SHOULD we respect each other's beliefs? What makes a belief worthy of respect?

[BHownsall]

What makes a belief sound, what makes a belief respect worthy? Is the value of a belief based upon its adherence to evidence, it's "truth-factor", it's use and the benefit to be gained by it...or both? Should beliefs with little to no basis in objective reality be given the same consideration as those which are clearly demonstrated to be true? Should non-fact-based and potentially harmful beliefs be granted the same respect and consideration as those which conform to reality and promote an obvious benefit? Is it rude to contradict the stated belief of another individual? Why is it taboo to do so?

[ruksak]

I actually do not respect others beliefs, especially in the realm of religion. I am outwardly and overtly disrespectful toward such nonsense. If only more folks would follow suite, perhaps more would come to accept the futility of believing in ideas with no merit to back them up.

I believe in science. If you make fun of my beliefs you are admitting that you're unintelligent and ignorant to fact. Making me impervious to having my feelings hurt.

[BlackSheep]

To a large degree it is taboo to not respect other's religions for one simple reason. People are very sensitive about this topic. It creates hurt feelings and can harm the harmonious functioning of society. Now if that 'belief' is 'crazy' (ie only a small group accept it) then it tends to be fair game.
There really is no other reason than that. There is no need for it to make any sense at all.

[Cephus]

Respect is earned, period. Most religions do not do that. I don't care if people want to believe absurd things, I simply will not respect the fact that they do so. If you don't want to be ridiculed for your beliefs, don't believe ridiculous things.

[Senor Hoint]

Religion is a delusion and conservatism a disease. And that's how much respect I have for other people's beliefs.

[minorwork]

Whether there is respect or not, the question is when is it a "good" idea to show that respect or lack of it. What action arenas find such expressions appropriate? By posting at Volconvo, beliefs are open for examination to determine the respect held for those beliefs by the community. The risk is real that the opposite is accomplished. Volcons are a courageous lot.

Are there other arenas where a frank discussion of the merits or worthlessness of an idea is not appropriate? Sure. I don't speak against the power of prayer with a bible thumping wheelchair bound triple amputee by asking why God doesn't heel amputees, but will modify the statement to that of the human factor in the work against polio and water borne illnesses.

Schools? Proceed at your own risk especially in the mandatory grades thru 12th.

But online informal debate forums? Game on.

[ruksak]

Whether there is respect or not, the question is when is it a "good" idea to show that respect or lack of it. What action arenas find such expressions appropriate? By posting at Volconvo, beliefs are open for examination to determine the respect held for those beliefs by the community. The risk is real that the opposite is accomplished. Volcons are a courageous lot.

Are there other arenas where a frank discussion of the merits or worthlessness of an idea is not appropriate? Sure. I don't speak against the power of prayer with a bible thumping wheelchair bound triple amputee by asking why God doesn't heel amputees, but will modify the statement to that of the human factor in the work against polio and water borne illnesses.

Schools? Proceed at your own risk especially in the mandatory grades thru 12th.

But online informal debate forums? Game on.

I'll do so at work or in any social setting. I won't attack them without cause, however. It's the simple things that set it off. Being made fun of as a child for not believing in god set the groundwork for my disdain.

At work, being told by a co-worker that "god works in mysterious ways" has been the ignition of many a flaming retort by me. Typically I'll respond with "HAIL SATAN". Damn right i'll say it, everytime.

My code is as follows; Keep your backward ways to yourself. If you feel inclined to pander your beliefs to me, I will return the favor. They call it 'bearing witness'. I'll bear witness as well. Shit, I'll make up a deity, just as they did, and pretend to espouse belief in such, just as they did, only for the pleasure of mind-fucking them into shutting the hell up about it.

[crimethinker]

I try to respect other's beliefs insofar as they respect mine. The problem with religions like Christianity and Islam is that they come with a directive to propagate and infect whatever society they're in. I don't and shouldn't respect attempts to limit my rights as a homosexual. The same goes for women and non-believers. Similarly, if you thrust your beliefs out there for the world to respond to, as on a debate forum or in personal gatherings, you waive your right to automatic respect, though as a matter of common courtesy I'll grant some.

Now, if people are privately observing their beliefs and not pressing to have them legislated, and not ignoring their children's health and education, I'm all for respecting that. It doesn't affect me except very indirectly. And hey, I'm glad for the artistic and cultural variety religion adds to society. Much of it I enjoy. But I reject all attempts to impose religion on society or individuals.

[grandpa]

I try to respect other's beliefs insofar as they respect
mine.
The problem with religions like Christianity and Islam is that
they come with a directive to propagate and infect whatever
society they're in.

There seem to be more converts between the two religions than any other pair.

As for the main question:
I can respect certain contrary beliefs more than others, depending on the specifics. It depends on what the belief really does and who it represents.

Grandpa h.

[Jack]

Since the OP wasn't specifically aimed at religious beliefs (which don't deserve automatic respect), I'd say most if not all beliefs deserve to be met with skepticism and doubt until they've been examined in the light of logic, common sense and the body of knowledge we've generated throughout history. No belief I can think of deserves unquestioning respect. Homeopathy comes to mind. I consider it to be among the "not-based-on-fact and potentially dangerous" beliefs mentioned in the OP. It has no basis in either science or reality. The belief in racial or sexual inequality deserves no respect. Many beliefs are not just counter-intuitive but also counter-productive and detrimental to people and societies.

[BHownsall]

What truly concerns me is the fact that some beliefs are considered to be impolite to question, they have placed themselves beyond the boundaries of criticism. I think that in many cases this is deliberate. Is it truly impolite to turn a critical eye upon someone's religious or political statements and opinions? Racial opinions, parenting choices, etc? Why should any subject be immune to criticism, why should some questions not be asked? I fail to see the benefit in limiting discourse. I fail to see how placing some issues beyond skepticism and critical reasoning can be beneficial to anyone, now or ever. There is this idea that shaking someone's faith is somehow an unjust thing to do, that doubt is emotionally harmful. I find myself very suspicious of any subject that is considered impolite or wrong to question, it makes me think that it has something to hide. If a belief cannot survive critical analysis, if it causes more harm than good, and most of all of it is in fact untrue...then it needs to be thrown out. The biggest liars are often the first to boast of their honesty, braggarts are often the least emotionally secure of people, and when someone says that a belief shouldn't be questioned that generally tells me that it can't survive such questioning. I find that doubt is an eminently useful emotion, it drives us to question and inspect and verify, it drives us to learn. I see no benefit in certainty, in dogmatism, in unquestioning belief. I see no reason to respect untrue propositions, no reason to respect someone's adherence to them, and I can't respect those who say that it is off limits to display my contrary opinions openly.

[GiveMeABreak]

Yes we should it is called being a mature adult. That doesn't mean you can't debate differing perspectives. It doesn't mean you can't stand up against a belief that is unjust to others.

But if you're just going to be disrespectful because you don't like a differing view from you. Well that's a sign of immaturity as far as I'm concerned. Further more it usually defeats your argument and the other person refuses to listen to you.