I agree. I just don't respect some beliefs, although I may respect the person---however---and this is where it gets murkey. Do I respect the person? Some people are wrapped up and driven by their beliefs and it's such a huge part of who they are, am I respecting them if I don't respect their beliefs? I'm not sure. I WANT to respect them, but frankly, when the lord is always blessing or testing them, I admit a slip in respect. When they preach to me or disrespect me for my nonbelief, I lose respect. It's a thin line for me. I have fundie family that keep their kids at home, and while I have nothing against homeschooling, they do so to teach them lies about science and to shelter them from opportunity. I find this impossible to respect, and yet such behavior is driven by their beliefs.
I've reached the point where most of my friends are simply nonbelievers. I'm bound to offend a believer, because insulting their beliefs is the same as insulting them. And I'm bound to insult some beliefs, although I'm not without social conscience, it just happens. Still there ARE believers that I do respect a great deal and see they have found a unique balance.
I dont know if I am just intolerant, or if I'm just making things easy for myself. I love to discuss ideas, but I don't like to discuss certain ideas as though they are valid enough to be explored anymore. So getting into any kind of deep conversation with many believers is a no no. Those conversations make me tired and impatient.
I seem to come into contact with a lot of fundies, and not so many moderates and liberals. Perhaps if that balance was different, I'd feel more patience. And as always, I have a double standard. Bible believing Christians really get on my nerves, but pagans do not. I don't know why, but they rarely irritate me, and always seem quite genuine and fun loving. Maybe I'm just prejudice. That's always a possiblity.
NC
