Do you see what happens when you get just a bit too emotional? I agree with Darkwind here in one of the posts. This should be spirited debate, not trying to attack each other. RESPECT each others faith, or lack of. Remember what you choose to do, or do not choose to do determines your future. So please calm down, and think before saying who knows what to people. We all have feelings, we all are sitting behind the screen typing, I'd hate to think what it would be like if we were all locked in a room together. Some people take some things too personally, and some people are downright mean. Only G-d can judge. I'm posting this because someone was really upset at what was said to them. So I'm going to say please stop bashing each other, and I've taken a few good blows here myself, just shrug it off. When worse comes to worse you can report. However I'd like to see us all try to stop attacking each other and using our intellect. Anyone else agree?

It depends on what you mean by bashing.

Yes there are some people who go out of their way to upset other people which is wrong BUT there are those who are so sensitive that they will feel they are being attacked from all sides. Also some feel that their belief or Non belief should not be questioned or have the slightest thing disagree with it. I think people just need to develop a thick skin and realize that not everyone is going to agree with which ever path they choose in life and that not everyone is going to say nice things about that belief or non belief.




Not everyone believes in God so that does not apply to everyone.

You are confusing the difference between respecting the right to believe, and respecting a belief.

A very common yet frustrating confusion that I see time and time again.

There are men and women who have fought, shed blood and died for your right to believe. They did not fight because they respected each and every belief that can be and could be held.

The difference is huge and I don't understand why it is so often misinterpreted.

people get emotional about things they are passionate about. nothing is going to change that. It is really the topic that gets people going. I have had ummmmm intense discussions with someone on a thread and at the same time have the same POV on another topic and be getting along in another thread. granted maliciousness is uncalled for.

I do try my best to respect other peoples' faith, But I always respect the person no matter what,I agree when some attacks you or your religion then there is going to be a really bad situation. But we have to remember where we are, This forum is about religion, Not just ours but everyones. Sometimes we tend to forget that, I have been complimented on my openess and I think I try to see everyones point, beyond my own But a I am too human I make mistakes. I should have took the threat I seen toward me as just that and left it alone. I have never been one to damn anyone and I apoligize for losing my cool, Although i seen the post in question as a direct bashing session about me and my belief in God , I should have just left and forgot it. I do see some on here being disrespectful and I think they should think before they type just as I intend to do. We are all very entitled to our own opinion, But we should think about how it may come across to others, Always a pleasure ANGEL007, I am so glad you are back.

Agreed thoroughly. This post should be read and understood by everyone who sees this thread.

I have said it before and will say it again, I am grateful for the pleasure of being able to worship God. There are and have been many brave men ad women who fight for our rights, And I would never belittle that. This is about respect of others and their belief, While I know people die everyday fighting for their rights lets not confuse that with what we do here.We are in a forum not on the war lines. Always a pleasure.

No! There is absolutely no requirement to respect a person's belief and I am surprised that I have to say this again.

The right to believe? - yes.
The right to have your belief respected? - no.


The right to hold your opinion? - absolutely yes.
The right to not have your opinion challenged - absolutely not.


The right to give others your opinion? - Bring it on!
The right of others to challenge your opinion? - People lost lives for that right!


The right to have your opinion taken seriously? - NO! That's not what freedom is about. Opinions stand by their apparent merits. They do not command automatic respect.






Papaver

I agee with everything you said except ones belief should be respected, I did not mean any offense and if It came across like that I apoligize. I respect the people who fight for our rights too, I have a brother n law in iraq , I wont get into that war but i was just saying the people who fight wars for us are much more important than us arguing our beliefs on a forum, Always a pleasure

Just my humble opinion but,,,,,,,,,,beliefs create behaviors,do they not ?


"According to Abbas, Bush said: 'God told me to strike at al Qaida and I struck them, and then he instructed me to strike at Saddam, which I did, and now I am determined to solve the problem in the Middle East. If you help me I will act, and if not, the elections will come and I will have to focus on them.'


This is one of the reasons we don't respect beliefs. Do you respect Bin Ladens belief ? I hope not


If your brother in law dies in Iraq (god forbid) it may be due to a belief (& greed of course)

I never said anyone's beliefs should be respected, only that their right to believe should be respected.

Also that beliefs should stand by their merits and do not command automatic respect. (just because a person believes so)

You have said nothing to offend me, you said "I am grateful for the pleasure of being able to worship God" - you obviously appreciate that. You are already far ahead of most of the pack who don't seem to realise such priveleges.

You also said "I wont get into that war but i was just saying the people who fight wars for us are much more important than us arguing our beliefs on a forum" - that is quite right. Those that fight against facism and for freedom to express publicy one's beliefs have put there lives on the line and we both appreciate that.

I will finish before I go to my peaceful bed by saying that to fight for freedom of speech, with speech, is honorable and vital too. Defend your right to say what you will. Free speech does not extend to other's right to not be offended ;-)

You can offend others, that is part of free speech - if you believe in what you say then say it, do not have too much concern for their feelings. Do not hurt on purpose with words but don't hold back if you believe what you write or say.

A person with conviction in their own beliefs can handle your words. They have the same words available to counter you and too bad if they don't have intellect to do so.....C'est la vie.

She is saying BELIEFS SHOULD BE RESPECTED see her quote here. <<<<<See here

I'm quite aware of what she said and I am totally disagreeing with her on that issue as should be obvious by my post.

This is the third time I'm having to say this but the right to believe should be respected. There is no requirement to respect the actual belief.

The thing that is really confusing me about what you are saying here is that you seem just a couple of posts back to totally understand this concept when you say "Do you respect Bin Ladens belief ? I hope not."

Then, a post or two later, in shouting capitals say "BELIEFS SHOULD BE RESPCTED" and completely contradict yourself?

Do you now respect Bin Laden's belief?*




*I'm not suggesting you do at all and I am just using your own good example.

Quoting the title of the thread......



The problem, I think, is that many are more than 'comfortable' with their faith or lack thereof.
It is others who seem to have issue with it.

Many of the christians, and a few of the muslims that post on these boards have a very dogmatic "this is the truth, y'all better wise up" attitude that tends to rankle others. And many get too emotionally invested when someone disagrees with their concept of god.
Faith is just that faith. An individual may have experienced something that has convinced them of the truth of their beliefs. However, that proof is irrelevant to another individual. For another to beleive a persons claim of "divine revelation" means that the person would have faith in the beleivers vision. NOT in the proof of god.
In the end, it is faith not supported by empirical evidence.

"If your beliefs bring you comfort and peace, then it is right. For YOU. It may not, however, be right for ME."


good journey

Let me clear the fog here. I said she is saying (sandee) beliefs should be respected. Read the post again if you wish

I DO NOT feel that I must respect someones belief for good reason/s. But I completely agree w. your statement that I respect someones RIGHT TO BELIEVE something.

Otherwise we'd be the "mind police" also>> good ol Jehovah is supposedly busy doing just that for believers according to some.

Speaking of relaxing,here's a joke believers & non-believers will enjoy ( I hope-relax those spincter muscles & take a deep breath-just in case)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cCRAR0G9aU

Oh I would love to take this post and put it on a flag. It is so true in life, but the forum has rules and we must obey the white wizard. This forum is about Spirituality, Religion and Beliefs it was created as a safe haven for those who wish to talk about their beliefs or non beliefs with out being attack. I was here when it was created and divided from Spirituality vs Skepticism. There was talk of shutting the whole religion board down, but sense it was popular they decided not to. I was glad they didn't cause I do enjoy learning about other religions and debating.

The thing is a lot of people hide in here as a way to say their belief is the one true belief and everyone else is wrong. That attitude should be in SvsS. When they pray I or another will be converted to their belief I get upset, because a prayer is the same as a spell (IMO) and for a witch or Druid to do such a spell would be highly unethical. The truth is I don't have much respect for the Abahamic faiths, but I try to have respect for the person. I don't have to respect your faith, I only have to respect the person and follow the rules of the forum. A lot of this came about over a disagreement with Ripley and Sandee. I have a lot of respect for Ripley she speaks her mind while I don't away agree with her I respect what she has to say. Sandee you are kind and sweet but you have a lot to learn about the internet. It is not for the faint of heart. You are always free to agree to disagree. Just cause some one doesn't believe in a belief doesn't mean they are attacking it.

and I would like to , in my defence , seeing how I'm being round housed again .

all this started because I asked for proof from sandee. she of course had none to give and stated even if I did I wouldn't belive it which led to her slyly stating I was going to hell and that she'd pray I'd see the 'truth' to which I replied I would pray that she too saw the 'truth'. ( truth being an individual experience and no one way too it nor is there one truth where beliefs are concerned )

yes relax. I had let it go and she harrassed via email and by digs in comments even here.

so , we can now let it go.

I respect someones freedom to worship as they see fit. Your truth is yours alone. it doesn't make it right for anyone except yourself . My truth doesn't make it right for anyone but me .

But plenty disagree with my truth and they can !! I don't get into a huff about it. nor does it hurt my feelings .

Not until you remove your signature!!!!!

Lets not continue past disputes and disagreements on in to other threads, we don't want this thread acting as a continuation of the same argument that caused all the upset the first time.

I'm closing this thread as well, I recommend resolving this particular issue in private.