Do you respect the views of the religious?

31-07-2009 10:47PM #1

I've often heard/seen an atheist saying to a theist that they respect the theist's views and also respect them for holding religious views.

I used to, but I can't say that I do any more. I respect their views alright, but not more so than any other moderate view which a person could hold. Do I respect a theist for having a particular view? No. I'm not apologetic about it either. But I suppose that's because, lately, I've been leaning more to the side of anti-theism.

So, a simple question: do you respect a) the views of the religious? b) the religious person for holding those views?

Borneo Fnctn · 31-07-2009 10:52PM

I respect their right to hold their beliefs.

Red Hand · 31-07-2009 10:52PM

It depends. I regard their beliefs as mostly harmless, like believing in Santa and don't especially care what people think as long as it doesn't effect me. Its only when I am forced to endure something that is inspired by something religious that I would verge towards anti-theism.

31-07-2009 10:54PM

jackpalance wrote: »

I respect their right to hold their beliefs.

That's how I feel, too.

But I've often seen instances where somewhat apologetic atheists say that they respect a theist for holding theistic views. I've no doubt that that's an exception among atheists, though.

Another general question, are you apologetic when talking to a theist incase you "hurt" their views?

5uspect · 31-07-2009 11:00PM

jackpalance wrote: »

I respect their right to hold their beliefs.

+1, no more.

robindch · 01-08-2009 12:00AM

-JammyDodger- wrote: »

So, a simple question: do you respect a) the views of the religious? b) the religious person for holding those views?

As Jack and co said above, one should respect the right of the individual to hold a view, but that certainly doesn't imply respect for the view itself, or the holder.

-JammyDodger- wrote: »

Another general question, are you apologetic when talking to a theist incase you "hurt" their views?

If the religious person is nice about their religion and doesn't let it intrude when it's not necessary or asked for, then I think most atheists will react in kind and keep quiet too and avoid as much offense as possible.

However, many religious don't do that, and some people tend to bring it up ad nauseam, in which case it's more difficult not only to keep quiet, but less amusingly, to avoid appearing to offend the holder of the view being expressed. It's of some little consolation to note that the religion has, in all likelihood, evolved this way to use this embarrassment to its own memetic advantage.

But all the same, it's still a pain in the ass to have to deal with accusations of being closed-minded and arrogant for something as simple as voicing one's belief -- in suitably non-offensive language -- that their invisible friend is invisible because he's almost certainly not there.

Húrin · 01-08-2009 12:38AM

What does it mean to respect a view? I think that religious people's views should be respected in the sense that holding such a view does not inherently make the person an intellectual or moral inferior.

herya · 01-08-2009 12:52AM

I respect every religious opinion (equally), as long as it's not forced on me and does not influence my non-religious life.

Ickle Magoo · 01-08-2009 12:55AM

Do I respect the views of the religious? No.

Respect, to me, infers there is some kind of excellence or quality that demands a greater consideration. I have respect for many religious people because of their other qualities but definitely not specifically for their theistic views.

With regards to hurting peoples views; I tend to avoid discussions about religion with theists unless I know they are perfectly happy to discuss or have their views challenged. If someone specifically asks me my position then I give it honestly & unapologetically.

TPD · 01-08-2009 01:54AM

I'm of a similar mind to many here. I respect their right to have their own belief, but I do not respect the belief itself. I wouldn't press atheism on anyone, and wouldn't bring it up in a religious conversation unless specifically asked. I would happily debate for hours with a willing and able theist though.

Tar.Aldarion · 01-08-2009 02:01AM

I respect a right to hold a view, not a view. If I feel strongly about a view like religion or being veggie, no I don't respect your view, I think it's retarded, but I'll fight to the death for you to have the right to hold it.

Sharik · 01-08-2009 02:27AM

Jeremiah 16:1 wrote: »

I regard their beliefs as mostly harmless

That is the main issue. As long as anything is harmless, I'll respect it.

However, considering that by far the biggest problem of our time is overpopulation, the position of the main religions on the issue of population control is anything but harmless. It is dangerous, unethical, irresponsible and ultimately criminal.

The same applies to their positions on human rights issues in general and the right to a dignified death, life and sexuality in particular.

I tolerate them as I tolerate the system I live in, that is because I don't have a choice. But respect them? Not more that I respect any other unreasonable, spoiled by the perks of civilization domesticated mammal.

The above is not meant and should not insult anybody. I love animals. But I do consider myself to be Sapient and, unfortunately, I recognize more of this quality in a average elephant than I do in the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.

pH · 01-08-2009 09:33AM

Ickle Magoo wrote: »

Do I respect the views of the religious? No.

Respect, to me, infers there is some kind of excellence or quality that demands a greater consideration. I have respect for many religious people because of their other qualities but definitely not specifically for their theistic views.

That's because the word 'respect' has two common usages, one usage is "Admire or hold in high opinion", as opposed to the other definition which means "Give consideration or pay attention to", as in "I respect the speed limit when driving".

So the OP could be asking one of two questions.

Do we admire the views of the religious?
or do we pay attention to them and modify our behaviour accordingly?

I'd answer no to both of them.

Sam Vimes · 01-08-2009 10:53AM

Húrin wrote: »

What does it mean to respect a view? I think that religious people's views should be respected in the sense that holding such a view does not inherently make the person an intellectual or moral inferior.

What you're talking about is respecting the person, not the view

Handsome Bob · 01-08-2009 11:03AM

I respect the fact that not every religious person is a fundamentalist/zealot. I respect the fact that a lot of religious people can keep their views to themselves. I respect the fact that religion gives people strength to keep going when everything around them is falling a part. Finally, I respect the fact that religion can inspire good.

What I don't respect is a judgemental fundamentalist taking the word of an ancient book written in very different times literally and using it to make other people feel inferior, or using it to incite hatred towards people that don't deserve such horrible treatment.

Mena · 01-08-2009 12:24PM

Unfortunately I've gotten to the stage where I am repulsed by these beliefs.

Not only can I not respect the beliefs, but I cannot bring myself to respect the person holding them either.

fitz0 · 01-08-2009 01:06PM

-JammyDodger- wrote: »

So, a simple question: do you respect a) the views of the religious? b) the religious person for holding those views?

No I don't respect the views of the religious or the person on the basis that they hold those views. Why would I respect such views? Because I should, because I'm expected to? How are these views in any way deserving of my admiration? I don't respect someones choice in political party, or their favourite colour so I'm not going to break out the kid gloves for this.

On the other hand I can respect a person who holds religious views but not on the basis that they hold them. One of my best friends is quite religious and I respect him greatly, not on the basis of his views but because he's a really sound guy. His views are none of my business since he generally keeps them to himself. He has no reason to respect my lack of belief, just as I have none to respect his.

Zillah · 01-08-2009 01:09PM

Mena wrote: »

Unfortunately I've gotten to the stage where I am repulsed by these beliefs.

Not only can I not respect the beliefs, but I cannot bring myself to respect the person holding them either.

Hey there contemptuous buddy.

dibirish · 01-08-2009 01:23PM

if people wish to worship a god then that is their business just as it is the right of a person to live according to their sexual preference . The problem is when religion is forced through law and the education system. As a person who left Ireland 15 years ago I am saddened that religion is still force fed in both in law and education . What will it take to break this stranglehold?

JimiTime · 01-08-2009 02:06PM

I always find it bizarre that people say they 'respect your opinion' when they hold a complete opposite one

As others have said, respect that someone has the right to their own opinion, grand. Also, if someone has an opinion that so disgusts you (Like Mena and Zillah have said), then it would be very difficult to respect that person.

Dades · 01-08-2009 02:15PM

Yeah, the idea of respecting a 'contrary opinion' is a bit meaningless.

Coriolanus · 01-08-2009 03:20PM

I used to be more ... tolerant, I guess. Over the last few years though, I've grown to have about as much respect for the religious as I would for a grown adult who believes in Atlanteans, Fairies or the Tooth Fairy.

JimiTime · 01-08-2009 03:35PM

Nevore wrote: »

I used to be more ... tolerant, I guess. Over the last few years though, I've grown to have about as much respect for the religious as I would for a grown adult who believes in Atlanteans, Fairies or the Tooth Fairy.

How would this new found intolerance manifest itself? Or is it something you keep to yourself? Just curious.

Coriolanus · 01-08-2009 03:43PM

Well, I don't go out proselytising or anything and I certainly would never be the first to bring religion into a discussion.
Basically where I might have held my tongue amongst family and friends in a discussion on religion before, I don't feel I should stay quiet now. They're the people I love after all.

The Mad Hatter · 01-08-2009 03:43PM

JimiTime wrote: »

How would this new found intolerance manifest itself? Or is it something you keep to yourself? Just curious.

The common militant atheist response seems to be to either write a book or start a blog.

Coriolanus · 01-08-2009 03:45PM

The Mad Hatter wrote: »

The common militant atheist response seems to be to either write a book or start a blog.

Yeah, I forgot about that. Hit me up at www.omgreligionsuxxorz.ie
A collection of my sagely posts is being published in September. :rolleyes:

Húrin · 01-08-2009 05:30PM

Mena wrote: »

Unfortunately I've gotten to the stage where I am repulsed by these beliefs.

Not only can I not respect the beliefs, but I cannot bring myself to respect the person holding them either.

What, no matter how much of a good or otherwise admirable person they may be?

Mena · 01-08-2009 05:37PM

Húrin wrote: »

What, no matter how much of a good or otherwise admirable person they may be?

Not really, no. I just can't take anything they do or say seriously.

Benhonan · 01-08-2009 05:44PM

Tar.Aldarion wrote: »

I respect a right to hold a view, not a view. If I feel strongly about a view like religion or being veggie, no I don't respect your view, I think it's retarded, but I'll fight to the death for you to have the right to hold it.

What's so bad about vegetarianism? I'm not a veggie myself, but if someone makes a lifestyle and health decision which is proven to be hugely environmentally beneficial, what is it that makes you consider it retarded? Seems to me like the judgmental, ignorant attitudes a lot of us have come to associate with religious fundamentalism.

drkpower · 01-08-2009 05:51PM

Mena wrote: »

Not really, no. I just can't take anything they do or say seriously.

So do you ignore books, articles and viewpoints of religous people?
I presume your employer is not religous?
When you were in school/college, did you ignore the teachings of religous teachers/lecturers..?

Do you say the above merely for effect or do you actually practice what you preach?

raah! · 01-08-2009 05:52PM

Two people could start from two different first principles and use fine arguments to arrive at opposite views. In such a case it wouldn't be ridiculous to say "I respect your opposite opinion, and that's a fine string of argument". I feel it is important to see how someone arrived at a viewpoint, and from where.

Do you respect the views of the religious?

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