How should Atheists and Religous people treat each other?

[JU_88]

Im agnostic, I dont think anyone truley knows who/what put us here, and I think those that claim they do are being a being a touch too big for their boots (sorry), to me all religion and science can really offer is theory.

One solution would be learn how to put our belives aside for 5 seconds for the sake of objectivity, but since we are pretty hopeless at doing this, we should maybe just learn to shut up more, mind our own business, grow a thicker skin and just enjoy what makes us happy instead. And that means without needing to try and force it on others while at the same time; not howl "Im offended" like an over sensitive sissy mary -when confronted with the beliefs of others.
Are these people just emotionally insecure or what?

From where Im standing, I see buildings, trees, vehicles and day to day human life, although that in itself it quite complex, its something I can just about understand most of the time. Zoom out a bit and Im an insignificant spec on a vast rotating ball of minerals orbiting an even vaster ball of gass and fire in a seemingly infinate black vacum - Right then, Im not even going to BOTHER to try and fully understand/explain that - as its clearly too big for my primative level of human comprehention, and quite frankly I dont really need to understand it in order to lead a happy prosperous life, do I?
Wake me up when we have craft that can travel to the edge of the universe or when Jesus comes back, until then Im simply not interested in 'instant faith, just add water' based on some ancient dead guy(s) diary or therorectical maths based jargon that proves it self wrong every other decade.
And if you think im ignorant or ill informed, thats fine because I really dont care, Im pretty content with who and what I am and to me, thats all that matters.

[Skybird]

How should Atheists and Religous people treat each other?

In such a manner that the principle of state's and society's secularism stays guaranteed and the public space and state's institutions as well as public education structures stay neutral and non-influenced by religious sects' ideologies. If believers and non-believers would stay away from wanting to missionize the other, and relgious people would not try to turn society into a non-secular culture, then there would be no targets and victims of such missionizing efforts and thus there would be nobody needing to defend himself against an ideologically motivated aggression. Where there is no attack, there is no need to defend. But this only on the basis of secularism and freedom first, religion second, please.

Keep thy religion to thyself. Keep society free of it. Spare others from needing to always take note of what precious idols you have chosen to take for real - it'S your idols and your choice, not theirs, so why would you expect them to care for your stuff? Staying passive, so that society can be an open place for everybody to be in. What colours you paint your flat's walls in, is nothing strangers usually take interest in. And why should they? Your flat is not that important, you know.

Its good to recall this old law from physics: every action has reaction. So keep your radio silent enough that not all the neighbourhood needs to listen to your sound. Play your radio loud, and don't be surprised if neighbours turn against you.
They want to listen to their own radios maybe, you know, without being disturbed by your noise. And you are no disc-jockey for the district.

You want to tell others of your precious beliefs, theistic or atheistic? Then wait until you get asked and then answer to their questions. That's diplomatic, and good style. Missionizing is not diplomatic. It's an aggression.

In case of conflict arising: decide on basis of freedom goes first, religion only second. Always.

[Sammi79]

As they would expect to be treated themselves.

That includes respect if one is being respectful.

It also includes ridicule if one is being ridiculous.

Regards, Sam.

[Garion]

People can believe in whatever they want as long as they do not hurt others , or pass secular laws based on their particular beliefs.

Respect is earned, not bestowed.

Cheers

Gary

[Sammi79]

Originally Posted by Garion

Respect is earned, not bestowed.

So is ridicule.

[Dowly]

^ This is true.

[Herr-Berbunch]

I think the last handful of replies are spot on.

[CaptainHaplo]

I think a person's religiousity - or lack thereof - should not be a basis of how you treat them at all.

Religious views - or the choice to not have any - is a personal one. While theologians argue of the Great Commission and its meaning, the reality is that people share their views on religion, pro or con, way too dang much. Personal religious views should be, generally speaking, kept personal.

For Christians, that means live a life that shows the world something is different - people will notice, inquire and then you can share your views - because they ASKED. Don't shout your views and expect everyone to conform.

For Atheists, that means live your life as you see fit, but don't shout your views and expect everyone to conform either.

If people did this - the battle between Christianity and Athiesm wouldn't be what it is today.

With that said - why is it the Athiests never go after other religions that seek to force their way into society? Like mosque's blasting calls to prayer from the town square here in the US? They are strangely silent on that - but if your city calls something a Christmas Parade, it is likely to be sued.

Just something I have wondered.....

[Geno_Mariner]

Everybody should treat eachother with respect. And keep their religious belief to themselves, not shove it down another person's throat (unfortunately my parents seem not to understand this...). Former Christian, most likely more of a Deist or some other fancy words now. I get along with my friends who are somewhat into wicca and other things because they don't talk about it unless I ask, and vice versa.

I agree with Skybird that people should wait til they're asked about their beliefs.
Put aside the differences and try to get along. Don't have anything better to say since everybody else's got pretty good points about this subject

[August]

Originally Posted by Sammi79

So is ridicule.

You don't have to earn it to be ridiculed. All you have to do is have a belief that another doesn't share. Peoples religious beliefs are mocked all the time, even in this forum.

[JU_88]

Originally Posted by CaptainHaplo

With that said - why is it the Athiests never go after other religions that seek to force their way into society? Like mosque's blasting calls to prayer from the town square here in the US? They are strangely silent on that - but if your city calls something a Christmas Parade, it is likely to be sued.

Just something I have wondered.....

A combination of westen political correctness and cowardess I expect, if they went after Jews, Muslims, Hindus or Sikhs they would be seen as intolerent monsters picking on a minority. But if they pick on Christians it 'ok' apparently I am no fan of christianity particularly, but I know an injustice when I see one.
Relegion bashing Atheists always go after Christians first because its least contraversial target, which is total crap.
I especially loathe these whining atheists, pretending to be offended by christian traditions (like a christmas parade) when they know damn well they live in country with a christian herritage.
They are not really 'offended' i dont belive it for 1 second. they are just being a-holes, maybe they want attention or maybe they just get a kick out trashing someone elses enjoyment and stiring the pot, Ditto for Muslims, jews or anyone who claim to 'offended' by such things. petty hysterical rubbish if you ask me, if the local festivities offend you, then you are the problem and its time for you to move.

[Skybird]

Peoples religious beliefs are mocked all the time, even in this forum.

Yes indeed, and right so: when they go peddling with it, and claim respect and a special status for it without it deserving that, and want beliefs and personal fantasies being seen as equal to reason, empiry, and scientific theory.

You forget to mention that in your country, not this forum only, atheists in return in some states get actively discriminated, socially mobbed, and excluded by states's constitutions from public offices although federal constitution forbids this.

How dare they defending themselves against this, and give themselves a voice! How intolerant and religion-hostile of them! Do these god-less haters know nothing than provocation and offence?



It's easy to get along peacefully with people like me. Push me, and I push back. Push me more, and I push back more. Smile at my direction, and I smile back. But religious people sometimes expect people like me to just fall back when being pushed, and to allow having our freedom and space reduced for the benefit of religion's freedom. That'S when people like me start to grind the war-axe and let the steel swing freely.

Because freedom is more valuable and precious, than religion's claims for things and status it does not deserve and has never earned nor justified by test and verification. Better then to keep your religion where it belongs: inside your heart, inside your mind, and in the realm of your home. Do no harm against others, help the weak, practice a little love in your life while leaving others their freedom and dignity - that is religion practiced best. Needs no ceremony, no temple, and no scripture, you can have it with you where ever you are, even when you are skin naked . And best of it: it turns yourself into a better being.

Where religious doctrine goes public, it is no longer "spiritual", but political. Where it claims special respect, it sows its own intolerance. Where it missionises its "truths" , it wants control and dominance.

[Takeda Shingen]

Originally Posted by Skybird

Yes indeed, and right so: when they go peddling with it, and claim respect and a special status for it without it deserving that, and want beliefs and personal fantasies being seen as equal to reason, empiry, and scientific theory.

I have never seen anyone proselytise on this forum. What I have seen are angry atheists attacking those that believe. You demand radio silence from believers while your's is always blasting at 11. Hypocrisy much?

[AVGWarhawk]

These go to 11...

[Takeda Shingen]

I'm glad that somebody caught that reference. Makes me smile.