How can NON-BELIEVERS disagree with someone's religious beliefs without being seen as RUDE? Is it possible?

Question

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I'm really not thin-skinned (although this question may imply the opposite).

I'm simply frustrated by watching Believers become defensive when they feel attacked simply because someone disagrees with their beliefs. How is it possible to present a different viewpoint without triggering the hostility?

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Answer 1

The spirit of the crusades and the inquisition still lives on with these heretic hunters.

Answer 2

Well, I think there is a fine line. This is only because what one may consider a point for discussion and debate could be taken as offensive and rude to another person. Its completely subjective so I don't think there is any real way to define it. Personally, I don't mind people disagreeing with me or even saying that I am wrong. What I DO mind is when someone tries to force their religion down my throat. I am Atheist, so I also despise when I am told I am going to "burn in Hell" or something along those lines. Overall, I think you will find many different answers for this question, but I don't think one can be considered right over the other because it is so opinionated. Atheist Lilian

Answer 3

It depends on how something is said. I have asked people questions about their religion or why they do certain (religious) things without offending them. And also said I disagree.

Example: I was talking to a woman who is a Jehova's witness and said that divorce due to physical abuse is not allowed in her religion. I simply said that I could never be a part of that, because I know I could never stay with an abusive man. However, saying something like "that's really stupid, you'd have to be an idiot to listen to that" is entirely different. (Even if it is true.) I asked a Jewish person once about the beanies (can't remember the real term for those little hats they wear) nicely, asking, "Why do the men have to wear them?" I did not say "Don't you realize how ridiculous you look?"

See the difference?

Answer 4

It's possible. The degree of probability is the question.

Defensiveness and feelings of being persecuted are the hallmarks of delusional thinking. Anything that challenges the belief is going to trigger such responses.

That doesn't stop me from challenging them, though. It's about time religious faith was challenged, it should have started a long time ago. People have treated those with religious faith with kid goves for far too long, with disastrous results. Nothing will ever change as long as people continue to view religious beliefs as somehow off-limits to scrutiny and rational inquiry. If people view a challenge as an attack, that's unfortunate, but that doesn't make it an attack.

Answer 5

It's really difficult because someones personal religious beliefs have deep emotion value. You can link the "religious experience" to the actual , which is the part of the brain that governs emotional, hormonal and arousal responses. So when they become so defensive they cant help it. The only way they can be open to something is if they feel safe and not like they are being attacked.

Answer 6

I'm not sure it's possible...but I've never tried. j/k.

I think people are naturally defensive when it comes to their religious convictions. And I can say for my part that sometimes it really does irritate me, as an atheist, to be confronted with "religious" PsOV that I feel are ridiculous, immoral, or even overtly hostile. So I can sort of understand why they react that way. It's almost the same situation, except we have reason on our side. (But they would say they have God on their side!)

Honestly, in real life, I just avoid discussing religion with people if I know we don't agree. On here, I don't see any reason to pull punches. I try not to be "rude," but you know, rudeness is also in the interpretation, and some people are bound to take offense to any statement that's not exactly in line with their thinking.

Answer 7

Its a lack of knowledge usually. Try to understand what their beliefs are and then tell what you believe on the subject and then ask why they think you are wrong.

Hopefully, this will lead to a meaningful discussion. However, if they are a fundamentalist Christian, Muslim, or Jew they will be very defensive because of their lack of understanding of their faiths Orthodox teachings. They will usually say that I believe "so and so" because their traditions interpretation of scripture says so and the discussion will usually end their.

I am Catholic/Christian and unlike some of my brothers and sisters I don't become defensive.

I follow what the Bible says " Always be prepared to give reason for your faith" (paraphrasing).

Ask your questions here on Yahoo Answers. You may be bombarded by zealots but among them you will find someone on here who will genuenly try to see things from your point of view.

Answer 8

Difference of opinion is what make the world go round and their is nothing wrong with having differences, it's how you voice those differences that trigger hostility. Some people are intentionally rude and disrespectful in voicing their differences.

Answer 9

If we disagree in any way, even in the least offensive way possible, it triggers hostility in Christians. Simply because we dare to think for ourselves and question them. No getting around it. Most of them just want to hear what they like and get annoyed when someone disagrees.

Answer 10

I live in the deep south US and asked many of my friends why they believe as they do and not one could give me an answer other than it was how they were raised.
I wás shocked to realize that no one I knew had ever taken the initiative to learn other cultures or even the history of Christianity.
To me religion, especially in the south has done great harm to anyone different or freethinkers with a desire to learn.

Answer 11

Since I choose not to belong to any religion, I am very careful when I answer a question in R&S that I am not judging. I do not choose to judge anothers religious beliefs. If the "believers" choose to see my answers as negative, that is their chose. Which to me, points out that they are fearful of hearing any other reasoning but their own.