If a religion doesn't respect you - should you give it respect?

Question

*If it doesn't respect you for not following it?

I'm particularly interested in answers from Christians and Muslims

Answer 1

Ah, you're referring to the religion as a whole rather than the people who practice it?

I'm not sure... I mean, are the tenets of that religion relevant to someone who doesn't follow it? Does it disrespect you if you reject many of its philosophies?

I mean, I'm a Pagan. I know there's probably a fair bit in Christianity against Paganism, but frankly that's from my experience with a few Christians. I can't be bothered looking myself and I imagine much of it will end up lumped in with the anti-homosexuality texts and the parts that say you can't wear blended fabrics.

But Christianity has very little to do with me and how I live my life. I suppose I respect Christians more than I do Christianity... Monotheistic faiths make more sense when you consider the culture and time in which they developed, so they're easier to respect when you think of them in that sense. But I'm of the opinion that society should be built on mutual respect, so I try to respect others until they give me a reason not to.

The fact that some people give me a reason not to by virtue of simply existing is hardly my fault. ;)

Answer 2

h**l no.

Answer 3

Ow just respect it and all religions like you do when you go to work or the store and you'll be fine.....

Answer 4

If a few people of a faith don't respect you then you should not repect them but dn't blame a few bad apples for an entire faith.

Answer 5

Coming from an Islamic perspective, teachings preach that all Muslims must respect other people AND their religions, no matter what, particularly the "people of the book" (Christians and Jews). This doesn't mean other religions are not respected, they're given the same respect also. People not following Islam are to be provided with respect nonetheless. I'm sure Christianity preaches the same idea.

The problems are not the religions, it's the people who take what they want and edit it in order to fulfill their personal agenda's, so look into the cores of these religions and see for yourself :)

Answer 6

If there is a God (I believe there is) this God created the entire universe,

and everything in it, I can do nothing to compare with that.

I believe that respect isn't something you just give away to anyone, respect has to be earned. I can do nothing to earn the respect of a being that can create a universe so vast that in 13 billion years it hasn't even finished expanding yet!

On the other hand if God in fact created all this for the purpose of mankind's survival he must love us more than words can express.

If said God rewarded with heaven everyone including those like Adolf Hitler, said God would not be a just God, no matter how big his universe is, if he had no sense of justice I could not respect him as a good God.

So God created a system where imperfect sinful man could find forgiveness, by simpling asking for it, nothing could be easier

That way he is both just because he punishes wrong doers and loving, because those who are sorry for what they have done can find 100% forgiveness.

I don't expect respect from God, I expect love.

Answer 7

Respect has to be earned, but tolerance can be freely given.

Be tolerant.

Answer 8

No, you shouldn't even respect yourself.

Answer 9

Respect, not really.

But it should have it's own right to operate within the boundaries that it is not kidnapping, forcing, or brainwashing it's membership, or infringing on the rights of others.

Respect is earned, but tolerance is given.

Answer 10

Islam and Christianity aren't really what one would label keen on atheists, and since I'm one - there you go :) No, I don't regard those two highly, because they are against me and my lot. I do respect those followers though who accept me for who I am.