What, exactly, does it mean when we are expected to "respect"?

i don't give a crap if anyone respects my atheist remarks - what i think people should respect is truth, reason, and commonsense.

I am one of those atheists who appears absurd and dangerous to you, but I totally agree. As long as the extent of your disrespect doesn't amount to physically hurting me, I don't think you should respect me. That of course is assuming that you are not just being close-minded. If you hate racists just because you're prejudiced against racism, then you're just as bad as them. You're just a racist-ist. But if you think you have a good reason to hate racists (or anyone else for that matter), hate on, brother.

Respect is a form agreeing to disagree. Respect is allowing someone to express his opinion as his right and so the same right must be given to you. Condemning someone for what he said against your belief is your right but both must respect the right to life and simply not to the point of killing one another or calling unfounded names.

Show respect for the person. Defend not offend.

It is ok to vigorously argue and promote your beliefs and even point out holes in others convictions-- this can be done "respectfully" by not attacking the person but rather by stimulating others to think and or re-think

Respect just means that you must allow them to speak their minds- but you also have the right to speak yours. Maybe if you speak well enough they may change their views.

Love the person - not always means that you must love their beliefs. Sometimes their beliefs are just what they learned as they grew up. Beliefs can change.

It means that we recognize that they have to right to exercise their free will. In so doing, they CAN make the wrong decision or take the wrong action. We also recognize that they are to face the consequences of their decisions and actions.

No need to condemn. That's not your job anyway.

you dont have to agree with them but as long as they are not bieng offensive you should respect them.

You fight evil with truth and love, and not return prejudice for prejudice. Amen.