Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Reggie on February 13, 2011 at 8:50pm

Amen, Courtney.  Most people don't understand the difference between respecting people and respecting their beliefs.  I will always strive to do the former, but only the latter if deserved.

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Permalink Reply by Lindsey on February 13, 2011 at 9:19pm

I respect people, and I respect their right to believe whatever they want, but the beliefs themselves rarely warrant respect. If you choose to believe the earth is flat, well, thats your right. The belief itself is just plain stupid. Not to mention contrary to  reality. Who could ever respect that?

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Permalink Reply by Bryan B on February 14, 2011 at 8:34am

Other stupid people? :)

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Permalink Reply by Michael Sizer-Watt on February 13, 2011 at 9:40pm

It is unfortunate, but I agree with you. I don't respect self-proclaimed medical doctors who didn't graduate high school and I don't respect self-proclaimed moral high grounders who think being good means having a personal relationship with a fairy tale character.

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Permalink Reply by Gregor Basić on February 13, 2011 at 11:10pm

If christian can say: love the sinner, hate the sin.

Then we can say: love the believer, hate the religion

Works for me :D

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Permalink Reply by Reggie on February 14, 2011 at 1:02am

Like!

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Permalink Reply by Magdiel Perez on February 14, 2011 at 12:21pm

#word

 

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Permalink Reply by Eoganacht on February 14, 2011 at 12:37am

This has been my stance for a while. I think that it is one of the things you need to learn and understand to not be an arsehole atheist (or an arsehole in any case).

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Permalink Reply by Larry Lawson on February 14, 2011 at 1:28am

There is little to disagree with about "Respect the person not the belief". We atheists are often confronted by religionists who try to demand respect for their beliefs in the mistaken belief that if we can be forced to "respect" those beliefs we must then never speak against them. Over the years I have developed some answers to anyone who tries to lay that on me.

1- I'll respect your beliefs as much as you respect my lack of belief.

2- I might respect your beliefs; would you care to tell me what they are? (oddly they seldom do)

3- What is it that I should respect about your belief?

4- Am I expected to respect all beliefs? If so, can I respect the belief that your beliefs are wrong?

5- Do you expect me to respect your beliefs more than facts?

6- If you respect your beliefs, why do I have to?

7- Why? Can't you do that?

8- Why should I respect something that I think is wrong?

9- Can you show me what there is about your beliefs that is worthy of respect?

10- What does "respect" have to do with anything? You believe - I don't. No respect involved.

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Permalink Reply by Courtney on February 15, 2011 at 2:23pm

I absolutely love those Larry.

I was thinking of quite a few of them when engaging with this ex-friend who thought her beliefs were worthy of my respect.

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Permalink Reply by Albert Bakker on February 14, 2011 at 1:42am

I like the article and the steep crescendo in her conclusion:

"And this ecumenical attitude that reality is an annoying distraction from the far more important business of feeling good -- and that insisting on reality is an ugly form of bigoted intolerance -- is part and parcel of this unique armor religion has built against valid criticism, questioning, and self- correction.

It is not a protection against the evils of religion. It is one of them."

-

Iow you're not doing anyone a favor by treating convictions as if they had intrinsic value, rather than taking seriously the people that hold them, falsely, to be true.

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Permalink Reply by Lisa on February 14, 2011 at 3:25am

The facebook thing is getting to me.  I'm split half and half-my atheist friends and my work friends and family and unfortunately I just can't chat with my atheist friends without having to get crap from the other half.  I'd have to cut off a lot of people, unfortunately and most of them would be my family.    It's so annoying.

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