jack_ryder: (Default)
jack_ryder ([personal profile] jack_ryder) wrote2007-05-23 08:57 am

Why we need extreme atheism

for [personal profile] dfordoom

(because it supports his case)


[identity profile] dfordoom.livejournal.com 2007-05-23 06:10 am (UTC)(link)
An interesting question raised by all this. We generally believe that respecting the beliefs of others is a good thing. But is it always a good thing? If someone believes that black people are inferior to white people and should therefore have fewer political rights, should we respect this belief? If someone holds a belief that is just as repugnant, but is sanctioned by their religion, should we respect that belief? And if someone doesn't respect our beliefs, are we obliged to respect theirs?

Personally I think atheists have been extraordinarily tolerant of the beliefs of others. Perhaps too tolerant?

[identity profile] jack-ryder.livejournal.com 2007-05-23 08:01 am (UTC)(link)
It's really acted on beliefs, rather than the beliefs themselves, that are the issue surely?

Otherwise, yes.

[identity profile] dfordoom.livejournal.com 2007-05-23 09:00 am (UTC)(link)
What about beliefs that are clearly ludicrous? Things like astrology. Are they deserving of respect?

[identity profile] jack-ryder.livejournal.com 2007-05-23 09:11 am (UTC)(link)
If it'll get me laid, why not?

(so I'm a Scorpio, so what of it?)

[identity profile] capnoblivious.livejournal.com 2007-05-23 09:36 am (UTC)(link)
Personally I think atheists have been extraordinarily tolerant of the beliefs of others.

Yeah, I don't know. I've been known to use "I respect your beliefs," as a euphemism for "I don't want to have this argument," which is tolerance of a sort, but hardly extraordinary (or admirable).