Okay first of all there is a difference between religion and faith.
You should respect people with (a different) faith the same way as you should respect people of a different gender, country or culture.

Expecting to be respected without return is just plain silly and asking 'why should I if they do not' is just stupid. If you want to better society as a whole, start with yourself. If you don't care, then don't bother and ignore the so called nut-jobs and extremists.

If not for them, do it for yourself... Don't you find all this hate and distrust tiring?

(also note that respect works both ways and should start somewhere... Why not with you?)

Well in my case, I follow the path of Shintoism and I really believe in the Gods and deities. They are a part of my life, no matter what I do. But I wouldn't ever expect of others to accept the same believes as I have and I also would never disrespect other peoples believes. Yet I would never allow someone to say something bad about my religion.
For me I think you should respect someone else his or her religion cause it shows that you also respect that person as long as they show you respect. Since showing respect and actually believing is a really different thing, you can still show respect in someone else's religion without saying you believe in it.

So tell me, what's it like living in a constant haze of stupidity?

Being against religion myself, I can understand where you're coming from.
You can't be disrespectful towards a person just because they're religious, but if a person doesn't show respect to you, then you own nothing to this person.

That's fine I am mostly aiming at people who pressure there religion onto others.

You don't have to show respect to such people, but since you said "most"...

I'm neutral towards everyone until we start a conversation and get to know each other better.

Although in my opinion, believing in a god is quite different than being religious.
I know fine people of faith who practice no religion.
They just believe that there's something up above, something more.
While this contradicts my own views, I don't try to impose what I believe on them.
They do the same. Sure, it inevitably comes in conversation,
but you just need to learn how to steer around that.
Not every person's god is a vengeful, hating god, and that's what so good about faith without religion.

It's much harder for me to get along with religious people.
They're usually the ones that you feel like you're hitting your head against the wall when talking to.
Tbh, I often doubt they have any faith at all. It's like they're sheep that walk in a herd which follows an invisible shepherd.

Oh, and btw...
It's spelt "common sense". ^^
You'd be surprised how often its advices are ignored. =)

Hrodulf and Bjornolfr, you will not be forgotten.
[img]http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp199/SyberAngelGabrielle/couplesig.jpg[/img]
[color=black]And if the world were black and white,
you would be my rainbow in shades of grey.[/color]

Click 'n Play!

If I had a fantasy self, it'd be a tentacle monster.

because otherwise you are not better than all those racists and nazis.
some people need their religion, because it helps them to overcome something, and many people grew up in it. the talk about "you´ll burn in hell" can be ignored because noone can proof that there is hell or heaven. But religion shouldn´t be badmouthed because it´s something many people care for. And this should be respected. In general religion is a opinon (from my point of view) like there are political opinons and such. And how would you feel if other people would say that your opinon is bad?

i don´t know if this text is understanable because i didn´t think them in english, but in german (i usually think in english when i´m online) and had to translate them

[img]http://img3.lln.crunchyroll.com/i/spire1/d3534fdb6e3e9a20689515e4361f69ea1312335455_full.jpg[/img]
currently reading: Nyotai-ka
please support me

I don't have respect for some religions. For the people? for them I have respect, because they're human, and I "believe" everyone has the right to believe and say what they like (to do what they like is something else) Most religions do not earn respect themselves. But I grew up in a multicultural society, I also grew up in a old fashioned environment, I respect people for who they are, not for what they believe in. I guess I'm not really making sense. But what I'm trying to say ( 🙄 ) is:

I respect people, they may believe what they like, but I do not respect some religions because of the horror that comes from them.

I don't "respect" other people's religion... For the most part I ignore it. I don't say anything bad unless I'm around other atheists. I will not praise their religion, ignoring it is enough.

[img]http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p14/mewpudding101/Site%20Stuff/200x40suzu.gif[/img]

Religion is but an ideology. What you have a problem with is the people that misuse it to justify their selfish definition of existence.

Anything can be used and interpreted in one's way. When someone hits you with a bat, you do not start to think that all bats are evil. No, you know that it is the person that commanded the bat to hit you. So, why do religion-hating atheists never realize that religion is but a tool for inherently unstable people to (mis)use?

source: animenewsnetwork

Join SRoMU Scanlations or visit #SRoMU at IRCHighWay.

I don't think it's fair to be disrespectful to everyone who is religious just because you don't agree with it. It's a childish way of thinking actually.

I find it distasteful that religion is used as an excuse to do terrible things too. Some people look to religion as help and guidance, especially during hard times. Not everyone uses religion as a "fear" factor. There are some who are rather laid back, like myself, and just believe because we want to, don't force it on others and just keep our faiths to ourselves.

I'm rather relaxed when it comes to religion. I respect the fact that people are atheists, they have every right to be, just as people have every right to be religious.

Now tell me, are you going to disrespect my beliefs? Have I used "fear" to try and change your way of thinking? Have I told you something bad is going to happen to you if you don't believe?
Not all religious people are scary, pushy people who say "You Must Believe!" you know :/
But I do know what you mean. I don't like the pushy ones either. That goes for both sides, religious or not. Don't think it's just the religious people who try and force their beliefs on others. I've experienced pressure from both sides before.
I believe what the hell I want to believe.
If anything, respect a person for who they are overall, not what their religious practice is.
Don't go being disrespectful to people who are religious just because they believe in something you don't.

Quote from the-burden

Quote from Calíbre

Quote from the-burden

So I should fear these people then and do what they ask of me because if I don't they will do something to me. I understand with the taking off shoes but thats not religion thats tradition. The point is my view of the world is diffrent but I am not saying I am right I am just saying why should I respect that in which I am forced to believe even if I don't believe it.

Who said anything about fear? It's just a cultural courtesy to show respect to people's traditons. Doesn't matter if the traditions are religious based or not.
And if someone is trying to force you doesn't mean the religion is wrong. The people who are forcing it upon you are the ones whom are wrong for it.

Yeah I agree with you on that one.

Hmmm, i see what you are saying guys and i agree with it on a certain level however religion and faith are different as someone has stated before.
Yes you should not disrespect someones faith just because of what others have done but religion is different. If i'am not mistaken, is it not religion that TELLS you to go and preach unto others? "Spread the word". Preists in some cases quote you to go spread the word door to door?
I'm not here to discuss the finar points of it all but at the essence of it all. Is it not religion that tells the majourity to impose their faith, am i not wrong?
You also said it was wrong to impose bare that in mind.

So to re-execute his question again:
Why should he respect religion.

EDIT:
Just so were squar. Religion, not people.

[img]http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k528/fr33noob/on3winged9.jpg[/img]
I believe in letting people do as they wish, as do I myself. Sometimes, of course, what I wish to do is kill them and they do not wish to die. This gives life interest.
[img]http://www.nodiatis.com/pub/26.jpg[/img]

@fr33noob

Spreading the word and forcing the religion are two different things my friend.

[color=#ff0000]"“That's the difference between me and the rest of the world!
Happiness isn't good enough for me! I demand euphoria!” "[/color]

Quote from Calíbre

@fr33noob

Spreading the word and forcing the religion are two different things my friend.

hm, So imposing it is ok but forcing it is wrong?

[img]http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k528/fr33noob/on3winged9.jpg[/img]
I believe in letting people do as they wish, as do I myself. Sometimes, of course, what I wish to do is kill them and they do not wish to die. This gives life interest.
[img]http://www.nodiatis.com/pub/26.jpg[/img]

I know where you're coming from, but I think you're... wrong.

I don't believe in a deity, either. And because of that, I know exactly what you're talking about when I say that I've been judged and reprimanded and scorned, simply because of that fact. It doesn't help that I live in a pretty religious area.

It hurts, you know? One of my best friends from a year or two ago stopped treating me well because she thinks I'm unworthy of her friendship. Yeah. Unworthy.

So I know how tough it can be to be judged simply because you don't believe in a deity.

But that doesn't make it a good thing to judge people because they do believe in a deity, either. People are not defined by their religions. People are not defined by one cruel act that they do. My old best friend (the one who treated me so harshly before) volunteers a lot in our community, and is always there for a lot of people. They just might not be me. And that's okay.

Respect people. Denouncing religion as saying it's like "terrorism" is doing the same exact thing that you dislike people doing to you. It's judging people before they've done anything wrong. It's defining them by their religion. People are so much more than that, you know?

Even if they do try to force their beliefs on you, you shouldn't hate them or scream at them. It's really only going to keep the cycle moving. If you calmly discuss with someone that you really wish they'd respect your beliefs, they should respect that. If they don't, walk away. There are so many more people in the world that will appreciate you for who you are, or at least accept that you should be allowed to believe what you will.

And again, I know it's hard sometimes. I was pretty upset when my "best friend" started treating me like a speck of dirt. I like to think I'm a pretty good person, you know? All because of something so trivial as whether or not I believe in a god. But the thing is -- it's not trivial to that person. It's everything to them. Just try and understand that.

Ultimately, Dr. Love articulated the other part of my argument perfectly. Religion isn't what's stifling you -- it's people who use their religion in a negative way. People. Not the religion itself. That old friend of mine is Christian, but Christianity wasn't what hurt me so much. It was her. And I forgave her for it, and though I think everyone should try and forgive others, I understand that's probably not going to happen in most situations. But it's people who wield that power of negativity. Religions are not inherently evil.

Please just keep that in mind.

P.S. A lot of religions don't have the "go forth and convert" doctrine as part of their faith. Islam and Christianity do. But Judaism and Buddhism, for one, aren't concerned with getting more members of their faith. All religions are not the same. All religions are not evil. Just because Christianity and Islam try to acquire more members, doesn't mean they're wrong -- Christianity, for one, is convinced that by converting people, they're saving people from an eternity of hellfire. It usually has good intentions. And sure, sometimes people can misuse that, but the faith itself isn't what's doing that.

People and religion. Two different things.

"Without you, today's emotions would be the scurf of yesterday's."

Quote from Calíbre

@fr33noob

Spreading the word and forcing the religion are two different things my friend.

I supose spreading it would be like saying this is how it is and this is what you should do your choice. Where as forcing would be this is how it will be and you must obey. Am I wrong?

[img]http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g17/the-burden/jamesbcopy.jpg[/img]

Quote from the-burden

Quote from Calíbre

@fr33noob

Spreading the word and forcing the religion are two different things my friend.

I supose spreading it would be like saying this is how it is and this is what you should do your choice. Where as forcing would be this is how it will be and you must obey. Am I wrong?

Many people have spoken to me about changing my faith, and I kindly decline. Those who thank me for their time and go about their day are cool with me. Those who persist and call me a heathen that will be thrown into eternal whatever are extremists and I'm against that mess.

Though some persist without the extremist attitude, and I can have a sound conversation with them, and it ends in the same way. I'm not religious but I have my beliefs and I live my life accordingly to be a positive human being.

But really, people who quote the bible for reasons why gays or woman should be treated like less of human are foolish extremists. smh

[color=#ff0000]"“That's the difference between me and the rest of the world!
Happiness isn't good enough for me! I demand euphoria!” "[/color]

Quote from Calíbre

Quote from the-burden

Quote from Calíbre

@fr33noob

Spreading the word and forcing the religion are two different things my friend.

I supose spreading it would be like saying this is how it is and this is what you should do your choice. Where as forcing would be this is how it will be and you must obey. Am I wrong?

Many people have spoken to me about changing my faith, and I kindly decline. Those who thank me for their time and go about their day are cool with me. Those who persist and call me a heathen that will be thrown into eternal whatever are extremists and I'm against that mess.

Though some persist without the extremist attitude, and I can have a sound conversation with them, and it ends in the same way. I'm not religious but I have my beliefs and I live my life accordingly to be a positive human being.

I don't know if it is just me but I can't stand knowing something is just a plain lie I mean if you look at the catholic religion it changes it's rules all the time. How can you just suddenly change a sacret written rule by your god?

[img]http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g17/the-burden/jamesbcopy.jpg[/img]