Respect for other's beliefs

[Steck]

So here is the question. If someone believes something that you think is wrong, do you try to change their minds? Now in a debate context this seems perfectly fine, both parties should be open to being wrong. But in other parts of life how do you see other's beliefs. Is it nessacary (sp?) to tell that Christian he is being stupid for subjecting himself to the moral laws of the bible or tell that Atheist that his soul is in danger. What is the difference between actively wanting to change some one's belief and disrespecting it (especially when that change may not be welcome)?

 

[pockyD]

Just as an overly specific note, the bible instructs Christians to actively attempt to convert others. When non-Christians suggests that Christians should just practice their own beliefs and leave them alone, this doesn't work for a Christian

In general, I love to argue about anything and everything, but when it comes to talking about things with friends, if I know that someone will get upset over the issue (things that hit close to home as opposed to highly theoretical things, for example), it's best to hold your tongue

 

[snex]

silly beliefs do not deserve respect. respect must be earned.

you would not show respect for a grown adult that still believed in santa claus or the tooth fairy, would you?

 

[The Executive]

Just as an overly specific note, the bible instructs Christians to actively attempt to convert others.

Yep.

I don't count proselytizing as disrespect to anyone. Jehovah's Witnesses come to my door, they babble at me, I babble a polite decline, they leave. End of interaction. No one was harmed in this exchange; I don't feel affronted that people took time out of their day for what was in their minds doing me a favor.

However, I take issue when people go beyond holding the door open and start shoving people in. Forcing beliefs on people generally has a bad outcome.

silly beliefs do not deserve respect. respect must be earned.

you would not show respect for a grown adult that still believed in santa claus or the tooth fairy, would you?

Dude, this thread had your name written all over it.

 

[WuTangDude]

silly beliefs do not deserve respect. respect must be earned.

you would not show respect for a grown adult that still believed in santa claus or the tooth fairy, would you?

With such a terrible attitude towards other's beliefs, it's a wonder anybody is respecting you.

It's true respect must be earned. But deeming someone unworthy of your respect based on their beliefs only shows YOUR ignorance, and lack of tolerance. You'll neevr be a debater with such qualities.

EDIT: Highlighted part of quote I was responding too, I confused XZero BeatX.

 

[victra♥]

silly beliefs do not deserve respect. respect must be earned.

you would not show respect for a grown adult that still believed in santa claus or the tooth fairy, would you?

But Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy do not have Holy stamped all over them.

It's hard to respect a group who believes that if you don't convert to their beliefs, you go to Hell, like Christianity for example. I don't know about the others in the Debate Hall, but I personally can't bring myself to respect some who threatens you with an eternity of torture.

 

[WuTangDude]

But Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy do not have Holy stamped all over them.

It's hard to respect a group who believes that if you don't convert to their beliefs, you go to Hell, like Christianity for example. I don't know about the others in the Debate Hall, but I personally can't bring myself to respect some who threatens you with an eternity of torture.

I wouldn't respect someone like that either. But I still respect Christians, because plain and simple, not all Christians are like that. A good portions of Christians don't even believe in a hell. Hell, a good portion of Christians don't even believe half of the stuff in the Bible was the word of God.

 

[The Executive]

But Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy do not have Holy stamped all over them.

It's hard to respect a group who believes that if you don't convert to their beliefs, you go to Hell, like Christianity for example. I don't know about the others in the Debate Hall, but I personally can't bring myself to respect some who threatens you with an eternity of torture.

They had these in Jesus' time, they were called Pharisees. Religious zealots who ostracized nonbelievers and preached ****ation upon the masses. Jesus was explicitly against this behavior; it's sad that this is what comes to mind when people hear "Christian". Jesus didn't sit in a pulpit with the well-off and thumb his nose at society, he hung with the lowlifes of the day and showed them kindness and mercy.

As far as your first statement, I do believe that, as stated, those who do not accept Jesus will be condemned in the hereafter. This has absolutely no effect on how I view/treat people, so I don't see how it merits losing respect.

 

[WuTangDude]

They had these in Jesus' time, they were called Pharisees. Religious zealots who ostracized nonbelievers and preached ****ation upon the masses. Jesus was explicitly against this behavior; it's sad that this is what comes to mind when people hear "Christian". Jesus didn't sit in a pulpit with the well-off and thumb his nose at society, he hung with the lowlifes of the day and showed them kindness and mercy.

As far as your first statement, I do believe that, as stated, those who do not accept Jesus will be condemned in the hereafter. This has absolutely no effect on how I view/treat people, so I don't see how it merits losing respect.

I can agree with this.In fact most do. In my entire life, I've only met one Christian who actuallyjust went around going to people saying "If you don't convert to my religion, you're going to Hell", and he was a wackjob anyway.

Take a closer look,a nd you'll find most Christians are very intelligent and open, just like people of ALL beliefs.

 

[victra♥]

I wouldn't respect someone like that either. But I still respect Christians, because plain and simple, not all Christians are like that. A good portions of Christians don't even believe in a hell. Hell, a good portion of Christians don't even believe half of the stuff in the Bible was the word of God.

Well pardon me, i figured that Christians would abide to everything the Bible asked. I mean, the Bible is the words of God is it not? God being perfect, Christians shouldn't have a problem following everything he mentions in the Bible. Everything. It seems to me, that Christians love to pick and choose what they want to follow and what they think is right, not necessarily what the Bible states is right. This is also how it is with Christians and Science, they believe in Gravity and Physics but reject Evolution and Natural Selection. Back to the Bible, it states that anyone who works on the Sabbath should be put to death correct? Well, that's obviously very silly and a lot of Christians pass this off. Well, who's to say they shouldn't pass off everything in the Bible? If it's God's words, then obviously there can not be any mistakes. However you mention in your last sentence that most Christians don't believe half the Bible. With that said, the so-called "proof" for Creationism and Intelligent Design is moot. It's great that Christians are so strong about their beliefs and have such faith in the Bible....oh wait.

 

[The Executive]

Back to the Bible, it states that anyone who works on the Sabbath should be put to death correct?

Let's see here, if you read correctly you would see that this is a corollary to the fourth Commandment created by the religious zealots of the day, who misinterpreted and added on to what God had originally said. Jesus himself rebuked the Pharisees on this.

Then He answered them, saying, "Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?" And they could not answer Him regarding these things.

 

[Cat Fight]

I have been approached many-a-time by Christians who are trying to "save" me from eternal ****ation, or perhaps the "war going on between Heaven and Hell", but I still respect their beliefs and what apparently they have to do dictated by the Bible.

Although, I'd prefer NOT to be approached by religious people attempting to "save" me... it still doesn't constitute as any reason to show them disrespect simply because of their beliefs.

It really doesn't bother me.

 

[Zero Beat]

With such a terrible attitude towards other's beliefs, it's a wonder anybody is respecting you.

It's true respect must be earned. But deeming someone unworthy of your respect based on their beliefs only shows YOUR ignorance, and lack of tolerance. You'll neevr be a debater with such qualities.

I love how you ignored his comparison. Good work there bud.

I don't find the need to disrespect anyone who's religious, but, they don't deserve "respect" in the sense that religions always have a weak argument.

 

[pockyD]

If you legitimately believe what you believe, what reason do you have to "respect" beliefs that, to you, are blatantly wrong? In addition, if you truly believe that your friend will be going to hell, sitting idly by and letting them **** themselves for eternity is not an option for you.

Religious types seem intolerant and obtrusive, but in reality I believe they simply have more conviction in their beliefs than everyone else, whether right or wrong

 

[WuTangDude]

Well pardon me, i figured that Christians would abide to everything the Bible asked. I mean, the Bible is the words of God is it not? God being perfect, Christians shouldn't have a problem following everything he mentions in the Bible. Everything. It seems to me, that Christians love to pick and choose what they want to follow and what they think is right, not necessarily what the Bible states is right. This is also how it is with Christians and Science, they believe in Gravity and Physics but reject Evolution and Natural Selection. Back to the Bible, it states that anyone who works on the Sabbath should be put to death correct? Well, that's obviously very silly and a lot of Christians pass this off. Well, who's to say they shouldn't pass off everything in the Bible? If it's God's words, then obviously there can not be any mistakes. However you mention in your last sentence that most Christians don't believe half the Bible. With that said, the so-called "proof" for Creationism and Intelligent Design is moot. It's great that Christians are so strong about their beliefs and have such faith in the Bible....oh wait.

You're thinking of this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_inerrancy

Which I (and most Christians) take no part in believing. See, there you go, you're generalizing all Christians and putting us under big umbrella, as hypocrites.

If I were to say "All Athiests believe they are superior to those with theological beliefs, and are elitists", what would you say?

(For the record, I don't believe this, I believe it's quite the opposite)

Just because all Christians believe in a few similar basic beliefs (i.e. Jesus is the Messiah, honor The Ten Commandments, etc.), doesn't mean we all believe the same things exactly and word for word.


Now, what I believe is:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_infallibility

The Bible is a 2,000 year old document. It's been passed down orally. It's been translated into tons of languages. It's been taught by all sorts of different people.

Think about that. 2000 years.

The Bible has without a doubt in my mind been tampered with by man, with man putting in things they deem necessary (i.e. the murdering of homosexuals, as preached in the book of Leviticus).

Do some reasearch, becuase stereotyping and generalizing are highly frowned upon amongst peope of all faiths.

I love how you ignored his comparison. Good work there bud.

I don't find the need to disrespect anyone who's religious, but, they don't deserve "respect" in the sense that religions always have a weak argument.

His comparison wasn't the part I was addressing...I could care less if he compares theological faith to believing in Santa or the Tooth Fairy. I'm not even gonna get started on such a thing.

 

[snex]

jesus himself was the one who introduced the concept of hell in the bible. in the jewish tradition, there is no heaven or hell, only sheol.

 

[Steck]

Remember people this is not a debate about Christian's spreading the word.

Its about spreading any belief in general.

Here's what I think: people should be open to beliefs other than their own. It could lead too new perspectives on the world. Even if you think the person is dead wrong, you can explain to them why. If they don't except your reasons that is their choice and you have to respect that. Even if its seems to defy reason, they should be able to believe whatever they want. If they are wrong they will suffer in the end. But hear them out cuz you might learn something, or at least gain a better understanding of your belief's ARE NOT

 

[The Executive]

If you legitimately believe what you believe, what reason do you have to "respect" beliefs that, to you, are blatantly wrong?

Jesus freely admitted that He was the one true way to heaven. He didn't scream it, He didn't preach hate-filled diatribes to the masses, He reached out to people with understanding and allowed them to make their own choice.

The first condition of proselytism among the Jews was, that he that came to embrace their religion should come voluntarily, and that neither force nor influence should be employed in this business. This is also the first condition required by Jesus Christ, and which he considers as the foundation of all the rest:—If a man be willing to come after Me.

In addition, if you truly believe that your friend will be going to hell, sitting idly by and letting them **** themselves for eternity is not an option for you.

If you shove doctrine down a person's throat, what are the odds they'll keep it? I prefer to lead by example and have people make choices based on seeing me exemplify Christ in my life. I'm not sitting idly by; I'm getting a message across in a way that is non-obtrusive and doesn't involve base emotional appeals, thundering diatribes, etc.

or at least gain a better understanding of your beliefs OR NOT

Fixed....?

 

[snex]

Remember people this is not a debate about Christian's spreading the word.

Its about spreading any belief in general.

Here's what I think: people should be open to beliefs other than their own. It could lead too new perspectives on the world. Even if you think the person is dead wrong, you can explain to them why. If they don't except your reasons that is their choice and you have to respect that. Even if its seems to defy reason, they should be able to believe whatever they want. If they are wrong they will suffer in the end. But hear them out cuz you might learn something, or at least gain a better understanding of your belief's ARE NOT

the problem with this is that religious folk and other woo-woo practitioners NEVER have anything new to bring to the table. they all use the same garbage arguments combined with outright lies to try to prop up their silly beliefs. how many times to i have to hear the same falsehoods until i stop showing respect?

do you respect the beliefs of racists?

 

[WuTangDude]

the problem with this is that religious folk and other woo-woo practitioners NEVER have anything new to bring to the table. they all use the same garbage arguments combined with outright lies to try to prop up their silly beliefs. how many times to i have to hear the same falsehoods until i stop showing respect?

do you respect the beliefs of racists?

You continously prove your ignorance.

He's saying by learning about the beliefs of others, your mind is only expanded. You simply put, become smarter. It doesn't hurt to know what others believe. I've had Muslims, Jews, Jehovah's Witnesses, Buddhists, and Taoists tell me what they believe not for them to "prop up their silly beliefs", but to connect with them, and an entire culture, in hope of becoming smarter, more open, and closer to the truth.

Because, if I never did, if I refused to learn and accept from others, I would be like you.

And the beliefs of racists has aboslutely NOTHING to do with this. You're making a terrible, terrible comparison. Racism is a form of prejudice, not a religion. You should seriously just stop, this thread is not for you.

Remember people this is not a debate about Christian's spreading the word.

Of course. But Christianity has so many open contradictions and such, coupled with the fatc that it's the world's largest religion, makes it favorite target of those who are anti-religious. You'll never see an anti-Christian go up against it's similar faiths, such as Judaism and Islam.

 

[snex]

listening to falsehoods does not make one smarter. and i noticed you didnt mention the respect you show to racist skinheads while they enumerate their beliefs. why is that?

 

[WuTangDude]

listening to falsehoods does not make one smarter. and i noticed you didnt mention the respect you show to racist skinheads while they enumerate their beliefs. why is that?

Why am I arguing with you? You are JUST like the stereotypical religious elitists you act like you so despise. Take a long, hard look in the mirror.

And once again, what does racism have to do this? I'm referring to the context of religion, quit derailing the topic.

I don't respect racists.

 

[AltF4]

WuTangDude:

This is the perfect thread for snex. So far, he's the only one really providing any debate here. Don't try to tell him to leave because he disagrees with you.

What's the matter? Do you not respect HIS beliefs?



Essentially my view goes like this: I do not respect the absurd beliefs of others by default. Respect must be earned. However, I may respect a person despite their religious beliefs. I know plenty of people I respect (for completely other reasons) who happen to have what I consider absurd religious views that I do not consider worthy of respect.

 

[The Executive]

Of course. But Christianity has so many open contradictions and such, coupled with the fatc that it's the world's largest religion, makes it favorite target of those who are anti-religious. You'll never see an anti-Christian go up against it's similar faiths, such as Judaism and Islam.

Islam recently surpassed Catholicism. However, you can't talk about them because they'll jail/kill/fatwa you in Saudi/Iran/Morocco/any other sharia governed state.

listening to falsehoods does not make one smarter.

Knowledge is knowledge. You may not be "smarter" for listening, but you know more and are thus able to respond in a more relevant manner than "I don't believe it exists so you're all morons".

Essentially my view goes like this: I do not respect the absurd beliefs of others by default. Respect must be earned. However, I may respect a person despite their religious beliefs. I know plenty of people I respect (for completely other reasons) who happen to have what I consider absurd religious views that I do not consider worthy of respect.

See, if this had been mentioned earlier it would have made things a bit clearer than snex merely saying "you would not show respect for a grown adult that still believed in santa claus or the tooth fairy, would you?" which implies that because a person holds a certain belief the person deserves no respect.

 

[snex]

Why am I arguing with you? You are JUST like the stereotypical religious elitists you act like you so despise. Take a long, hard look in the mirror.

And once again, what does racism have to do this? I'm referring to the context of religion, quit derailing the topic.

I don't respect racists.

racism has everything to do with this. racism is a belief. why do you offer blanket respect to religious beliefs but not racist beliefs? that seems a little hypocritical, dont you think?

 

[AltF4]

Respect is a subjective sliding scale with hidden numerical weights. For me, believing absurdities grants you negative "respect points", that grow in magnitude the more absurd a belief is.

Christianity may get you -5 points, while Scientology may get you -15. Honestly believing in the tooth fairy is probably -50.

So when snex says "You would not show respect for a grown adult that still believed in santa claus or the tooth fairy, would you?" I guess my response is: "Not given only that information. They would have to have some seriously redeeming other qualities to come back to positive respect points.

Things like racism also garner negative respect points. However the most racist person I know is my grandmother! And I still respect her!


Note that not having respect for a person does not mean that I think they should be made to change. I believe strongly about free speech and freedom of expression. Even though I think very lowly of someone does not mean that I think they should be forced to think otherwise.

 

[The Executive]

Respect is a subjective sliding scale with hidden numerical weights. For me, believing absurdities grants you negative "respect points", that grow in magnitude the more absurd a belief is.

Christianity may get you -5 points, while Scientology may get you -15. Honestly believing in the tooth fairy is probably -50.

So when snex says "You would not show respect for a grown adult that still believed in santa claus or the tooth fairy, would you?" I guess my response is: "Not given only that information. They would have to have some seriously redeeming other qualities to come back to positive respect points.

*jab at Scientology deleted in the interest of remaining relatively on-topic*

Anyways, what you're saying makes sense.

 

[pockyD]

lol @ people being intolerant because others won't accept their view of tolerance.

If you "know" an idea is wrong, it doesn't deserve your respect.

 

[WuTangDude]

WuTangDude:

This is the perfect thread for snex. So far, he's the only one really providing any debate here. Don't try to tell him to leave because he disagrees with you.

What's the matter? Do you not respect HIS beliefs?

This is true.

I do respect his beliefs. He is an atheist, and has every right to be. He chose his own belief, something I always have and will respect.

I do NOT respect his ignorance towards other religions, saying that they "bring nothing to the table" and the fact that he denies any form of knowledge could be drawn from learning about other faiths. All in all, ignorance. I do not respect his ignorance.

Islam recently surpassed Catholicism. However, you can't talk about them because they'll jail/kill/fatwa you in Saudi/Iran/Morocco/any other sharia governed state./quote]

Yeah, I read about that a while ago. It's true, Islam is larger than Catholicism, but not Christianity on a whole level. It's kinda unfair they put an entir religion against a sect of a religion. If you compared one sect to another (i.e. the number of Catholics vs. the number of Sunni's, or Nation of Gods and Earths), the results would've been different.

Islam has outgrown Christianity's largest sect, but not the entire religion.

(however, at Islam's current rate, it will eventually outgrow Christianity)

See, if this had been mentioned earlier it would have made things a bit clearer than snex merely saying "you would not show respect for a grown adult that still believed in santa claus or the tooth fairy, would you?" which implies that because a person holds a certain belief the person deserves no respect.

Agreed.

racism has everything to do with this. racism is a belief. why do you offer blanket respect to religious beliefs but not racist beliefs? that seems a little hypocritical, dont you think?

Not at all. I'm speaking in the context of religious beliefs, not social beliefs. There is a large difference between the two. It seems kinda weird to blanket ALL beliefs, a very, very, very broad topic, a topic that covers literally dozens of sub-topics (i.e. huge topics like religion, government, and rights to the lesser important topics such as food preference, or hygiene) together, don't you think?

lol @ people being intolerant because others won't accept their view of tolerance.

If you "know" an idea is wrong, it doesn't deserve your respect.

Listen to what he's saying. He's denying that by learning about other religions, you gain no knowledge, which is just flat-out wrong. If that's not intolerance, what is?

Okay, sure, you're right. What about the person that follows that idea? They don't deserve your respect either? That's what this whole topic is all about.

 

[blazedaces]

WuTang, this topic is not about religious beliefs, it's about all beliefs. What's wrong with grouping them together? This is about showing respect for others beliefs. You can't just ignore racist beliefs and say they don't deserve respect any more than you can argue that religious beliefs do deserve more respect.

But I'll agree with Alt4 with his respect-point system (I also am quite a mathematical thinker) and say that for simple majority reasons religious beliefs garner less negative respect points than racism... But not because I think the belief necessarily holds more valid reasoning...

-blazed

 

[WuTangDude]

WuTang, this topic is not about religious beliefs, it's about all beliefs. What's wrong with grouping them together? This is about showing respect for others beliefs. You can't just ignore racist beliefs and say they don't deserve respect any more than you can argue that religious beliefs do deserve more respect.

But I'll agree with Alt4 with his respect-point system (I also am quite a mathematical thinker) and say that for simple majority reasons religious beliefs garner less negative respect points than racism... But not because I think the belief necessarily holds more valid reasoning...

-blazed

I'm sorry. I saw this part from the OP'squote:

So here is the question. If someone believes something that you think is wrong, do you try to change their minds? Now in a debate context this seems perfectly fine, both parties should be open to being wrong. But in other parts of life how do you see other's beliefs. Is it nessacary (sp?) to tell that Christian he is being stupid for subjecting himself to the moral laws of the bible or tell that Atheist that his soul is in danger. What is the difference between actively wanting to change some one's belief and disrespecting it (especially when that change may not be welcome)?

From that part and out, I thought this topic was about religious beliefs. I'm sorry for misinterpreting the topic of this thread.

To clarify: My stance on all religious beliefs has been clearly established, but I view other beliefs, such as social beliefs, in an entirely different light.

It's hard to compare to really different topics like that.

 

[pockyD]

Listen to what he's saying. He's denying that by learning about other religions, you gain no knowledge, which is just flat-out wrong. If that's not intolerance, what is?

In MY opinion, you're in the right to discard his thoughts when you think they're stupid. However, in your opinion, you'd be wrong to not hear him out

Okay, sure, you're right. What about the person that follows that idea? They don't deserve your respect either? That's what this whole topic is all about.

Depends how tightly they cling to it. Plenty of people "believe" something but with such little conviction that you can just tell them "you're wrong" and they'll shrug it off, and maybe even change their mind

If someone devotes their life to proving 2+2=5, feel free to mock them and drop all faking of respect

 

[WuTangDude]

In MY opinion, you're in the right to discard his thoughts when you think they're stupid. However, in your opinion, you'd be wrong to not hear him out

I wanna hear him out. I'm trying to. But he's not hearing me out, and unless both people wanna hear eachother out, it's pointless.

Depends how tightly they cling to it. Plenty of people "believe" something but with such little conviction that you can just tell them "you're wrong" and they'll shrug it off, and maybe even change their mind

If someone devotes their life to proving 2+2=5, feel free to mock them and drop all faking of respect

A rational view, and I see you get my point.

 

[AltF4]

For the record: always posting in "quote-reply" format is like... -.1 points.

I think that "respect" is a rather funny word anyway. What exactly does it mean to "respect" someone? How is it any different than "liking" someone? Is it possible to respect someone and hate them at the same time? I don't get it.

You hear the word respect thrown around, but I've never heard a good definition for it that wasn't just equivalent to liking someone.

Because when you look at respect in those terms, we might as well rename the thread to: "What makes you like people?". Which seems kind of an idiotic discussion to have! People typically like others who are similar to themselves. It's human nature.

 

[The Executive]

A component of what I believe to be respect involves being willing to hold a civil discussion with somebody (think estranged spouses/family members). If you're not willing to act civil around someone, it's quite obvious you don't respect them.

 

[WuTangDude]

For the record: always posting in "quote-reply" format is like... -.1 points.

I think that "respect" is a rather funny word anyway. What exactly does it mean to "respect" someone? How is it any different than "liking" someone? Is it possible to respect someone and hate them at the same time? I don't get it.

You hear the word respect thrown around, but I've never heard a good definition for it that wasn't just equivalent to liking someone.

Because when you look at respect in those terms, we might as well rename the thread to: "What makes you like people?". Which seems kind of an idiotic discussion to have! People typically like others who are similar to themselves. It's human nature.

Sorry you don't like my posting style...? When someone breaks up my post, I always break up theirs.

I'll use "standard reply" () format when replying to you, if you prefer it that way.

EDIT: Or wait....do you mean you dislike when someone always responds by presenting the other persons quote first? Sorry, but that keeps me organized and allows to me to look at what the other poster said while making my reply.

Respect has a dictionary definition, but it's sorta the kinda word we all have our own definition for. We all have certain qualities and overall expectations we believe are necessary for someone/something to garner respect. I'm trying to think of a way how I would define respect, it's kinda hard to put into words. But I understand where you're ecoming from.

 

[snex]

I do respect his beliefs. He is an atheist, and has every right to be. He chose his own belief, something I always have and will respect.

I do NOT respect his ignorance towards other religions, saying that they "bring nothing to the table" and the fact that he denies any form of knowledge could be drawn from learning about other faiths. All in all, ignorance. I do not respect his ignorance.

the debate hall is FULL of religious topics demonstrating that theists are not interested in truth, but rather pushing silly ancient beliefs. there is not a single decent theist argument in any of the numerous threads spanning over half a decade back here. it is nothing but the SAME STUPID **** theists have been pushing for MILLENIA! what do you think im going to learn by listening to some 13 year old repeat pascal's wager for the billionth time?

Not at all. I'm speaking in the context of religious beliefs, not social beliefs. There is a large difference between the two. It seems kinda weird to blanket ALL beliefs, a very, very, very broad topic, a topic that covers literally dozens of sub-topics (i.e. huge topics like religion, government, and rights to the lesser important topics such as food preference, or hygiene) together, don't you think?

how are they different? because you say so? even if they are fundamentally different, why should one automatically get respect and the other not?

 

[WuTangDude]

the debate hall is FULL of religious topics demonstrating that theists are not interested in truth, but rather pushing silly ancient beliefs. there is not a single decent theist argument in any of the numerous threads spanning over half a decade back here. it is nothing but the SAME STUPID **** theists have been pushing for MILLENIA! what do you think im going to learn by listening to some 13 year old repeat pascal's wager for the billionth time?



how are they different? because you say so? even if they are fundamentally different, why should one automatically get respect and the other not?

You gonna judge more than half of the world based on a sub-forum on a video game message board?

We're not talking about proving religions true here, simply put, it's an impossible notion. We're talking about the knowledge you can gain from learning about religions, which you deny can teach people anything.

For example, you can learn from stories like David and Goliath that even if the odds seem against you, you can still prevail victorious.

Hell, you could even just know how the story goes, and correct someone when they tell it wrong.

Knowledge is knowledge. You can gain knowledge from virtually anything. The fact that you consider religion something where you can't learn anything from, just like I've said a million and one times, proves your ignorance.




Contradict yourself much? You just answered how they're different, the fundamentals are not the same.

Religious beliefs= Belief in what happens afterlife, the existence of a god(s), etc.

Social beliefs= Belief in how people should interact, treat one another, etc.

Why did I even have to explain something so simple?

 

[blazedaces]

WuTang, you didn't answer the most important part of his question: why should these beliefs be differentiated when it comes to respect?

I can take any two beliefs and claim they are different by definition. That doesn't change that they are beliefs...

-blazed

 

[WuTangDude]

WuTang, you didn't answer the most important part of his question: why should these beliefs be differentiated when it comes to respect?

I can take any two beliefs and claim they are different by definition. That doesn't change that they are beliefs...

-blazed

Wow, Blazed, you make a very good devil's advocate...

I differentiate the too because they are so different.

I respect all religious beliefs, because by doing so, I learn more about other religions, wich only expands my mind and makes me smarter. I believe by respcting all religious, theological beliefs, your mind will continously rise to higher planes of knowledge, which doesn't negativly effect others.


I do NOT respect ALL social beliefs, because some (such as the example being used in this thread) contradict the for the most part unanimously [sp?] accepted idea that all men are created equal. These directly effect people in wyas that could I consider unfair.