(September 7, 2015 at 3:54 pm)Thena323 Wrote: 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.
^This is pretty much what I mean. Two great examples of what it means to show respect to those with different views.
"Of course, everyone will claim they respect someone who tries to speak the truth, but in reality, this is a rare quality. Most respect those who speak truths they agree with, and their respect for the speaking only extends as far as their realm of personal agreement. It is less common, almost to the point of becoming a saintly virtue, that someone truly respects and loves the truth seeker, even when their conclusions differ wildly."
-walsh
-walsh
