Militant Atheists

[oonamas]

No it isn't. At least not for me. If someone doesn't believe the way I do, I just go about my business.

Actually you don't just go about your business, you post a lot of rebuttals on forums and -  according to Falconer - have even threatened people  Wow.

[liljp617]

Respect a persons beliefs as you respect your own.

That's a lovely idea marieelissa, but it's not the way the world functions in reality - and actually for valid reason. If you think that your beliefs are the complete and unadulterated truth then it is impossible to respect beliefs that are the opposite of that.

  It's not impossible to show people some respect regardless of what they believe though...is it? 

I think the word respect is thrown around all too often in places it doesn't really belong.  A more fitting word would be "tolerance" in this context.  The term respect often carries with it undertones of high-regard, honor, or high-esteem.  Respect is often earned, rather than simply given to whomever calls for it.

The question is, why should I respect your specific beliefs?  I have no respect for numerous beliefs -- I have no respect for the belief that some races are inherently inferior to other races, for example.  I don't respect which sports team you believe to be the best in [insert national sports league].  I don't respect your beliefs on which brand of clothing or shoes is the best.  I don't respect your beliefs on what the best kind of food is.

None of these beliefs have done a thing for me to say they've earned my respect.  I tolerate such beliefs, because this is a free society and people can do/believe as they wish, up to a certain point.  I respect your right to hold such beliefs, because again, this is a free society.  But I don't respect the beliefs themselves -- why should I respect that you believe in Yahweh?  Big whoop.  What has that belief done for me to gain my respect? 

If I believed in Marty the Giant Martian, would you think that's an honorable belief?  Would you hold that belief in high-regard?  Probably not, because such a belief doesn't demand any inherent respect...full circle, respect is earned.

[AmyTrivitt]

OMG it just frustrates me what is being posted and deleted!!! ughhh

[walksalone11]

OMG it just frustrates me what is being posted and deleted!!! ughhh

I know what you mean, the other night "someone" was told not to post in D&D, they replied and said that only moderators had the right to exspell someone, 5 minutes later they in turn told someone to not post here then almost immediately edited their post and removed that part and continued on their self righteous way.

[SurveyMack10]

Christians aren't against the use of stem cells, more against getting them from murdered babies...