On 22/09/2009, at 11:24 PM, Chris Frandsen wrote:
Being civil has nothing to do with respecting beliefs. Being civil
means not being unnecessarily offensive while pointing out where
beliefs are damaging our societies. Some beliefs deserve ZERO
respect (creationism, anti-vaccinationism etc). However playing to
Christian beliefs if it helps frame a debate in a way they'll
understand can be useful and help keep the tone civil.
One of the ideals behind the foundation of this country was
religious freedom. To me that means that we respect the right of an
individual to have his/her own religious beliefs.
Respecting that right, and respecting the belief is not the same
thing. I'll defend vigorously the right of someone to believe and
claim the earth is 6000 years old, even as I'm ridiculing that belief
as stupid. But I'll do it politely...
Another principal was the separation of church and state. I think
it is appropriate to point out when religion crosses that line but
not by attacking the beliefs themselves.
I disagree strongly. Some beliefs are stupid and wrong. Attacking
stupid ideas is vital to our progress. We've been far too
accommodating to daft ideas in recent years. But always addressing the
idea and not the person is equally vital, as long as they're doing the
same courtesy.
Charlie.
_______________________________________________
http://mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l_mccmedia.com
