How can Christians and Atheist respect each other's beliefs?

[Hezekiah]

Had the more liberal branch of Christianity won out here in America there would be less friction. I am an atheist but I would welcome as allies Christians who insisted on universal human rights, who realized that we can't poison the only world we know, and who would seek a justice system that actually dispenses justice. Had the Christians chosen to emphasize some of the moral teachings of the bible as found in Mathew 5 - 7, & 25, Luke 10 & 16, or John 8, and held THOSE as the literal word of god, (and had not decided the bible was a history / science book) America would be a much different, and much better place. And though I would still regard their god claims as mostly foolishness, there would be no reason to regard them as enemies of human kind.

Unfortunately the worst parts of Christianity became the focus of the America sects; war-mongering, greed, judgment, misogyny, racism, violence, homophobia... I have no respect for such beliefs, but they define Christianity in America.

So no, it isn't likely we are going to get along.

I really like the prespective you bring. While I don't, in my own terms, define Christianity as a homophobic, violent, racist, etc stance; I do however agree that unfortunately, that is what has become the face of us in America. It's kind of sad to witness something that personally has a beautiful impact on your life, contorted by greed and misunderstanding of scripture, become what it is today.

But as I am entitled to hope (even for what seems like no good reason at all haha), I would hope that what has been done could be un-done for the sake of Christianity. And how you said, "Unfortunately the worst parts of Christianity became the focus.." the cure might be to help re-focus on the right values like universal human rights.

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I don't mean to be a "hippie" about this. But I was geniunely wondering:

I'm a Christian and I don't force my beliefs onto anyone. I used to be athiest then agnostic, and when I picked up Christianity again, I came to terms that people should be able to believe whatever they want as long as their beliefs aren't cultivating hatred towards another human being.

I also have many athiest, agnostic, and a few muslim friends. They are all awesome individuals, and we find ourselves in debates and disagreements about worldviews, but at the end of the day we just agree to disagree, and respect each other as fellow human beings.

I am also very aware of the "Christianity complex". Christians who feel the need to tell people that they are all going to hell and that they need to "turn from their sins". Yea, I get it, it annoys me too. But I have also been insulted by atheist individuals (luckily I'm pretty laid-back so I tend to shrug it off and laugh at myself if possible).

In conclusion my question is kind of a two-sided question:

Do you think it is possible for Christians and Athiest to come to terms with their differences? And if so, or if not, what do you think it would take to make something like that happen?

The answer for me is I can not respect Christian belief, period. I can respect some Christians if they rise above their belief.

I guess I didn't phrase my question accurately. I don't expect someone who disagrees with my beliefs to "respect" my beliefs or vice versa. Rather I guess, in line with the second part of your answer, can we respect each other as individuals despite our differing beliefs. I think there is peace to be had there.

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[quote='Rhythm' pid='759747' dateline='1411786107']

-and therein lies my point of contention...lol. Perhaps someday one of us will goad the other into a conversation on the subject....maybe we should give love a chance first...lol. That way I'll at least feel conflicted while I'm busy hating you and everything you stand for.

It would be along the lines of a heated discussion with a good friend. You can get as angry and loud and insulting as possible, but you both know in the back of your minds that you each mean each other no harm.

So yea, perhaps someday we will find ourselves on either side of the discussion. But rest assure, I would know that there is still peace to be had between us after its all said and done.