If your beliefs are funny, will it be more disrespectful if I a) laugh, or b) nod and pretend to go along?

Question

('Cause I gotta tell ya, the last person I pretended with was a five-year-old who wondered whether Santa's reindeer prefer hay or oats. I'm just sayin'.)

Answer 1

I just smile enigmatically and wait for them to ask.
Last week my mate's 9 year old asked if I believed in god and I said no.
She asked why not and I said there was no proof to support the belief - she went off to process that.
I'd like to think we'll continue this discussion over the next decade or two.

We must respect the other fellow's religion, but only in the sense and to the extent that we respect his theory that his wife is beautiful and his children smart. (HL Mencken)

I'm afraid I'm not that nice cos I respect no one who believes in ISCs.

Answer 2

Why do you feel a need to be disrespectful in the first place?
If a child believes in something, laughing is actually emotional cruelty to the child, and disrespectful to the childs parents! If they want their child to believe in something you don't you should still respect their wishes! In the case of a child you should at least pretend, or if you can't just say something like 'Reindeers usually eat grass so I expect they like hay better'
I don't expect people to believe something or like something just because I do, but I'd rather they were honest and said so. I might disagree with you but I'm sure you would hate it if I ridiculed your beliefs!
After all only a child thinks that everyone believes in the same things they do, and only a Child would think they had the right to say someone elses beliefs WERE funny!

Answer 3

I think there are many times in ones life when someone says something that you might not think makes sense but you know that the other person really believes it. In most cases to simply voice your own beliefs is sufficient, but to laugh in someone's face is hurtful and tactless. You don't have to be a Christian to be kind to someone.
I don't think that nodding is good either because it makes the person think you agree with them. If you don't, you should be able to voice that in a manner that is not hurtful. If the person will not leave it be then that is your cue to let them know you are done with the conversation and not respond further.

Answer 4

Well, if it was a kid, I'd say pretend to go along because they are just so damn cute with their beliefs in santa, the easter bunny and the tooth fairy. But otherwise I would rather if someone was honest and laughed so I can hear their beliefs. I like to debate

Answer 5

There is another option. I mean, it's more honest to do 'A'. But it is more respectful to simply say you disagree and are not interested in being converted. If you can have open discussion after that, then by all means, do. But i've seen a lot of times when people push and push and push back - then it's OK to mock them. Just be polite first :)

Answer 6

Why do you have the right to laugh at someone that has different beliefs than you. Is it so hard for you to be polite? Maybe you could buy a book about manners, or how to have a conversation without being rude? Manners for Dummies, perhaps?

Answer 7

Oats are hard to get in the city. They really like Carrots.

Answer 8

okay,would you laugh if i said (depending on how your living your life)that your going to hell if you dont repent?
or would you nod your head and go along???oh yeah,reindeer prefer oats.

Answer 9

Laugh. Then when the person gets offended or starts laughing too, explain why your laughing and answer

Answer 10

I just looked at your profile and see that you are a member of the atheist mafia.

I was in R&S when this group tried to start.

Would it be more disrespectful if I a) laugh at you ,or b) pretend I am not laughing at you?