Respecting (Other) Religions

Some religions have facts to back them up, but some are flat out rediculous. Mormanism is based off what one man (who was an alcoholic) made up. He performed no miracles and there was no evidence that this man was talking ot God other then his own word. Islam, although not as stupid as mormanism, is still based off what one man claimed God told him. Scientology is based off a book a science fiction wirter wrote. Why is it wrong to criticize a person for a faith that is so blaitently wrong. Wouldn't you tell an adult they are being stupid for believing in the easter bunny?

There's no proof that any religion is wrong though. It is not up to you or anyone else to decide what is "so blatantly wrong" especially when it comes to religion. You respect religions because you wouldn't want anyone telling you what you believe is wrong.

Because a religiously tolerant world is tolerant towards you too. If you expect your religious beliefs to be tolerated, you have to tolerate and be respectful towards others. And criticizing religious dogma or practice is one thing and it's not that bad if done with maturity and respect, but telling somebody that they're stupid and/or that their religious beliefs are stupid is disrespectful (and quite ridiculous in itself).

Um, because that's just the way it goes. It's called respect. You should give it to everyone about everything. It doesn't matter whether they believe in God, Buddha, The Great Mother Goddess, or the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

Personally, I think the Bible is one giant acid trip, but I don't tell Christians that because it's rude and disrespectful. (Okay I know I just said it, but forgive me for it)

athletedutch:

Why is it wrong to criticize a person for a faith that is so blaitently wrong.

I think your religion is blatanly wrong. I would never tell a Christian, who didn't want to talk about it, that they were wrong. I want to be accepted for my religion so guess what I do? I accept the fact that other people out there think differently from myself. On top of that, I partake in this wonderful thing. It's call "respect". :tehe:

If you want non-Christians, I assume you're Christian, to have respect for your religion you must give them the same favor. This includes the ridiculous ones. Everyone, everywhere, deserves respect. Even Satanists and the Westboro Baptist Church.

Honestly, I think it shows a lack of integrity on your part that you had to even ask the question in the first place. :|

There is no way to prove any religion.

If you feel so strong about your religion, and I'm sure youd get mad if someone told you your faith wasnt true, why would you want to do that to someone else who may be equally as passionate as you are about a different religion?

Maybe you have more in common than you think with these people you look down upon.

Assuming you're American...

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

That's why. It's in your damn constitution. You should respect the fact that religions have the right to freedom, just as you yourself have freedom of religion (or freedom from religion, whatever). Because tolerance is a key value of a liberal society and it is a beautiful thing.

And I don't see why you're picking on Islam when it has the same basis as Christianity and indeed Judaism.

If you're going to critisise anything, critisise the religion itself not the actual person.
Don't vilify people just because you don't share the same beliefs.

I think it's okay to speak out against other religions if you disagree with their teachings, or Atheism or Agnosticism etc., just as long as you don't target anyone in particular. As in, "You're dumb and stupid because you're a Muslim / Christian / Buddhist / Jew / Atheist etc".

Alan the great:

Um, because that's just the way it goes. It's called respect. You should give it to everyone about everything. It doesn't matter whether they believe in God, Buddha, The Great Mother Goddess, or the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

Erm, well I don't agree with the whole "you should give respect to everyone about anything". I can tolerate people for their beliefs and I won't vilify them, and I can respect their right to religion or lack thereof, but that doesn't mean I automatically have to respect them.

And I can only expect the same from other people. I don't expect random people to just respect me because I have the right to be an Atheist. I have a right to choose my faith or lack of faith, but I don't think that is deserving of automatic respect.

Because no one's perfect themselves. It's wrong to criticise people for their religions, how ever "blatantly wrong" the religion might seem, because you yourself can't honestly say you've never been wrong in your life. It's hypocrisy, otherwise. And people should have the right to believe whatever they want, crazy or not.

ok thanks just wanted to hear from you.

Those same religions you think are stupid most likely have some supporters that think your belief system is stupid too.
You wouldn't like them to tell you that, would you?
Being polite leads to less petty fights.

I don't know if respect is the right word but I'm Atheist and don't judge or berate people for having a different religon.

Because religion's a big part of our lives. There could be holes in every single religious view, but as long as the religion doesn't promote anything society has deemed inappropriate, then it's fine.

I'm personally Agnostic so I believe there is no sure way of finding out if there is a higher power.

Respect others' if you want to be respected. That's all I have to say.

And I'm surprised that you didn't use Christianity as an example :file: wasn't The Bible written by man as well?

^It was...but it was 'inspired' by God. and because athletesdutch is a Christian...

And how do you know for sure it was 'inspired' by God? Isn't that the same arguement that was used in the upper -first- post when it came to talk about Islam? That it is just 'men transferring into writing what God told them/inspired them?'

And no, not all faiths are blatantly wrong. They are still based off of truths.

I wasn't suggesting that all faiths are blatantly wrong...

I don't KNOW that the Bible was inpsired by God. But that is what we are taught, and that is what I believe.

Also I was just pointing out that athletesdutch is biased towards Christianity that's why he didn't use it as an example. I believe.

That wasn't addressed to you. It was meant as an answer to the last line from the first post. >_>

And sorry if you took it the wrong way, I wasn't lashing out on you. Just making a point of view/comparison. And I did understand that when you first said it. I was just making a point there, not opposing what you said.

Oh, right. Miscommunication is so easy sometimes. Oh, and thanks for clarifying the first comment too.

In the bible it says love thy neighbour. And thy neighbour might just be jewish, islam or whatever. :file: if your christian you gotta love it. If not you don't have to. Its just your opinion.

If that adult told me that they honestly and truly believed in the Easter Bunny, I would think that was very odd, but I wouldn't question it. It would make them uncomfortable and upset.

People can believe whatever they want to. As long as they aren't hurting anyone because of it, who are we to put down their personal affairs? It's their business, not ours, and we should respect people no matter who they are.

Certainly, I have my views on what I believe is ridiculous or not, but I wouldn't berate someone for being that religion or belief.

However, I think Scientology is a scam for money and I don't consider it a belief.