This is rather apropos to the general subject, I think.
Another thing I wanted to address is the idea that we should be respectful of these religions because so many people around the world believe in them... excuse me?
Just because a lot of people believe the same thing, that automatically makes them right (yes, even atheists too)?
People used to believe the earth was flat, should we have stopped questioning that too?
Thousands of people believed (some still do) that those of jewish faith were the root of all evil, should we have stood idly by while they were "taken care of?"
Or that muslims are all terrorists just waiting to flood the western world and behead everyone... should we believe them and just fire the nuke before it's too late?
Sorry, mass delusions doesn't equal truth.
I think there is a distinction between believing in something, and trying to force your beliefs on others. For example, if your church thinks that homosexuality is a sin, and they refuse to marry couples of the same sex, I'm okay with that. On the other hand, if your church tries to push legislation that prevents all couples of the same sex from marrying, then I have a problem. Because unlike you, I don't think that homosexuality is a sin, and I don't think your church has a right to define what love is for everyone. If you try to restrict the rights of same sex couples to marry, then I will stand up and say something against it.
That said, even if I disagree vehemently with someone about something, I still try to show that person empathy and compassion. Thich Nhat Hanh tells a wonderful story about how he and a fellow monk were talking to some U.S. soldiers about trying to end the violence of the Vietnam War. The soldiers laughed at the two monks, and one of them even spit on Thich Nhat Hanh's companion. After the soldiers left, the monk was so angry that he vowed to join the Viet Cong. Thich Nhat Hanh calmed him, and explained that while what the soldier did was wrong, it is important to remember that he too is suffering from the war's senseless violence. This changed the monk's mind, and he decided to continue speaking out against the violence of the Vietnam War. I think if we could all show this kind of empathy and compassion for those we disagree with strongly (myself included), the world would be a much better place.
One last thing: I don't think it's fair to judge religion as a whole by the actions of its zealots. After all, should we judge the environmental movement by the actions of eco-terrorists? Should we judge Germans by the actions of the Nazi party? I don't think so. The environmental movement has helped preserve many endangered habitats and species, and Germany today places great emphasis on human rights. If judgment is required, then I think we should reserve it for those individuals who engage in deplorable acts. Otherwise, we risk becoming zealots ourselves.
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I like the above post very much.
I did not wish to offend atheists by saying that atheism is a belief. I just wanted to underline the risk I see in having any person thinking that he or she understands the truth of the world better than other people.
And I strongly feel that neither atheism not faith is in any way a certain protection against this kind of hubris which all too easily lead human beings into forcing their opinion of what is right and wrong over other people without care for the suffering they cause because you know, it is for their own good and the good of Humankind.
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Ok I now realize I have to stop linking this during internet discussions when someone says something completely insane.