How can we progress in our beliefs, if we show feigned honor to beliefs we secretly think are silly?

Question

I see a lot of questions that amount to "why can't we all just respect each other's beliefs", i.e., not question them and pretend they are reasonable even when we don't think they are.

If we all actually did take such an approach, there would be no exchange of ideas. We would all just be eternally stuck wherever we started.

I don't see why that is considered by some to be a good idea.

I'm all in favor of respect for PEOPLE, but not for beliefs. Ridiculous beliefs deserve ridicule. It's the only way to get someone to see the absurdity. If it's always just "well, I disagree but I respect your beliefs", nothing ever changes.

Answer 1

Respecting someones right to believe what they want to believe does not mean that you can't have debate and discussion, it only means it will be civilized debate and discussion.

Answer 2

The short answer is that you can't.

However, your comment that 'respecting each other's beliefs' is the same as 'not questioning them and pretending they are reasonable' is completely wrong.

Our minds (or our brains) sort our beliefs into three broad categories, with very grey lines dividing them.
First there are beliefs of the present. Those which our own eyes, ears, noses, taste, and touch tell us are true.
Second are beliefs of the past. Those we gain historically from our memories, our experience, and the surrounding world. These beliefs are always, and should always be, subject to change and modification according to our own meditation.
Finally there are beliefs of the future. Those we may like, or may fear, to be true but of which there is no certainty.

Respecting each others beliefs is understanding that everyones belief of the future is based on their beliefs of the past and present, and consequently no two people can possibly have the same beliefs.

Questioning others beliefs, in conversation, debate, and correspondence is an essential part of our our personal development. However, we must recognise the importance of polite and tactful questioning. It is better to listen to the views of others first before stating our own beliefs, especially in the company of those likely to have greater experience. It is also important to recognise circumstances when our own personal beliefs should be sacrificed in respect of 'majority' or 'leadership' decisions for the sake of the common good of a group.

We should never pretend that other's beliefs are resonable when we don't believe they are, and anyone who says you should is a dum dum.
However, you should not confuse this with refusing to consider other's beliefs and closing your own mind to new ideas and experience.

Answer 3

I think you are confusing respect for other traits. Respect means to treat the people in a civil manner, not to belittle them, not to make snide comments about the history of their religion, not to take certain statements out of context to put their religion down, etc.

For example, many Everganical Christians have renewed interest in Judiasm and the return of Jews to Israel. Do you believe that their is no "exchange of views" going on in their activities, or that there isn't an alterior motive of enhancing the start of the "Last Days", which will benefit Christians?

Answer 4

Its not and we cant.

So with that, check out the Q that is posted soon.

Q. How much do you ,non-believer, meditate or study per week?

Q. How much do you, believer, meditate or study per week?


In respect to the YQA being an information sharing forum, I think maybe you don't read much of the answers on this forum. Most times it is only a bash of dung flinging.

Answer 5

Isn't it odd that people try to shut others up when they are asking a legitimate question. If this is not the place to exchange ideas then you should go cut off your computer

Answer 6

YQA isn't a debate forum. It's not a place for exchanging ideas. It's a place for sharing information.

Answer 7

No the sun doesn't do that.