagory...I say.."Fire at WILL!"

Answer 8

Sensitivity should be eye for eye and tooth for tooth. No one calls for the Buddhist to shut up because they find no value in demoralizing other viewpoints. Any religious view that is predicated on the notion that all other cultures and faiths are fundamentally damned from the start should have the boot of public opinion on their neck until they lighten up.

Answer 9

People should be able to believe whatever they want as long as their actions as a result of their beliefs don't encroach on any one else's rights.

Answer 10

You old dirty blogger, you! ~giggles~

I'm usually blunt in voicing my opinions although I do try to keep it respectful. Some hear me out, some don't ~shrugs shoulders~