Why are we expected to 'respect' other people's delusions? (agnostics, hell, religion)
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I think forums like this give you a false sense of how strident people are about their religious beliefs or lack of them. "Witnessing" about Christianity is more common than in years past but when I think of all the people I know, the majority of them I have no idea what their beliefs are. I can assume many were at least nominally raised as Christians, but the topic never comes up, so apparently most people are pretty live and let live. This may be more true in some regions of the country (I'm in the outskirts of the Chicago area), and I'd imagine there might be an urban/rural difference too. Those people I do know are Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim,agnostic, or Athiest have never tried to force their beliefs on others that I've seen, and I have no problem with them mentioning it in passing. I would never make a disrespectful comment to any of them if they do.
I think forums like this give you a false sense of how strident people are about their religious beliefs or lack of them. "Witnessing" about Christianity is more common than in years past but when I think of all the people I know, the majority of them I have no idea what their beliefs are. I can assume many were at least nominally raised as Christians, but the topic never comes up, so apparently most people are pretty live and let live. This may be more true in some regions of the country (I'm in the outskirts of the Chicago area), and I'd imagine there might be an urban/rural difference too. Those people I do know are Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim,agnostic, or Athiest have never tried to force their beliefs on others that I've seen, and I have no problem with them mentioning it in passing. I would never make a disrespectful comment to any of them if they do.
Unfortuantely, many of the so called "christian" types do not share your sense of respect and do not follow your practices. Again, I wish I had a nickel for every time some bible thumper told me I was so goin to hell after a short discussion about god or religion, even though I attempted to have a meaningful, intelligent and congenial discussion on the topic.
Pointing to the title of this thread, it seems the delusional types are so sure that their point of view is the only one to hold they don't want to hear any other point of view. They often get on the defensive and take it so personal that they will lash out with outlandish and even downright silly comments and responses. That certainly will not gain anyone's respect. And they certainly do not get mine.
Why are we expected to 'respect' other people's delusions?
I don't understand why people (religious and not so religious folks) insist on respecting the point of views of others.....regardless of how rediculous and stupid their claims are!
No one is expected to respect other peoples delusions.
What we *are* expected to respect is their right to have their delusions and even teach and preach them too.
See the difference?
It's just like we were taught in Kindergarden: be nice to others.
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However, that respect for their right to believe "any damned fool thing they want" (my grandmothers favorite expression) that most of us are willing to extend in most circumstances is subject to a rapidly declining level of tolerance when they attempt to impose their delusions (read: beliefs) on the lives of others or when they expect the non-delusional to not point out the distinction between delusion and actual fact.
This last will show itself most often when such delusional "belief" gets paraded around as being anything other than such...
let alone to be actual fact.
Wow! You're sure easily offended. Are you sure you're not LOOKING for offense?
You know, when the Seventh Day Adventist's or Mormon's or the nice folks from the Presbyterian church come to my door (which they occassionally do) I just politely decline their offer to talk and gently close the door. Thank you, but no thank you. No offense meant, and no offense taken.
See how easy that is? No yelling, no screaming, no smark remarks, no "Get off my porch you religious wacko's!" No hurling of insults, no throwing of stones. No offense taken. Why should I be offended? They're just doing what they think they should be doing and so am I. Guess what? They don't sit out in the driveway and honk their horn or camp out in the front yard or follow me around with bullhorns. They just leave and we wave at each other as they go.
Maybe you should try being polite too. They're really NOT out to get you!
Yes, but do they return the following week for another try? They don't return to my house because I let them know I am not interested the first time, I keep a bat near the front door just for missioning religious newbies . Saves them the trip of hope. I think it's better to be honest and upfront. To some that is rude to others it is appreciated. Leading people on is not my bag, it may be others bag, so I'll let it be yours.
Your technique of insult followed by fake smiling doesn't work on me. Like your posts. You have the same issues as everyone else and are rude with your own style. Doesn't bother me, be as you like just as I will be as I like and the God salesman can go to your home repeatedly and not mine. See how that works.
I think sometimes being polite as you illustrate can be as rude or ruder. Like a guy who won't just break up with you when he isn't into it anymore. You, I'm gathering, would just hang around being politely unhappy. That's a drag to me on both ends, sorry you don't agree.
No one is expected to respect other peoples delusions.
What we *are* expected to respect is their right to have their delusions and even teach and preach them too.
See the difference?
It's just like we were taught in Kindergarden: be nice to others.
---
However, that respect for their right to believe "any damned fool thing they want" (my grandmothers favorite expression) that most of us are willing to extend in most circumstances is subject to a rapidly declining level of tolerance when they attempt to impose their delusions (read: beliefs) on the lives of others or when they expect the non-delusional to not point out the distinction between delusion and actual fact.
This last will show itself most often when such delusional "belief" gets paraded around as being anything other than such...
let alone to be actual fact.
He doesn't lead people on. He answers the door and says "Not interested." and they leave. More than I'd do, I wouldn't even bother to answer the door.
I tried the simple, I'm not interested and after the hand outs of material they usually keep going, which then I slowly start the door shutting as I say "don't bother waisting your time on me, I'm atheist. I don't think that I'm being impolite, just honest. Why let them waist their time when they don't have too.
I guess my missionaries are more into the mission than his. lol The Atheist line usually puts me into the home they avoid category. Then I don't have to avoid the door bell nor accept material I won't ever read.
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. Saves them the trip of hope. I think it's better to be honest and upfront. To some that is rude to others it is appreciated. Leading people on is not my bag, it may be others bag, so I'll let it be yours. 
Then I don't have to avoid the door bell nor accept material I won't ever read.
