Should religious views be respected more than political views?

[ZombieHorde]

Poll question: Should religious views be respected more than political views?

By 'respected more', I mean exempt from harsh criticism.

For example:

Republicans are disconnected from reality. Buddhists are disconnected from reality.

[ContinentalOp]

1. No. They're the same. Personal opinions that people hold by choice. -nt-

[angrycarpenter]

2. Both should be based on how stupid they are.

How realistic or delusional.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

3. The majority of human beings never learn the meaning of "respect" in their lifetimes.

There's no such thing as "degrees of respect." If you show "less" respect or "more" respect in ANY situation...race, religion, gender, sexuality, ANY situation...it only demonstrates a complete lack of misunderstanding of the word.

The more effort we put into separating ourselves from fellow human beings, the greater the chances of being separated.

[ZombieHorde]

6. I predicted that the word 'respect' would cause difficulties,

Which is why I tried to clarify my intentions.

The more effort we put into separating ourselves from fellow human beings, the greater the chances of being separated.

Which can be a very good thing in some situations.


edit to add: The majority of Human Beings do not speak English, so it is no surprise that they never learn the meaning of the word 'respect'. Same with the entomology of the word 'kunoichi'.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. It really depends upon the venue

where the discussion takes place. If you are talking about DU, both are fair game. If you're talking about a diplomatic summit, or a world religious council, then no. In those venues, diplomacy is needed so that necessary work be done.

[ZombieHorde]

7. I was thinking about DU, but my poll didn't even hint at that intention.

Thanks for clarifying.

[MrModerate]

5. Traditionally, because religious beliefs are faith-based . . .

While political beliefs are supposed to be policy-based (and bear direct a relationship to consensus reality), religious beliefs have been treated more gently. At least in America.

Personally, I take this to mean that religious beliefs are psychological derangements and it's impolite to make fun of people who aren't well.

Given that "politeness" is one of the major binders holding society together, I'd lean toward letting religious beliefs pass.

Unless they begin to intrude on policy, and then they need to be pushed back on. Not because of their truth/untruth, but because they simply should have no bearing on public policy, period.

[Ferret Annica]

8. Send down another one....

.... we'll nail him up too.

[stillcool]

9. I think there is a difference..

between opinion and belief. And I don't think too many people examine what it is they themselves truly believe. I don't think we are a very thoughtful society, and our views are what lies on the surface. So...nothing is respected.

[ZombieHorde]

10. What do you think is the difference between religion and belief?

[stillcool]

13. what I believe has nothing to do..

with religion, it is my own truth. It requires no books, no building, no person to 'teach' me. It is mine, and mine alone. It is who I am. Religion is interesting, but I think it has more to do with the outside than the inside.

[ladjf]

11. Religious views are fabricated notions. I have no respect for that.

However, I don't care how every one else regards such views.

[Idealism]

12. Religious views of other people is none of my business

So long as they don't infringe upon my rights.

I think many religions are downright stupid in their premise/history of events, but you are free to think and believe what you'd like as long as you aren't trying to get me to think the same.

Political beliefs should be the only real merit politicians are judged on, with a dash of morality for good measure.

[Crunchy Frog]

14. As long as people aren't trying to impose religious views on others

I say leave it alone. Political views are, by definition, views that you want to impose on others.

[onager]

15. This guy said it best...

One of the most irrational of all the conventions of modern society is the one to the effect that religious opinions should be respected...

(This) convention protects them, and so they proceed with their blather unwhipped and almost unmolested, to the great damage of common sense and common decency.

That they should have this immunity is an outrage. There is nothing in religious ideas, as a class, to lift them above other ideas. On the contrary, they are always dubious and often quite silly.

Nor is there any visible intellectual dignity in theologians. Few of them know anything that is worth knowing, and not many of them are even honest.--H.L. Mencken

[moggie]

16. I'm not sure they're really different

Both religious ideas and political ideas attempt to explain the world. Both prescribe the way things should be done. Both tend to be learned from your parents, though you may rebel as a teenager. Both are often held with great fervour, despite a lack of empirical support. Both tend to define an ingroup and an outgroup, and regard the latter as the enemy. You can change your mind on both, but it's likely to be a difficult and painful transition.