Weird maybe, how some, for example, Catholic dogma MUST be incorporated into laws for everyone (abortion to start with) but Catholics don't seem to mind Arbies being open on Friday.

God is a touchy motherfucker, how we know Arbies ain't pissing Him off royally ??

(September 7, 2015 at 1:34 pm)Catholic_Lady Wrote:

---

I think it's a simple rule, Rhonda.

---

Treat others the way you would want to be treated.

---

Just as I'm sure you want theists to respect the fact that you are an atheist, you should respect the fact that they are theists. Just treat them the way you want them to treat you!

---

There are at least two things wrong with that idea.  First, other people are not going to follow it.  And second, different people have different ideas about how they want to be treated.  In my case, if I said something moronic, I would want someone to show me that it is moronic, so that I can rid myself of a moronic belief.  I don't want other people to tell me, "that's a fine idea" if it isn't a fine idea.

So, if I were to follow that rule, I would tell people they have silly beliefs when they say silly things.  The fact that they might want others to just tell them they have a great idea is irrelevant to that.

(September 7, 2015 at 1:42 pm)Salacious B. Crumb Wrote: I just find it funny how many of these theists that demand respect for their beliefs, don't respect the beliefs of others that disagree with them.

Yup!

(September 7, 2015 at 1:49 pm)vorlon13 Wrote: Weird maybe, how some, for example, Catholic dogma MUST be incorporated into laws for everyone (abortion to start with) but Catholics don't seem to mind Arbies being open on Friday.

God is a touchy motherfucker, how we know Arbies ain't pissing Him off royally ??

Chick-fil-A policies a contrition and making up for Arby's bad acts?

Q: How do we go about respecting other people's beliefs?

A: Disingenuously?

I think it's more a matter of respecting people's feelings and general politeness. If an individual is decent and kind, I have no issue accommodating their beliefs (within reason). Two recent examples:

While attending a religious memorial service (Episcopal), I bowed my head at the appropriate moments and followed all of the general protocols. Why? Because a service where people are grieving is not the time to take a stand or make a statement. 

I ran into a hospice nurse that I used to work with over 11 years ago, when I was attended church and still believed. Of course, she assumed I still did and proceeded to go on for a few minutes about blah, blah, blah and got teary-eyed during the process. You know what I did? I politely nodded my head and said " Oh. Mmm hmm. Really? Yes, I'm sure Kirk Cameron films are very interesting."

She is easily one of the nicest people I've ever known. What would be the point of interrupting a 3 or 4 minute conversation to say "God isn't real....would you like to know  more?" Especially knowing that this woman carries the burden of dealing with death and dying every day.

Btw, I would only consider this an issue in day to day, personal interactions.  It's not particularly relevant when it comes down to public issues, legal matters or social justice.

(September 7, 2015 at 1:34 pm)Catholic_Lady Wrote: I think it's a simple rule, Rhonda.

Treat others the way you would want to be treated.

Just as I'm sure you want theists to respect the fact that you are an atheist, you should respect the fact that they are theists. Just treat them the way you want them to treat you!

That is a simple enough rule to follow as regards my own behavior. Though we know that for many Christians, particularly those of the for right and fundamentalist persuasion, that will not be enough. I don't want people to treat me the same way these Christians want to be treated. Maybe I could expect that kind of treatment if I were directly connected to god by a blue tooth, then I could look shocked and offended whenever anyone questioned or disagreed with me. I can't give everybody what they want. I can only govern my own behavior. But I do reserve the right to stick my size 6 1/2 directol6 up the hind part of crap. (See how I respect you. I didn't cuss )

It is not a question of respecting beliefs as much as tolerating them and this applies to all beliefs so not just religious ones
Respect implies that that is good. But not all beliefs are which is why tolerating them is preferable instead. The golden rule
is that anyone can think whatever they want long as they do not seek to impose that upon anyone else. Furthermore this is
true of all beliefs and as such it therefore makes zero difference whether the belief in question is one that is morally right as
opposed to one that is morally wrong. Now human beings have all sorts of belief pertaining to all manner of things which has
to be allowed for as the space between ones ears is the one place that they cannot get at. And what anyone thinks about any
thing has to be their absolute right. So one should only intervene when a line has been crossed. Other wise just leave them be

A MIND IS LIKE A PARACHUTE : IT DOES NOT WORK UNLESS IT IS OPEN

(September 7, 2015 at 1:34 pm)Catholic_Lady Wrote: I think it's a simple rule, Rhonda.

Treat others the way you would want to be treated.

Just as I'm sure you want theists to respect the fact that you are an atheist, you should respect the fact that they are theists. Just treat them the way you want them to treat you!

Not so simple, really. I can respect you as a person. I can respect you as a Christian. Neither of those mean I have to respect the beliefs that I happen to think are bat-shit crazy.

People merit respect; beliefs merit examination.