"Resepecting" faith in P&R

I have noticed, not just recently, but over the years here that people of "faith" feel that their faith is disrespected, that they are being persecuted. While I understand the need for civility within this forum, it seems sometimes that people are discouraged, criticized and warned when expressing critical views about religion and faith.

People are obviously encouraged to flourish about their faith. I think equally, people should be encouraged to bring questioning and skepticism and even criticism to the table. ESPECIALLY when it comes to those of us who come from religious families or were religious ourselves.

I spent two decades heavily involved in the church, going at least 5 to 6 times a week. As someone who participated in religion that heavily and no longer believes the way I was raised, I certainly deserve the right to voice my thoughts no matter how offensive it might be to believers just as much as the believer deserves to voice their beliefs.

This applies to former members of any faith and athiests should always feel comfortable and have the right to express themselves as well.

I think faith can be discussed critically without disrespecting someone. There is a difference in saying: "I don't believe in a God" and "If you believe in a God you are a fucking moron". I just don't see how people here feel it's okay to slam what people believe and they don't want someone doing it to them. They want free will to beleive and practice as they want but think others doing the same are fucked up.

Some people see religion as an easy form of comfort; some see it as a useful way to engage with the complexity of the world and our place in it. Some abuse religion because to do so is an an easy form of comfort; some criticize religion because they similarly want to engage with the complexity of the world and our place in it, and religion seems unnecessary for that end.

Stymie said:

Stymie said:

Atheists should be respected, but they should also be subject to question and criticism every bit as much as any person of a religious faith. After all, if you think about it, Atheism is a faith, too.

But more than that, I think we should be able to have some threads in which religion(s) are put on the table for debate and deconstruction, but I think we should also allow for other threads where people of a particular faith might want to talk shop without it turning into a heated roundtable on the worth of their beliefs. If someone wants to start a "Yay I'm JW!!! Post here if you are too!!!" thread, who's it going to hurt? If you have issues with JWs, then clearly that's not the thread for you to visit. There are tons of other threads on this site - go post on those. Ya know?

In other words, sure - let's debate religion. Let's question faith. But if some people want to start threads in which they want to celebrate their faith, simply and with good intentions, why should we feel obligated to rain on their parades?

If someone wants to create a "safe space" with a particular thread, we should respect that. If someone wants to create a thread for debate, then that should be explicitly identified from the get-go, and people should enter the thread knowing what they're getting into.

Anxiety said:

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

Stymie said:

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

Well the faithful certianly have slammed the heathens. It goes both ways. I have been criticzed and even attacked for my beliefs. The doubters aren't the only ones.....

And you know I've been slammed as well. I still don't have an aswer from them on why I am going to hell for being bi but they can have pre-marital sex all the livelong day.

It goes to show that they don't practice what they preach when they attack. It still does not excuse calling someone "stupid" "moron", etc. for believing.

Anxiety said:

I'll respect people's right to believe as long as they respect my right not to.

guitarslinger44 said:

i agree all parties should be respected and open for questioning in a civilized manner.

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

well, my definition of "respect" is that it is a quality which must be earned, and is not automatically given to people simply because they breathe. the term 'respect' is often used as though it is unterchangeable with the terms 'courtesy' (i.e. "treat someone with respect" as opposed to "treat someone with courtesy") but it is not interchangeable.

aside from that, i don't see why we can't discuss various aspects of religion without being hurtful.

Something I think is important for Christians and non-Christians alike to understand is that Christians believe this:

The only person that can save your soul is Jesus Christ.

I cannot save your soul. No matter how loud I scream or HOW BIG I TYPE, that won't save your soul. That is a matter between you and Jesus. I have no part in it.

IMHO, Christians ought to understand that and if they do, there is no room for persecution. I am happy to spread the Word. I pray that you accept the Word. But I cannot make or force you to do it. So I will do my job and leave the rest up to you and Jesus. That's what all Christians should do.

For you non-Christians, a response of, "Thanks, I'll take that under advisement" should end any conversation with a true Christian about your personal faith. If someone presses the issue or causes an argument with you, then IMHO they don't know what they're talking about.
[Edited 8/15/08 12:22pm]

RodeoSchro said:

RodeoSchro said:

RodeoSchro said:

I think you should remain respectful to everyone , not just for their religious beliefs.
I tend to treats others as I wish to be treated myself regardless of skin colour, race, gender, sexual preferences, religion, nationality.....

that usually works for me.

RodeoSchro said:

RodeoSchro said:

"Behind every successful woman there is an astonished man." General Ann Dunwoody

guitarslinger44 said:

Fritzy said:

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

Fritzy said:

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

Fritzy said:

- I never said I was going to run his race! lol I got my own race I struggle with. Are you and your family Jehovah Witness....just asking (no offense)? It really is Christians job to preach to the world, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." Mark 16:15-16 God tells us what we have to do, it's our duty! If Christians help wasn't needed God wouldn't have to tell us that in that scripture. All we do is plant the seed, and God gives the increase.

When you plant a seed, you dig a hole and cover it up and wait for the rain to come and let it grow. Christians want to dig that hole, bury the seed and then dig the hole again and pull the seed out to see if it's growing! My family is Christian just like you. I am familiar with all these scriptures and all the tactics.

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

Anxiety said:

Yeah ... respect
flip side ... disrespect

respect
respecting
respected

disrespect
disrespecting
disrespected