A nice response in the comments section of the article " As I didn’t say to the archbishop" appearing the Guardian online:
For as long as people feel the need to believe in a crutch, there will be those out there who don’t; that those who don’t no longer have to fear retribution, persecution and blackballing for our views is a good thing. If you’re unhappy that we find your ideas so contemptible, find new ideas, or accept that your ideas will be open to ridicule.Ideas are not sacred and should be open to as much opposition, as much derision and as much praise as is possible. If they stand up to reason – which, invariably, religion[s] does not – then they deserve to be taken seriously.
[by: dollishillbilly]
Indeed, ideas are not sacred… and should be open to as much opposition, as much derision and as much praise as is possible. All that matters is whether or not they stand up to reason- not how deeply people cherish them.
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December 29, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Ryan McGivern
I identify most strongly as an agnostic secular humanist.
I do agree that ideas need to be challenged and no one should feel compelled by society, governments, family, or otherwise to give religion a “free pass”.
After many years of speaking with religious believers, I have found some ways of listening and speaking that are more effective than others.
1) Keep in mind that ideas aren’t sacred…but I believe that people should be treated as sacred. Give space, listen well, and try to empathize with how they came to believe and what they really do believe.
2) Find as many points of agreement as possible while being specific about what you disagree with. For example: when I speak to Christians who believe some people will be going to hell, I don’t lay out the blanket “your whole belief system is wrong” but rather just focus on that point. I will say, “I believe that justice and righteousness are important, yes. But I disagree that a God who is just and righteous would send people to hell.”
This leads to point number 3…
3) Don’t be afraid to talk theology. Discuss values, sin, heaven, scripture…these topics will allow a more rich discussion and learning experience than just a “Reason vs. Faith” endless circle.
4) Knowing a little bit about a faith goes a long way.
5) Don’t expect to or even try to change anyone. Just show them kindness and respect and let them go along their own path.
It may sound like I stand by and just nod no matter what religious folk are saying. I don’t. When homophobia or heterosexist talk comes up, I let them know straight up that it is not acceptable. When I hear anybody slam or misportray another faith, I call them out on their stereotyping.
The only way that non-religious will ever gain influence in the religious world is to take the time to be considerate. This is one characteristic I appreciate about Christopher Hitchens: he debates seriously even those that others may never take seriously, and he does so with a heavy dose of patient charm.
Anywho, thanks for the post!
Ryan
December 29, 2010 at 4:44 pm
James Onen
Thanks Ryan!
Your points are exceedingly insightful, and helpful. A true gentleman, you are 🙂 That is the way to go in this day and age.