Why should I not take offense to your faith?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?

What goes around, comes around. Even respect.

You most certainly don't have a to agree with a religion or condone/endorse it or even like it. And heck, you don't *HAVE* to respect it... but how about respecting that this has been someone's choice, whether you agree or not.

I'll give you three answers to that one, they are definitions:

1. a prejudiced person who is intolerant of any opinions

differing from his own.

2. One who is strongly partial to one's own group, religion, race, or politics and is intolerant of those who differ.

3. a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance

Guess what word these answers are defining?

A: Bigot

Wasn't me. <G> You'll find that those most insecure report people often.

I think you SHOULD be offended by bigotry, no matter if some religion is used to excuse it or not. "Sin" is just an invention to legitimize prejudices and control people.

bacause others will also take offense in yours and if everyone thinks like you, then the world will end up being in a constant quarrel! people like you start religious wars, whether you like it or not. That is probably why someone considered your question racist and reported you.

it's like saying I.m right all of you are wrong, so convert to my faith or you're nothing to me...

simplified like that it sounds horrible, doesnt it?

absolutely... i for one am not apologetic in the least for expressing my atheist points of view, which are often seen as attacks on "faith" \sure others can believe as they wish, but so can I

the religious fundamentalists are given free reign to express their views, and are protected from criticizing in the process... free speech is not free if it doesn't allow for criticism