Why can't more people respect the beliefs of others.?
348090
Many religions, while on one hand speaking about peace and love, on the other hand often speak very poorly about non believers.\n\nFor example, in the Christian bible, Psalms chap 14 says atheists are foolish and no good.  Somewhere else it says witches and wizards should be killed.  In the New Testament it says the only way is through the lord.\n\nWhen you believe god is on your side saying you are right and the entire basis of human morality is your religion, how do you respect other beliefs?
516971
Bit of sweeping statement that one! \nSounds like you're having some bad experiences. I must admit though, that I do agree with you when you say that most people don't have any respect for others.\nI've been living in a new town with my boyfriend for over a year now, and just about every day we each come home from work with another story of the sheer ignorance of people that just blows our minds.\nI don't think it's the town itself, I think we are simply noticing it more here than we did in the city because of the smaller population.\nI think it is very rare to encounter conscientious people these days, most of us are out for ourselves, all our energy and actions going towards nurturing our own self-importance.\nAs for the the 90% of us that lie, perhaps that is also connected to fulfilling our self-important desire, believing ourselves the lies we tell others. Or, lying to avoid responsibility and accountability, shifting blame and generally being cowards.\nIt is a bit of negative question you've posted here, but I understand your feelings of frustration with people. Be a conscientious person yourself, don't add to the collective selfishness and ignorance out there.\nOh, and get a dog, they have plenty of respect and love to give, and they never lie.
514352
I will be following this very closely, as this question is incredably nessisary to ask. Strange that is should be asked however, since we are all human beings. No one is less than anyone else. Why do we have these ideas that people can push others around or away because of ones subjective belief of right or wrong? Well said Asker.
34912
I think what this guy is trying to point out is the frustration with so many people being led blindly by dated or 'obsolete' ideologies. I think this question is more akin to people with 'leftist' ideals, that see in the masses a repeating pattern of spoon-fed idiocy. Whenever I think of this question, I think of the millions of people that believe in anything without questioning or analyzing the deepness of the subject. What really comes to mind is RELIGION and PATRIOTISM. So many have been led into believing things that are not even entirely certain, are very subjective and bound to relativity and seemingly created to keep a group of people in power. \nI think this person is frustrated with so many people not questioning beliefs and believing blindly just because 'tradition' demands it.\nWhat frustrates me is that I see so many backwards things and so many people not even questioning them, buying into them and being told how to be and how to act by non-founded dubious sources... this is very saddening, and yes, I think it affects us all. Open-mindedness and an analytical, critical attitude is much needed nowadays, when we're being bombarded by propaganda and lies every day. It's time for society to evolve, go beyond tradition, rid of the old attitudes that have proven wrong, and WAKE UP!
605610
It's because people think they are right and when someone questions their beliefs even a little it scares them.\n\nDiffering opinions should be seen as an opportunity.  They will either change you or support what you believe... they are not about anger and fear.
848806
Yes I do. But don't believe in pushing my beliefs on anyone. Feel that everyone has their own choices on what they believe. And respect that. As I like to be respected. :)
247078
because people are small minded and cant accept the fact that people may be different from them and even though they are they have feelings of their own.
740419
People can't give what they don't have.  If they can't give respect or love or understanding, it's likely that it wasn't taught to them.
331395
I dont know it seems as though some people no matter who they are think of other people as something different.  No one seems to take the time anymore to think about how others live and I think thats what you are getting at?
328617
People are too closed minded and get blinded by all other alternatives but their own.  Religious, Political, or Ethnic background it doesn't matter.  No one else opinions matter.  If you don't see theirs you are the enemy.
28459
Because more and more people are moving towards a better light and learning individualism.  People are beginning to understand that religions were old governments that were there to govern and supress people from their individualism through fear.  ex:..(God Fearing Christian).  \n\nChurches allow people to express their selves but they limit them in doing so, expecially if they were to follow it "religiously".\n\nPeople are seeing that we, as a "species" must evolve before we crumble.\n\nCameron L also has a great answer.  Very well put!\n\n:)\nPeace
1122094
It is true that some are over-zealous.  I, like you, believe that the faiths of others are to be respected... after all most faiths aspire to the same thing--happiness. Many of the principles of my own faith I see in the faiths of others.\n\nWhile serving a mission in Madagascar and the surrounding islands for my Church, I had the opportunity to learn a lot of other people's faiths.  I am a Christian... or I'd like to think I am.  I'm not always as good as I should be, but I do try to emulate the example of Jesus Christ whom I revere as the Son of God.  While I was there, I taught many Christians who belonged to other denominations, I also taught some people who worshiped their ancestors, others who were Islamic and so forth.  While on the Island of Mauritius, my American missionary companion was threatened by a man who said that if any bombs were to drop on Iraq he would kill him... but the experiences that I remember and cherish the most were not those of the extremists, the fanatics or the zealots, but that of those who silently lived their religions.  \n\nThe media likes to capture the bizarre the strange, the amazing and the horrific tales that do not occur on a daily basis.  It is often for this reason that we hear more about the extremists and fanatics, but I believe that despite the negative influences of those who take their religion too far, the often common and silent influences of those who live out their religions and their lives as they know best, far outway those fanatics.\n\nI once taught a muslim, an old fellow, who has marked my life and taught me one of my greatest lessons.  He had heard the news of Iraq and of September 11th.  He was not a rich man, indeed he was rather poor.  He let my companion and I enter his home, where he blessed us.  He was kind man, and showed us his Qu'ran whose cover was worn a faded with use, and whose pages and become undone and needed binding.  It was evident that he lived his religion, and had no problem in hearing my companion and I chat with him of ours.  We listened to him as he eagerly shared with us his faith, and recounted his desire to go to Mecca, which he had just acheived.  When we presented him with a copy of the Book of Mormon, he wept with gratitude, as he considered a book a very great present, and that he value of this particular gift was substantial.  I really loved our "partage" and exchange that we had.  Of all the things he wanted us to know most was that not all muslims were extremists, and that the actions of a few should not be representative of the whole of Islam.  He gave us food and drink before we parted, and unfortunately I have not heard of him since, but I will always remember him, and when I think of muslims, if ever I find myself stereotyping the actions of a few for the whole, I will think of that old man, and not of the September 11th bombings.\n\nI believe that that story can be applied to all religions.  \n\nI greatly admire those who seek to share their faith with others, whether it be knocking on door after door or whether they share their faith through their examples of quiet living.  It is important to have standards, to have faith, to have dreams, hopes and aspirations, but we must be careful that when we share these things with others that we do not impose them on them.  We must invite, but never compel others to believe as we do.\n\n"And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good; he that will not believe my words will not believe me—that I am; and he that will not believe me will not believe the Father who sent me. For behold, I am the Father, I am the light, and the life, and the truth of the world." Ether 4:12
546088
Because they don't respect our beliefs.\nCan you imagine how much they'd freak out if we tried to "convert" them?\n\nhey if believing in something the equavalent of Santa Claus just cuz someone told you helps you through they day - that's fine. \n\nBut don't try to push your beliefs onto me.\nI believe atheists are smarter and more moral people.\nWe do not work on blind faith.  We question things and only believe in things that can be proved.\nWe don't just behave because we're scare of a mythical hell, we have chosen to be good people because we believe it's the right thing to do, not because of some magical heaven up in the sky.  We function without an emotional crutch, without some belief in some greater meaning to our lives and without a promise of happy reunions in an afterlife.  We are stronger emotionally.  \nWe do not try to tell people how to live their lives (a la the religious rights efforts to control every aspect of our life).   We are more tolerant.\n.... I could go on for days....\n\n...phew.... thanks for letting me vent... that's all the stuff I try not to scream at them as they judge me, try to tell me how to live my life and threaten me with damnation.
621831
Some people have one set thing in the mind and are not open to others beliefs. I am Christian but on the other hand try to be open minded about others religions to.
546098
Why are you trying to impose the belief on me that there is something wrong with the statement the other person made?  It is natural to share opinions.  You just need to accept some and let others go.
691639
Somepeople are not convinced anything exists until they see it.  With many of the things about being rare or intangible, you may never get those people on your side.  Others dont believe because of culture or upbrining.
633009
You're an enigma of sorts as you have no fear in voicing your opinions. Too bad more people don't share your point of view. Life would be easier if we could all be as accepting.