Respectfulness and its limits

[DL82]

Catholics and non Catholics, I have a sincere question which I had never considered before. I would always treat members of other faiths and Christian ecclesial communities respectfully, would never ridicule the beliefs of a Buddhist or a Muslim, either to their face or privately, although am perfectly happy to point out the flaws in their beliefs in a respectful manner.

At the same time, I do tend to ridicule astrology and other bizarre new age practices. Should I be more respectful of what appears to me to be blatant nonsense? Are there limits to what one ought to be respectful of?

 

[Big_Ro]

Love thy neighbor as yourself.

 

[larkin31]

Catholics and non Catholics, I have a sincere question which I had never considered before. I would always treat members of other faiths and Christian ecclesial communities respectfully, would never ridicule the beliefs of a Buddhist or a Muslim, either to their face or privately, although am perfectly happy to point out the flaws in their beliefs in a respectful manner.

At the same time, I do tend to ridicule astrology and other bizarre new age practices. Should I be more respectful of what appears to me to be blatant nonsense? Are there limits to what one ought to be respectful of?

Being kind and charitable does not always require that you condone clear lack of intelligence. But sometimes charity requires that we be politely silent. But when* injustice* is occurring, politeness is a much lesser value and not even silence is acceptable.

 

[GaryTaylor]

Now that does sound a bit more like reality.

 

[irenesg]

Being kind and charitable does not always require that you condone clear lack of intelligence. But sometimes charity requires that we be politely silent. But when* injustice* is occurring, politeness is a much lesser value and not even silence is acceptable.

Perfect! Respectfulness does not require you to agree with other’s words or actions.

 

[Rascalking]

Dude (or dudette) I agree with you on astrology and that stuff. I tend to do the same thing you do-I ridicule them while not ridculing other religions. Yes, love your neighbor as thyself, all that jazz, and I don’t love them less (as brothers and sisters of humanity) but I do admit to making fun of them.

Mea culpa.

(and to anyone who might think less of me and the OP for doing so-your not perfect either. )

 

[Biedrik]

Catholics and non Catholics, I have a sincere question which I had never considered before. I would always treat members of other faiths and Christian ecclesial communities respectfully, would never ridicule the beliefs of a Buddhist or a Muslim, either to their face or privately, although am perfectly happy to point out the flaws in their beliefs in a respectful manner.

At the same time, I do tend to ridicule astrology and other bizarre new age practices. Should I be more respectful of what appears to me to be blatant nonsense? Are there limits to what one ought to be respectful of?

Don’t mock them. Certainly, there is quite a lot in that stuff to be criticized, but one should critique when it is necessary, and do it with decorum. Mocking is simply going to lead to an increase in pride, which is never good for the soul.

 

[Being_Brave]

When I meet someone who really does genuinely believe in astrology, numerology, etc…, I ask a lot of questions. First, I really am interested in why they think those things are right, and Second, I usually ask a question that stumps them without coming across as mean.

My general rule is to tell them what I know, and let them make an informed decision from there. If my question stumps them, and I can provide a better Christian alternative, I let that be my “God-bomb” and leave it to explode into an “aha!” moment when it’s just them and God later on.

 

[GaryTaylor]

When you honesty don’t know what your talking about, its better to say, “I’m not understanding and lack knowledge” instead of “I don’t believe”. In fact when you jump to that conclusion your ignorant side becomes obvious. Thats my opinion anyway.

So I agree with what Being_Brave said in that regard. I also ask questions when I in fact don’t know something or read and research. There are some of us out here who actually realize we don’t know know everything.

 

[UniversalistGuy]

Catholics and non Catholics, I have a sincere question which I had never considered before. I would always treat members of other faiths and Christian ecclesial communities respectfully, would never ridicule the beliefs of a Buddhist or a Muslim, either to their face or privately, although am perfectly happy to point out the flaws in their beliefs in a respectful manner.

At the same time, I do tend to ridicule astrology and other bizarre new age practices. Should I be more respectful of what appears to me to be blatant nonsense? Are there limits to what one ought to be respectful of?

When you’ve examined your conscience have you discovered WHY you tend to use ridicule in these instances?

 

[GaryTaylor]

When you’ve examined your conscience have you discovered WHY you tend to use ridicule in these instances?

Exactly, It would certainly give you something to look at in regards to “self”. That ridicule would point to what you are feeling. So the question then becomes, why are you feeling that way?

 

[odile53]

If your purpose is to spread the faith, it would seem that you’re shooting yourself in the foot if you ridicule the practitioner of these things. They would be a lot less likely to listen about Catholicism if they felt that they were being made to look like fools.

And since the practices are somewhat ridiculous in the face of both faith and logic, I don’t know why you’d be seeking out information on them.

 

[Being_Brave]

If your purpose is to spread the faith, it would seem that you’re shooting yourself in the foot if you ridicule the practitioner of these things. They would be a lot less likely to listen about Catholicism if they felt that they were being made to look like fools.

 

[GaryTaylor]

There are many variables. Preconceived notions which reflect attitudes though feelings are a part of life. And to walk into any situation blind and then not take a moment to process your thoughts/feelings, may very well result in a not so Christian response. What happens, and what was intended, may well be very different.

No-one has “perfect” behavior, and when we say “normal” you would have a difficult time defining what exactly “normal” behavior is. Appropriate comes closer and that leaves room for error through personal perspective.

I suppose in all fairness to the OP, in a perfect world, we can usually arrive at the perfect solution. Its easy for all of us to be a monday morning quarterback. Certainly don’t want to sound like we, or I am condemning the OP either. Really its just constructive criticism, don’t take it to heart…See, there it is, now I am projecting a Christian attitude

But with a dozen posts, there has certainly been some great feedback, no doubt about that. And I’m saying this, not to invalidate anything already mentioned, just to add to it.

God Bless, GT

 

[Publisher]

Catholics and non Catholics, I have a sincere question which I had never considered before. I would always treat members of other faiths and Christian ecclesial communities respectfully, would never ridicule the beliefs of a Buddhist or a Muslim, either to their face or privately, although am perfectly happy to point out the flaws in their beliefs in a respectful manner.

At the same time, I do tend to ridicule astrology and other bizarre new age practices. Should I be more respectful of what appears to me to be blatant nonsense? Are there limits to what one ought to be respectful of?

Some people hold faith traditions in which astrology, numerology, tarot cards etc. are part of their belief system…why “mock” or “ridicule” others belief systems while trying to endear them to your own…“mockery” and “ridicule” don’t seem to be “virtues” you would wish to engender concerning your faith.

“Mocery” and “Ridicule” are the Enemies tools…why would you wish to use them? There is a better Way…“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ** It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,** it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ** It always protects**, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres…”

I would think that “mock” and “ridicule” does not speak from that Center of Love and Truth.

 

[mdrummer5]

If your purpose is to spread the faith, it would seem that you’re shooting yourself in the foot if you ridicule the practitioner of these things. They would be a lot less likely to listen about Catholicism if they felt that they were being made to look like fools.

Well said. At one time when I was a practicing Jew (almost two decades ago) I had a horrible idea of what Christianity was really like because of so called “good Christians” condemning me for my beliefs. I eventually came to consider myself somewhat of an agnostic. Aside from friends who I never get into theology with, my girlfriend who I thank God for is the first Christian who showed me respect for my beliefs which is why I became interested in hers. It literally made me think… “hmm maybe I was wrong”.

 

[Alix1912]

I think ridiculing or making fun of anohter personas beliefs helps neither person. The person being ridiculed will merely cling harder to their beliefs and the person doing the ridiculing just looks like a jerk and that in turn reflect on their faith.

That being said you can respectfully disagree with someone on many different issues including faith.

Hostility and ridicule rarely make true converts to any faith.

 

[Rascalking]

I think ridiculing or making fun of anohter personas beliefs helps neither person. The person being ridiculed will merely cling harder to their beliefs and the person doing the ridiculing just looks like a jerk and that in turn reflect on their faith.

That being said you can respectfully disagree with someone on many different issues including faith.

Hostility and ridicule rarely make true converts to any faith.

Your generally right, but sometimes you just can’t help it when people beleive truly nutty things.

People take offense to everything about religion. Lighten up and roll with the punches-you’ll enjoy life more. (No, I wasn’t saying that about you Alix1912. Just people in general)

 

[Alix1912]

Your generally right, but sometimes you just can’t help it when people beleive truly nutty things.

People take offense to everything about religion. Lighten up and roll with the punches-you’ll enjoy life more. (No, I wasn’t saying that about you Alix1912. Just people in general)

I would agree that we all need to lighten up a little, and not seek to find offense where no was intended.