I believe that all beliefs including political, science, and moral beliefs are a public things. All beliefs influence actions and influences the way the people with those beliefs influence other people.
I'll give two examples. If person believes it is best to kill him self if they can take the lives of some infidels with them them is likely to either act on that belief or encourage others to do so or both. If some one believes in the example of the good Samaritan she is likely to either act on that belief or encourage others to do so or both.
I see beliefs as very connected to the way people interact with their environment and other people. If people are effecting the lives of other people do to their beliefs how is that not a public thing?
My intentions are good a just want clarity.How is religious beliefs a privite thing?
It is simply a copout when things are getting tough. For example during a debate one party pulls out claiming privacy, this would not be tolerated for a political discussion but as religion is so nonsensical the rules are equally so.How is religious beliefs a privite thing?
Religions are the traditions of man and not of God.
Liberty friend, liberty.
In other words, don't try to tell me Mo is a murderer because he says to kill the infidels. It's private.
MAYBE ;)
Not all beliefs are public, but some.
Personally I couldn't care less about the theistic belief of others, just as I couldn't care less about whether somebody believes in fairies or not.
Religion, however, is something altogether different: it comes with opinions, rules, dogma and indoctrination. In about every part of the world children were, at one point, slaughtered for being born into a religion. It was never their decision to being with. Today, people still try to force religious rules and dogma on others (school prayers, for example).That's not at all private.
So you are right, religious beliefs are not private nor should they be.
its true that peoples beliefs will change the way they interact...i believe that the private part of the belief is why you do have those religious beliefs you shouldnt have to explain to anyone why you believe in certain things because its your own personal opinion
Religion is both inner individual and outer social, and these are in a reciprocal relationship. How we are inside affects how we are in community with others. Our community in turn affects how we are individually. Unless we move to a cave and remove ourselves from society, the two cannot be separated. Improving society at the same time we improve ourselves is what religion is to me.
Religious beliefs are not private. But I think that what you may be talking about is someones walk with God. My religious beliefs are public, but my personal walk with God is private. Not the testimonies of what God has done for me or how great God is. But my own personal way in which I serve God and pray to Him. My own personal relationship with God. But I am only speaking for my self and the way I believe.
If everyone was up front about their beliefs, life would be boring. It's the not knowing that makes it fun.
This is an interesting ethical debate. Is it fair for example, if a man HAS to tell everyone his belief that he is gay? This will negatively affect his interactions with some people. If it fair to deny him the chance to interact with these people, because he had to tell them something? I don't think so. And how would whether or not he's gay affect those people in the long run? It wont, unless he has to tell them...
If I believe in sleeping in till 10 am, and then I believe that I have to get up on the left side of the bed, and I HAVE to brush my teeth before I leave the house how do these things have anything to do with anyone else? You example of someone killing themselves and others is not a representative situation. As for the good Samaritan, these people's acts are seen as selfless because they don't want recognition, if they HAVE to tell people 'i'm a good Samaritan' then that defeats the purpose, it's also a sin of pride to do so.
So, do you think people have a right to know which way you vote as well? What if you are then shunned or persecuted for this? Is THAT fair? It's your choice, your belief, it's personal. What should it matter what other people think of your beliefs?
Way to talk like Sam Harris.
I agree to some extent. My beliefs about the best sexual position are private, as are my beliefs about my favorite type of porn, my preferences in mates, coworkers, or bosses, and any number of other opinions that you have no business to demand knowing.
Granted, if my beliefs cause me to act in a certain way that affects people, then those people deserve fair warning of my beliefs. But otherwise, mind your own business and I'll mind mine.
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