Why should I not take offense to your faith?

I really would like to know why I must respect someone's faith. Why should I not be offended by someone's faith? Yes it might be intolerant, but most religions have some sort of intolerance sewn into the fabric of their religious beliefs. An example would be that homosexuality is a sin, therefore do not associate with anyone who is homosexual. The examples could continue. I just want to know why I should respect religious beliefs and faiths.

Oh and thanks to whomever reported by benign question.

2007-07-20T13:41:16Z

I guess I should clarify that I am not religious, but would honestly like to know why I should respect someone's faith. We always tip-toe around religious beliefs of others, as to not offend, and to respect them as well. I just find it difficult to respect someone's faith when they are in clear violation of logic and reason (according to me, not everyone). That doesn't mean I wish harm or have ill-intentions towards that person, as someone made a comparison to Osama Bin Laden.

2007-07-20T13:45:00Z

I should clarify further... I am not racist. Race, sex, sexual orientation, height, etc are traits that one is born with. It is not a choice to be male or female (let's not get into sex change operations), just as it is not a choice to be asian or black or latino. I would never discriminate against something like that. But faith is a conscious thing, you choose to have faith. You choose what to wear in the morning, you choose what food you'll eat today. Understand what I mean?

Tim 472007-07-20T13:33:36Z

Favorite Answer

Intolerance is a tactical label applied to cast those who submit to a certain standard as unreasonable.
What will you say when they apply it to your views?
Persecution?

Skye2007-07-20T20:35:58Z

This is something I think about rather often.

For example, many Christians worship a God who will send the rest of us to eternal torment. Should I respect that?

Now, the Thought Police hasn't been created yet, so we can all think what we want... but when our thoughts lead to similar actions (as they often do), we are crossing the line, i.e. gay marriage. Shouldn't even be an issue.

Still, just because we're each allowed to think and say what we want doesn't mean we'll be respected because of it. There should never be anything or anyone telling us that we MUST like others or respect their beliefs.

As much as I despise how much hatred some people can harbor, I can't legitimately overrule their rights because of it.

Anonymous2007-07-20T21:00:01Z

I often marvel at the fact that Christians and Muslims expect me to respect, even embrace their religions when those religions (according to their "holy" books) prescribe eternal torture and death for me for no other reason than I don't share their belief.
Sorry, but I'm not gonna respect that. It's apalling, disgusting and ignorant.

Alowishus B2007-07-20T20:35:11Z

Good one, Foxtrot - I couldn't have said it better myself.

The same goes for "homophobia" - a 'tactical label.'
Or how about, "Palestinian?"

Edit: Sexual orientation a trait you're born with?!? Pfft. Prove it. I mean, I know that's what homosexuals desperately WANT to be the case, but I can't just say, "I am a billionaire" and have it be true by virtue of my saying so.

stym2007-07-20T20:36:33Z

And why should Osama Bin Laden not destroy the World Trade Center if he has a right to be offended by your faith or even your citizenship?

Can't you see how slippery a slope your argument is? Can't you see why the bill of rights has been drafted that way by the founding fathers?

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