How Do We Respect Other People's Beliefs?

[Rhondazvous]

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.

I absolutely agree. Personal interactions are delicate. People are dealing with emotions and you don’t know what kind of day they might have had. They might not be open to hearing the details of how I became an atheist.

Whereas here, in a public forum people come to share ideas and it’s preposterous for someone to take offense if I share an idea they don’t like. Argue with me. Fine. Disagree with me. Kewl. But don’t tell me I have no right to say what I say, especially not if the person is going to say what they want to say. Knowamsane?