Christians and atheists, overall, which group do you feel has more respect for the other's position?

Question

I mean geuine respect.

Sir Oliver Cromwell: Sorry if you felt this was a disrespectful question. I disagree that it is, but I certainly intended to offend no one. I didn't realize discussing comparisons of majorities of groups might be viewed as disrespectful.

Answer 1

That is a good question. I think both sides have disrespectful people, then again what group of people doesn't at some point? Yet both groups have people that respect other's beliefs whether they hold the same or not. Overall though, I think atheists would have to get the vote for more respect for the mere fact that atheists are a lot more openminded to other's ideas and beliefs and tend not to be as pushy with their beliefs on others (although some do).

Answer 2

I don't know that respect is the right word to use here. I can respect an atheist's point of view and I can respect their right to have it. I don't hate or dislike atheists and have several good friends that are atheists. I try in my answers here to be thoughtful to the beliefs of others and hope that I do not come off as demeaning or disrespectful, even though I am sure that I do to some. I don't insult or call names. I don't really see much respect coming from the atheist crowd, though. I do see a lot of name calling, generalizing, putting down, etc. It seems that where a Christian genuinely feels sorrow for an atheist because they do not know God, atheists feel anger towards those that do believe, but especially towards Christians. So, I don't think that atheists can genuinely respect the position of a Christian because they have never been where we are, but a Christian can genuinely respect the position of an atheist because we may very well have been where they are before we met Christ.

Answer 3

I think atheists have more respect for others and their positions. I have run across so many arrogant, judgmental, condescending and just plain rude Christians. Most atheists do not discuss their beliefs unless they are dragged into a discussion. Don't get me wrong I am a believer of a higher power because of the many blessings I have received. Christians really should get a hold of themselves and reach out to those of us that are seeking the truth.

Answer 4

With all the fighting that goes on in here about such things I'd have to say no one really has respect for much! I have many friends in the realm of religion and all of different faiths...we discuss these matters and it never gets heated or mean spirited...that's what I call respect! In order to understand one another we must leave the door open for real discussion and not slam it in someones face or start name calling because you disagree.

I have genuine respect for every believer and non-believer who can back their thoughts, feelings and positions. I believe it is a very interesting topic which needs to be talked about so that we can respect all religions, faiths or whatever one believes! We can learn from one another if we not too stubborn to open our hearts and ears! Amen!

Answer 5

From what I have observed, neither respects the other's position, but the Christians more often than the Atheists tend to at least respect the other's right to their position. Christians tend to disagree with the positions of Atheists, and of other religions, and disagree rather strongly. But from Atheists often I see masive amounts of hostility and religious intolerance.

This is not universal, though, and I don't mean to lump all in either group into a single stereotype. I'm only saying what I typically observe most of the time.

I don't always respect what someone believes, in that I veiw it as right, good, beneficial, or at least equally valid as another position, but I always respect people's rights and perogatives to believe as they choose and hold the positions they choose.

Answer 6

Neither one both can be respectful or disrespectful. Some individuals may be different and have more respect but on the whole I think both Christians and Atheist find the opposing views ridiculous. It is hard to have respect for an idea or a person who holds those ideas when the concept is completely laughable.

Answer 7

As a group, I would say neither do. If you want to know which group has more respectful individuals, then Christians win because of the massive numbers. And you can't do a significant percentage because the population numbers are too different.

Answer 8

Hard question.

There are bad apples in each group which the other can point to to claim lack of respect. It is also these bad apples which tend to stand out and leave an impression, rather than the majority of respectful people.

Answer 9

Well, I have no problem finding those on both sides who have no or little respect for the other's position.

But I would have to say atheists lead "being more respectful", by a nose. There is a still a lap or two to go, so things could change.

~ Eric Putkonen

Answer 10

Got to be atheists because most of them respect all religions equally. Atheism is not always seen as a religion and so it might get respected less than other top religions, like Buddhism and Islam for examples.