Does religion deserve respect?
 

It kills, it lies, it deludes and it makes billions. Do we respect it or should we hound it out?

Its not a question of respecting religion. Its about respecting the right of others to believe whatever gives them comfort or answers. Even if theyre deluded.

No religion,like most anything else in life should get respect unless it earns it.That goes for people who have religious beliefs and all people and institutions in general too.

Does a tramp deserve respect?
Does a millionaire deserve respect?
Does a mother deserve respect?
Does opinions deserve respect?
Do differences deserve respect?

Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes.

And evidently religion is used as an excuse for people like Bin Laden to fulfil their own selfish ends.

Decent people who just so happen to share certain beliefs about Gods and the afterlife should be left to do as they please, as should non believers and agnostics.

There's a difference between you rightfully disagreeing with their beliefs and unnecessarily ridiculing people for daring to not see things as you do.

:worship:

http://static.funnyjunk.com/pictures...theworld00.jpg

jehova's witness: Knock, Knock, "sh!t happens"

:laugh3:

Should we respect a religion that lies to children and tells them they will go to hell if they are bad and that a man died for them because they are sinners?

If you don't respect it then choose not to subscribe to it. Simples.

Or are you asking if it should be banned? Now that's very different.

I'm sorry, are you going for the broad religious pool which is very vast or making specifications? Do make it clearer.

Or are you someone who lumps everyone in the same boxes just so your insults and assumptions seem stronger?

jesus H christ. your points dont get any clearer do they. spit it out.

I do not believe in forcing religion on children. I was made to go to sunday school and learn about god and stuff, and I knew from a very young age that it was a load of bollocks, yet still had to go.

But yes, if people decide to follow it...their CHOICE should be respected. I dont necessarily respect religion in general and the lies it tells/problems it seems to cause but if it gived others hope and that, then whats the problem?

You're bashing "RELIGION". All religions are different and have different values.

So, throwing out insults and offensive remarks to "a religion" doesn't hold any water until you're specific.

Can your hard drive process that information or is your bandwidth limited?

are you saying that you dont think that the main religions cause problems in the world?

All religions lie to children (maybe not Buddhism) but we are dealing, as others have worked out, with the main religions here.

I think people who cause trouble tend to hide behind religion to try and justify themselves.

In general, I would say it does more good than harm.

With people who use religion as an excuse for their evil deeds and ruin the reputation of the genuine everyday believer? Yes.

Nail, banged on the head.

Very strong post, very reasoned.

No-one has to respect Religion which is, after all, nothing but an umbrella term under which all faiths seem to have been dumped. However, one should respect the rights of other people to believe whatever the hell they want that gives meaning and structure to their lives. I would say that telling children there is NOTHING for them other than this short, miserable life, at the end of which there is a black and empty oblivion, irrespective of whether they have been good or evil human beings, is just as illogical and without factual evidence as would be indoctrinating them into any particular religion.

Why not just afford people the courtesy and respect of allowing them to decide for themselves what they wish to believe in? - I daresay most of the belief systems of those on this forum wouldn't stand up to empirical scrutiny.

Contradiction.
But even with the main religions free will is a big factor for when that person grows up and decide whether to be "confirmed" or not.

I'd say vice versa tbh

just the issue of contraception and safe sex alone has caused millions of unnecessary deaths. Religion certainly doesn't encourage an open mind.

What good does it do?

Do you know how much real estate the catholic church have for example (billions)?

and yet every day they preach about Jesus who taught people to give up wealth and give it to the poor?

People are free to believe what they want but under no circumstances are my obligated to respect it.

It's a persons choice if they want to respect a belief system or not. I hate the current trend that because something is a belief it is therefore sacred and bound to automatic respect.

**** right off. Mormons are knobs.