Goliath

You still aren't listening. I am not talking about disrespecting a person. I am talking about disrespecting beliefs. Whether you like it or not, there is a difference.

Sincerely,

Goliath

Viti

And as has been pointed out to you, she is likely to feel that her faith is a part of her, a big part of her, that cannot be singled out for disrespect without disrespecting her as a whole person.

I am sorry that most people do not compartmentalize themselves to make it easier for you to disrespect and despise them.

Goliath

Then she is wrong, as it is possible to respect someone while not respecting their religious beliefs.

No, you still aren't listening. I have said nothing in this thread about disrespecting or despising people (save for the fact that it is possible to disrespect someone's beliefs without disrespecting said person).

Sincerely,

Goliath

Viti

So basically "hate the belief not the believer"? Hmm, why does that sound familiar?

Goliath

That is what I do, yes.

So what if it does?

Sincerely,

Goliath

Goliath

How so?

Sincerely,

Goliath

Straight Hate

Goliath:

Maybe there exists a world where one can be objective about the values and beliefs that shape who they are, and not be personally offended when the veracity of their worldview is questioned... but I sure as hell don't live there.

As the present context deals with real human interaction and not abstract, intellectual masturbation, a bit of give-and-take could turn a potentially explosive scenario into one that forges an even stronger bond between the Brave Sir Robin and his wife. Sincere respect for a single aspect of one's identity does not stand alone in a vacuum and will filter through in other areas of a relationship. Indeed, that respect just might be returned.

As much as it betrays my silly username, that's how I try to deal with friends, family and the people I meet everyday in the real world. And a very recent example comes to mind: I had 'written off' a co-worker because of his overbearing religious views, but when I learned his mother and sister had been shot when he was a kid, and that his father had died from alcoholism before reaching the age of 40, I realized I had been much too harsh on him. I still dislike the guy, but religion (ironically) is probably his only ground in reality, and for fuck's sake, he's really trying to build some semblance of a life for himself. I have a grudging respect for that.

Goliath

I don't live in a world where everyone has that property, either. But if a xian can't tell the difference between my disrespecting xianity and disrespecting xians, then what is the point of having said xian in my life?

No, I am living proof that respect (or disrespect) of an aspect of one's identity can stand alone in a vacuum.

As for your coworker, do you respect the fact that he's trying to rebuild his life, or do you respect his religious beliefs? If the latter, why?

Sincerely,

Goliath

Viti

Brave Sir Robin is in love with, and married to a Christian. He wants her in his life as he has stated. Perhaps you would happily get divorced if your wife felt that you disprespected a big part of what makes her who she is, but most people wouldn't.

People are their thoughts and beliefs, aren't they? Isn't that what makes each person who they are?

Goliath

I most certainly would, yes (the fact that a spouse could convert and turn on me at any time is something that's kept me very weary about the idea of getting married). I understand that not everyone would do what I would do. But I've told Brave Sir Robin what I would do in his situation.

Ummmm...no. We also need physical bodies in order to function.

Sincerely,

Goliath