How much respect does religion actually deserve? (Jesus Christ, Latter-Day Saints, beliefs)

[PureX]

Originally Posted by Alex_G

look, this just seems like you confused them just as i didn't want in the first place. I know religion is respected, and it may well be due to its apparent importance to people, but my point is, it is respected far too much. Many people use religion as a crutch for emotional fragility, but that doesn't mean that it is deserving of the respect it gets. People never like you questioning their religious beliefs, and as far as i have experienced, dont even like questioning themselves, which is not healthy regardless of our emotional state.

That's true. But people don't like questioning any aspect of their lives. And because they are people, we tend to respect their right to be wrong. Would you go around questioning other people's choice of mates? Or their earning and spending habits? Of course not. So why would you think it's OK to go around questioning their religious choices?

Originally Posted by Alex_G

This is mutual understanding of emotional fragility, that is obviously going to occur to some extent over anyones life. (It may almost be a natural evolution of the mind and its thoughts as you age). But to auto attribute the sheer respect this deserves to religious beliefs isn't right. Heroism and tragedy is really about the person, not the religion. If you think this, then you start defining yourself by your religion. The assumption that religion plays such a founding role in a person comes down to possibly how you were brought up. (As in my other topic, to be brought up on religious truths at a young age can give you a warped foundation for later life). Religion has really secured a front row seat in morals and emotions. Almost virus like in behavior.

Basically, im sorry but i think you have mixed up the respect that the religion and its 'truths' deserve(topic), with respect that people deserve.

I don't think you fully appreciate or understand (respect) other people's right to be wrong. We all make bad choices. We all tend not to like self-examination. We all tend to identify ourselves by the groups we hang out with. Often these are flawed behaviors. So what? Who appointed you the judge of humanity's shortcomings?

We respect other people's right to be wrong because we know we also are often wrong. We respect other people's right to avoid self-examination because we also want to avoid it. And because we believe that they and ourselves have good intentions even if we don't always produce good results. We don't throw stones at other people because we live in glass houses, ourselves.

There is a point where we cannot remain silent, I agree. Just as there is a point where we can no longer just do as we please in our own lives without finally applying some serious self-examination. But exactly where is that point? Isn't that something we each have to decide for ourselves? Or do you imagine that you're in charge of deciding that, too?

[Alex_G]

Originally Posted by PureX

That's true. But people don't like questioning any aspect of their lives. And because they are people, we tend to respect their right to be wrong. Would you go around questioning other people's choice of mates? Or their earning and spending habits? Of course not. So why would you think it's OK to go around questioning their religious choices?

Just because u dont like somthing doesnt mean u shouldnt do it. Im not talking about me questioning their habbits, but they should themselves.(mates, spendings etc). All im doing is questioning the lack of self questioning in the religeous department.

Originally Posted by PureX

I don't think you fully appreciate or understand (respect) other people's right to be wrong. We all make bad choices. We all tend not to like self-examination. We all tend to identify ourselves by the groups we hang out with. Often these are flawed behaviors. So what? Who appointed you the judge of humanity's shortcomings?

We respect other people's right to be wrong because we know we also are often wrong. We respect other people's right to avoid self-examination because we also want to avoid it. And because we believe that they and ourselves have good intentions even if we don't always produce good results. We don't throw stones at other people because we live in glass houses, ourselves.

There is a point where we cannot remain silent, I agree. Just as there is a point where we can no longer just do as we please in our own lives without finally applying some serious self-examination. But exactly where is that point? Isn't that something we each have to decide for ourselves? Or do you imagine that you're in charge of deciding that, too?

At no point do i see myself as a judge or in charge of other peoples lives. One will do as they will. No one is forced to listen to anyone els, thats not how it works. Your responsible for yourself. All i like to do is promote the idea of questioning everything. The fact that we are all wrong from time to time shouldnt deter this. For me there is nothing worse than having wool over my eyes, and i wouldnt like it on anyone els. You ask what point self examination becomes necissary? Id say its vital always, dynamicly modifying through life. Of course its up to the individual like you said.

Just to say somthing about ur glasshouse metaphore. We dont throw stones because we KNOW we are in the glass house due to self examination (my point). Its the people that dont realise their there which is the shame.

Sorry for shocking lateness in my reply, ive not been on here for ages, my course takes up so much of my time:P

[Reverend Rick]

Originally Posted by PureX

That's true. But people don't like questioning any aspect of their lives. And because they are people, we tend to respect their right to be wrong. Would you go around questioning other people's choice of mates? Or their earning and spending habits? Of course not. So why would you think it's OK to go around questioning their religious choices?
I don't think you fully appreciate or understand (respect) other people's right to be wrong. We all make bad choices. We all tend not to like self-examination. We all tend to identify ourselves by the groups we hang out with. Often these are flawed behaviors. So what? Who appointed you the judge of humanity's shortcomings?

We respect other people's right to be wrong because we know we also are often wrong. We respect other people's right to avoid self-examination because we also want to avoid it. And because we believe that they and ourselves have good intentions even if we don't always produce good results. We don't throw stones at other people because we live in glass houses, ourselves.

There is a point where we cannot remain silent, I agree. Just as there is a point where we can no longer just do as we please in our own lives without finally applying some serious self-examination. But exactly where is that point? Isn't that something we each have to decide for ourselves? Or do you imagine that you're in charge of deciding that, too?

Great post Purex! Frubals upon you brother!

[kai]

i dont think that religion deserves any respect , just for being a religion , but i do believe people deserve respect ,so if i meet a religious person i offer respect as a human being with feelings just like me ,