Shouldn't Atheists learn to accept religion?

[robvalue]

I respect people. I respect their right to hold whatever beliefs they want.

I don't respect the actual beliefs, unless I consider them respectable. And if I consider those beliefs harmful, I will speak out against them. I will do this in a general way, and if someone approaches me for a discussion, but I won't harass individuals about it.

I consider "faith" to be a harmful belief/system/whatever. It's anti-science and anti-reality. It's the foundation of all irrational action taken on behalf of religion. And it's propagated almost entirely by indoctrination, which I also speak out against.

Faith, as a method of learning facts about reality, is demonstrably a terrible method. And everyone who validates faith by supporting it, is validating the same excuse extremists use for their actions. Faith isn't rational, so you can't say your faith is good but an extremists is bad, because it has no ties with reality.

People are remarkably succeptible to the appeal to popularity, so the more people who put forward faith as anything other than gullibility are feeding this.

I don't hold them personally accountable for the things extremists do. But I do point out they are using the same tools as them.

[Alex K]

Yes, I really don't know what respecting beliefs of others is supposed to mean - I usually leave believers around me alone rather than harangueing them about their, in my opinion, nonsensical beliefs - but really not because I think those beliefs are ok, or that I respect them in any meaningful sense, but merely because it's nice to leave each other alone and have a pleasant and peaceful coexistence. I don't think it's great that many people base their life decisions on nonsensical phantasies about magical sky daddies and life after death, because those beliefs directly influence society and the world at large and might lead them to wrong decisions. I usually go out of my way to not make people feel bad by insulting something about the religion they hold dear - if you want to call that respecting those beliefs, fine. It's not real respect, though.

[robvalue]

I want to add that I don't advocate trying to "stop religion". I think it's oppressive and ultimately futile.

I believe in education, discussion and leading by positive example. I think religion is completely stupid, and I'll happily state why. But I won't presume to suggest any sort of action unless people are being actively harmed. Things require a change in attitude for progress, and that is not achieved by forcing your will onto people.

And yes, I'd never go up to a random theist and call their beliefs stupid. That is just plain rude.

[robvalue]

Alex: Right! What does that mean? What does it entail, that I respect a ridiculous belief?

I own the fact that it is my opinion that the belief is ridiculous. I'm not sure what more I can do. I'm not going to pretend I think every belief is equally valid in order to not upset people. If they don't want to know, they shouldn't ask. If they don't want to hear me talk on here, or watch my videos, then they don't have to.

[Dystopia]

Personally, I think there is a difference between tolerance (being "ok" with something existing even if I don't like it) and acceptance. For me, acceptance invokes positive feelings.

[The Grand Nudger]

Yes, I really don't know what respecting beliefs of others is supposed to mean 

It means shut up and give us back the privilege we beat out of you to determine the proper contents of your opinions and how loudly they may be acceptably voiced.

[robvalue]

Oh okay.

No, I don't think I'll do that. I'll be one of those radical/militant/extremist atheists who disagrees with people when appropriate.

[The Grand Nudger]

I've always loved radical/militant/extremist, because it's really not something you get to claim..you know?  It's like having someone who thinks you're their enemy pin a medal to your chest, lol.

[Gawdzilla]

Oh okay.

No, I don't think I'll do that. I'll be one of those radical/militant/extremist atheists who disagrees with people when appropriate.

Ooooh, you're going to Hell for that one!

[Mister Agenda]

People should be respected until they prove that they don't deserve it. Beliefs should not be respected until it's proved that they do deserve it.