How stupid do people's beliefs have to be before it's acceptable to mock them?

Question

Or by definition, it they don't agree with you, are you on pretty sturdy ground?

Answer 1

I think it would be more intelligent and productive to ignore them.

Answer 2

Mock the beliefs or the people?
It's not the same thing, though when some people so self-identify with their current beliefs, demonstrating the difference can be difficult.

It's a fraught area: in a different time and place, sacrificing your first-born to Moloch would have been the norm, and anything else the "stupid belief"

And I've had to change my views a few times, when I came across evidence that there were *better* things to believe.

So that leaves me not inclined to mock *people* but very inclined to question and test *beliefs*, and not allow them to be put in some sort of sacred untouchable glass jar, just because someone holds them dear.

But then I consider my beliefs "fair game" too.
If someone can shoot holes in mine, and offer me a better set, they have done me a favour, not harm.
Even if the changeover is painful and unsettling.

Answer 3

Why not mock them? Many times their belief systems are so out of whack with common sense and facts that there is really no point in allowing them to think they could be right in some way. Just because they place a label of "religious belief" doesn't mean that they are protected from being called out.

Answer 4

To justify mocking a persons believe I actually look at the person rather than their belief. Here is a example.
"Jimmy your a christian? Christianity must be a stupid religion if a stupid person like you believes in it!"
Do you see how that works mocking someone beliefs based solely on the person instead of the actual belief.

Answer 5

There are two types of religious beliefs-sacred beliefs, and beliefs about the world that are caused by such. I never mock someone's sacred beliefs. However, some of the second category I will speak out about. Beliefs that the world is 6000 years old, homosexuals are evil, Republicans are God's warriors and Democrats are Satan's spawn, Dungeons and Dragons causes suicide-these things are just silly.

Answer 6

look, it's not so much the beliefs that are mocked but the way in which those beliefs are stated and delivered. if Fundies (of any religion) didn't demand respect without giving any the mocking would be cut back by 99%.

Answer 7

GBB,
I never make fun of or mock anyone's beliefs. I have been offended by some people's comments but I never try to lash back at them. I have accidentally done so when my blood sugars were "out of whack" though. Have a great week and a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Thanks,
Eds


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Answer 8

"Stupid" is subjective when it comes to religion. If you think it's ok to mock someone else's "stupid" beliefs, be prepared for others to do the same thing to you.

Mocking beliefs is never acceptable.

Answer 9

Its easy to figure out. Once the person looks for personal vindication and rationalized external validation of his or her own position by posting to Yahoo Answers, mock away.

Answer 10

You should never mock anyone. Who's to say what's "stupid" and what isn't? If you are secure in your beliefs, there is no reason for you to worry about the beliefs of others.

Answer 11

There is no reason to mock the beliefs of others. One can disagree with (or rationally debate) the ideas and beliefs of others without taking a mocking or condescending attitude.