# Do we HAVE to respect others beliefs? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [December 9, 2000, 8:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746 "2000-12-09T08:46:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2000, 8:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746/1 "2000-12-09T08:46:47Z")
A coworker & I were talking about a fellow down the hall who is very dedicated to his religion (whoop-de-shit). What religion it is doesn’t matter. My coworker said “well, that’s his beliefs, we have to respect them”. I don’t know how many million times I’ve heard that line. My question is: WHY? Why do I have to respect this guys beliefs? Most importantly, why am I not allowed to question someones beliefs without being called a bigot? Why am I expected to respect his beliefs, and if I don’t, if I question his beliefs, I’m considered a bigot, or worse. Now, as far as I’m concerned, this guys God doesn’t even exist. When he prays in public (which he does:rolleyes: ) he’s praying to nothing.Zip. Nada. Air! Why do I have to respect that? If I question what this guy believes why am I the bad guy? If this guy deeply & religiously believes a womans clitoris should be cut off, do I have to respect his beliefs? ALLOWING ones beliefs is one thing (this is America after all) but being FORCED to RESPECT them (and in todays business enviroment, that is the situation) is different. MY question for debate then, is: Why should I be expected to RESPECT this goofs believes? ---
**Author:** ![Danielinthewolvesden](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ce7236/32.png) [@Danielinthewolvesden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danielinthewolvesden)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2000, 9:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746/2 "2000-12-09T09:18:24Z")
OK- I don’t respect YOUR beliefs. ---
**Author:** ![capacitor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e47774/32.png) [@capacitor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/capacitor)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2000, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746/3 "2000-12-09T09:24:18Z")
A person’s silly, idiotic, moronic and stupid beliefs should be at minimum respected as much as you want your silly, idiotic, moronic and stupid beliefs to be respected. In business, treat others with contempt and you put yourself in contempt. It is not the place to impose change in people’s beliefs in non-commerce matters. Leave that to politics and health officials. Only if his beliefs directly or indirectly affect others and yourself may you question them. ---
**Author:** ![zen101](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c68b51/32.png) [@zen101](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zen101)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2000, 9:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746/4 "2000-12-09T09:29:39Z")
I can soo you have a point but I think there is a difference between choosing not to respect someone’s beliefs because they annoy you or not respecting someone’s beliefs because to you they conflict with basic common sense on a level you are certain of. I will give an example: I am not an avid anything and question the existence if Jeebus or any other big white lawdy up in the sky but I have friends and co-workers who do believe devoutly. I respec them because they have a trait I both admire and do not understand- “faith”. Now, on the other hand if I meet someone with tinfoil on his head riding a little tricycle and swearing about alien mind control I would choose not to respect his beliefs because while they may not interfere with me or mine in any way this person is IMHO a complete fool. I guess if you feel that you are so completely enlightened as to know for certain that this person who prays in public is making as ass of himself then you are wise not to respect him. On the other hand if you don’t know for sure then maybe you are just being a bit silly and self important. An entirely human trait after all. ---
**Author:** ![erislover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/71e660/32.png) [@erislover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/erislover)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2000, 9:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746/5 "2000-12-09T09:43:23Z")
There are no rules; the goddess prevails. If I were you, I’d make up a fake religion or god/dess/deity and pray to that around him. Be especially quick to include anything blasphemous or otherwise unacceptable to his belief system. This is the equivalent of christians quoting scriptures to me, IMO, and at least is good for a laugh. Don’t outright bash him or his religion, tho…try and be sincere. If anything, it might lighten up a monday. It should be especially noted that, strictly speaking, you don’t _have_ to do anything. Just be prepared to accept the consequences. Hail Eris. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2000, 10:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746/6 "2000-12-09T10:27:16Z")
How politically correct my company insists on being. If someone brought in a fresh turd and said “my Qwerty-uiop religion dictates I feed you this for lunch” the managing director would say “Well, we have to respect his beliefs, dig in”. Because of this nonesense we end up putting up with a lot of horseshit from people who are only employed there because the higher ups are afraid of being labeled bigots. At what point do we break from “respecting others beliefs” to saying “hey, you’re f\*\*ked in the head!” ? ---
**Author:** ![SSgtBaloo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ac91a4/32.png) [@SSgtBaloo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SSgtBaloo)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2000, 10:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746/7 "2000-12-09T10:29:14Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by aynrandlover \* > **This is the equivalent of christians quoting scriptures to me, IMO, and at least is good for a laugh** The only time I quote scripture is when someone has asked me about the scripture in question (even then, I often have to look it up). I have always held the opinion that quoting the Bible to a nonbeliever is about as effective as quoting “Chariots of the Gods?” to an archaeologist (or any other serious scientist, for that matter). Pkbites: Showing respect for someone else’s beliefs does not mean that you approve or endorse their position. It simply shows that you are not so self-centered that you don’t give a rat’s patoot for anyone other than yourself. Showing respect for another’s beliefs does not obligate you to become drinking buddies with them. If you can’t imagine why you should show respect for anyone who doesn’t believe exactly as you do, then go ahead and make fun of anyone you don’t agree with. Show them the full extent of your distain for anyone who disagrees with you. You will alienate a wide variety of people who, apart from your area of disagreement, might have turned out to be good friends, business prospects, or allies in time of trouble, but at least you won’t have to put up with people who don’t recognize your superior intellect and wisdom. You’re better off without them. Of course, when you behave like that, they’re better off without you, as well. ~~Baloo ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2000, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746/8 "2000-12-09T13:41:18Z")
Only if you want them to respect yours. ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2000, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746/9 "2000-12-09T13:50:08Z")
You damn well have to respect other people’s beliefs. That is one of the things that helps keep our world a civil place to live. What you are under no obligation to do is to tolerate any objectionable actions done by others. If loud praying (or animal sacrifices) interfere with your ability to concentrate at work, you are within your rights to request that accommodations be made. Maybe they could convert the storage closet on the third floor into a “prayer room” for the snake-grabbers… ---
**Author:** ![nebuli](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/0ea827/32.png) [@nebuli](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nebuli)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2000, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746/10 "2000-12-09T14:03:05Z")
> [@](#): > > How politically correct my company insists on being. Is it political correctness or legal correctness? Employers are required to make all “reasonable accomodations” to an employee’s religious practices. > [@](#): > > If someone brought in a fresh turd and said “my Qwerty-uiop religion dictates I feed you this for lunch” the managing director would say “Well, we have to respect his beliefs, dig in”. Because of this nonesense we end up putting up with a lot of horseshit from people who are only employed there because the higher ups are afraid of being labeled bigots. What exactly are you being forced to do which you consider the equivalent of eating a turd? Is it anything more onerous than not being allowed to tell your colleague how fucked up you think his religion is? Management certainly has an interest in seeing that the level of non-work related, inter-employee controversy is kept to a minimum. > [@](#): > > At what point do we break from “respecting others beliefs” to saying “hey, you’re f\*\*ked in the head!” ? Is he attempting to prosletyze you or starting religious discussions with you? If not, I’d say it is at the same point where you can break from “considering others’ feelings” to say “Shit, you’re fat!”, or “Lord Almighty, your wife is butt ugly!” What is he doing **to you** that makes you feel you have to tell him anything? ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2000, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746/11 "2000-12-09T15:19:33Z")
“Respect” is too loaded a word – to personal. I think that the renaissance concept of “courtesy” is more useful. One may think a person’s belief to be a crock, or even a threat, but due to a desire to keep the peace or even to find mutual benefits, one treats the other with a socially polite and diplomatically correct courtesy. Thus one can treat another courteously without having any personal respect. ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2000, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746/12 "2000-12-09T17:25:43Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Muffin \* > \*\*“Respect” is too loaded a word – to personal. I think that the renaissance concept of “courtesy” is more useful. One may think a person’s belief to be a crock, or even a threat, but due to a desire to keep the peace or even to find mutual benefits, one treats the other with a socially polite and diplomatically correct courtesy. Thus one can treat another courteously without having any personal respect. \*\* Beat me to it. That’s the deal…they say respect, they mean tolerate. You have no real right to hassle the guy about his beliefs unless he hassles you with them. At which point, all bets are off. ---
**Author:** ![Spider\_Woman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cdc98d/32.png) [@Spider\_Woman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spider_Woman)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2000, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746/13 "2000-12-09T17:59:07Z")
I agree. It’s kind of like that old saying “Live and let live.” As long as they aren’t infringing on your territory, such as trying to convert you or interfering with your work, ignore them. ---
**Author:** ![Spiritus\_Mundi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c68b51/32.png) [@Spiritus\_Mundi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiritus_Mundi)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2000, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746/15 "2000-12-09T19:46:49Z")
Muffin and Stoidella have already made the distinction, but I think it is important so I will state it slightly differently. You do not need to respect anyone’s belief. Indeed, I find many beliefs unworthy of respect. People, however, are deserving of respect. You do not need to respect the idea that turd-eating is an honor. You do need to respect the human being who holds that view. Said respect need not take the form of coprophagia. You simply must decline in a manner that remains respectful to the person offering you the honor. ---
**Author:** ![Ankh\_Too](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3ab097/32.png) [@Ankh\_Too](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ankh_Too)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2000, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746/16 "2000-12-09T21:29:28Z")
As touched upon by others, it depends if one means ‘respect’ as a synonym for ‘tolerate’. Personally, I don’t feel any urge to **respect** someone’s beliefs; religious, philosophical or otherwise. I do, however, feel the responsibility to **tolerate** them, no matter how asinine I might think they are. To me, the idea that you have to respect someone’s belief carries an inherent implication that it carries some sort of validity, a stipulation I’m not willing to make in most cases. By tolerating those beliefs, we acknowledge that the person has the right to hold them, but we are still allowed to think they’re as idiotic as we always did. ---
**Author:** ![Ben](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/df788c/32.png) [@Ben](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ben)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2000, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746/17 "2000-12-09T21:50:55Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Annie-Xmas \* > \*\*Only if you want them to respect yours. \*\* The question is, are they going to respect his beliefs anyway? -Ben ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2000, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746/18 "2000-12-09T21:54:27Z")
And along the same lines as Stoidela, Sua, Ankh Too et al.: What can you possibly gain by saying “You believe WHAT??? What a load of hooey THAT is!” It seems to me that you can legitimately object to the _performance_ of religious observances when they have a demonstrable practical effect on you (i.e., if you have a coworker whose religion prohibits him from bathing, I think you can legitimately argue that your company can’t make you share a small windowless office with him). But what can ever be gained by disrespecting the beliefs themselves? Oh, and there’s a difference between respecting the beliefs and being required to accede to the observances. The Hmong believe in the necessity of animal sacrifice, from chickens to goats to cows. That doesn’t mean they get to perform them in their back yards in the city. You can simultaneously say “I respect your right to belive [belief], but you nevertheless will not be allowed to do [action].” ---
**Author:** ![Fletch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/919ad9/32.png) [@Fletch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fletch)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2000, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746/19 "2000-12-09T23:09:56Z")
Tolerance is the key, you may not agree with the other persons religious beliefs but you must show tolerance. We enjoy a freedom of religion, that freedom allows persons to select a religion that may seem outlandish to others but it is still their religious freedom they are exercising. ---
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2000, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746/20 "2000-12-09T23:50:05Z")
Guys, respect doesn’t mean “go along with.” For example, last year I caught some Amish trespassing on my property during deer season, driving deer. I drove down in my truck, confronted them, and called the police. After I got their names, I took a picture with a polaroid to prove they were on my porperty. They objected to having their picture taken on religious grounds, and also mentioned that we are not really the owners of land, God is. We’re just caretakers, and therefore they have the right to be here on my property, hunting God’s creatures (my paraphrase, but you get the drift.) I told them that as unwanted guests on my land, they weren’t respecting my beleifs, but I promise not to sneak on their property in order to photograph them. I took the picture, they left, the police stopped by and as far I know they were fined. I haven’t seen them again. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Ryan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7feea3/32.png) [@The\_Ryan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Ryan)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2000, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746/21 "2000-12-10T04:02:44Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by zen101 \* > I am not an avid anything and question the existence if Jeebus or any other big white lawdy up in the sky but I have friends and co-workers who do believe devoutly. I respec them because they have a trait I both admire and do not understand- “faith”. > > Now, on the other hand if I meet someone with tinfoil on his head riding a little tricycle and swearing about alien mind control I would choose not to respect his beliefs because while they may not interfere with me or mine in any way this person is IMHO a complete fool. > > I guess if you feel that you are so completely enlightened as to know for certain that this person who prays in public is making as ass of himself then you are wise not to respect him. On the other hand if you don’t know for sure then maybe you are just being a bit silly and self important. An entirely human trait after all. I don’t understand. Just how do you know for certain that aliens don’t control our minds? How is this belief any less valid than Christianity? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-to-respect-others-beliefs/44746.md?page=2)