Is it ok to disrespect someone for who they are?

Just for example, we have a couple of members on this board who are homosexuals, would anyone wish to offend them by making snide comments about their lifestye? No, I don't think so.

So why is it, that we have a couple of Christians on the board, yet it's ok to ridicule their beliefs?

I'm having a bit of a problem with this.

I've seen a lot of people question Blink's beliefs but I don't recall him being ridiculed. But even if he were, he would stand up for himself, I'm sure.

I wasn't actually talking about Blink, SF. :)

Tiggs, if you're referring to my post yesterday in DYJHIW, when I posted

DYJHIW....

"christians"......

I was referring to those "christians" (note use of inverted commas) who claim to be christian, yet whose actions are in direct opposition to those teachings.

Those people, for example, who might carry a bible whilst threatening physical violence to those who disagree with them.

I have no problems with true christians whatsoever. Apologies if you were offended.

If you we'rent referring to that post, then erm, I still have don't a problem with it :cool2: .

Floops, I did wonder about your comment yesterday, but Groucho's post to hugh jaas, was the one that irked me. Nothing against Groucho personally, but it just brought to mind that 'Christians' and 'Christianity', in fact any religion or religioius people, are just about one of the only things nowadays that it is 'acceptable' to ridicule in any situation.

Slightly flippant, perhaps Tiggs, but I'd hardly describe it as ridicule.

If someone uses a public message board to promote their religious beliefs, they can hardly be surprised if they are subsequently questioned about them, however flippantly.


You want to see the flamings religious posts get on other message boards!

I think you're creating a problem where one doesn't exist.

Hmmmm not trying to create something that doesn't exist Groucho at all. And I didn't see anyone trying to promote their religious beliefs either. I guess it's just something that irks me.

Oh well, live and let live!

I think the post Groucho was referring to has now been deleted, Tiggs.

I quoted a post in the middle of a thread in the coffee lounge Tiggs.

You can see what it was, it's in the quote.

It was accompanied by an extremely large quote from the Bible in the signature.

It was subsequently deleted, I know not why.

I'm with you Tiggs...I am a christian (shock horror) but although I go to church when I'm not working and do have a firm belief in God I know I have a long way to go before many will instantly percieve me as someone who holds these beliefs.....

I am a bit of a light under a bushel...I guess because I am bothered that if I do stick my neck out and confess to my beliefs I will be ridiculed....

Instead I chose to respond only to those threads which I feel comfortable in and avoid those that I might find offensive or inappropriate IMHO.

I don't want people to stop having their fun but at the same time I wont always join in...

Thank-fully I find enough nonsence and banter on this site to keep me occupied and a happy poster without feeling the need to go into those posts and threads I feel less suited...

Good thread by the way!

I quoted a post in the middle of a thread in the coffee lounge Tiggs.

You can see what it was, it's in the quote.

It was accompanied by an extremely large quote from the Bible in the signature.

It was subsequently deleted, I know not why.


Groucho, I must apologise, ;) I didn't see the thread before it was deleted, I only saw that hugh jaas had wrote about he was happy because he was a Christian (or along those lines) and hadn't seen the rest.:)

I really was confused reading through that thread anyway, because people were quoting and I couldn't see where they were quoting from. At one point I was getting a bit concerned about my sanity. :huh: :bag:

No worries Tiggs. :)

What actually justifies being offensive in way of religion and belief? I respect everybodys faith in whatever way, shape, or form it comes in as long as it does not harm anyone but some zealots of religion who think there faith is the only proper faith might ridicule others because of there closeted beliefs should we complain or should we not try to educate?

---post removed after having second thoughts about it--0-

I think some of the point of why I started this thread has not been understood.

What irks me is the fact that if someone made a flippant remark to say a different race, homosexual or some other minority, the majority of people would be up in arms about it. That person would be called racist, homophobic, etc etc.

But............ it's ok to be flippant to religions or religious people. It is one of the 'minorities' that it's ok to remark negatively about in the open.

I'm not just talking about this mb, I'm talking about it in life in general.

Well you know, people are flippant, and it's what makes life amusing, and the only way to avoid it is never to go out and never, ever, log onto a chat forum.

Yes but the question I am asking, why is it ok to be flippant about some things and not others. Whether it be about any of the above minorities I have mentioned, it is still someone's lifestyle. I just want to know why there are rules for some but not for others.

Why is it ok to be flippant about somethings and not others? When they would still affect those involved in exactly the same way.

Yes but the question I am asking, why is it ok to be flippant about some things and not others. Whether it be about any of the above minorities I have mentioned, it is still someone's lifestyle. I just want to know why there are rules for some but not for others.

I don't think there are rules, I just think different people get touchy about different things. For you it's religion, for someone else it might be something totally different - like carpets.

Maybe the difference is that religion is a choice, whereas the other forms of descrimination you mention are against groups of people who have no choice about who/what they are.

For instance, you can't say to a chinese person, I disagree with the fact that you're chinese, can't you become French?

Relgious belief is, to me, similar to politcal belief, a choice you make based on information received. I guess, in that way, I can't see the difference between ridiculing someone for voting for the Raving Monster Loony Party as for being a Baptist, say, if I felt that what they believed in was equally ridiculous.

Persecution, however, is a whole different thing. Although at what point ridicule becomes persecution, I'm not sure.

I think some of the point of why I started this thread has not been understood.

What irks me is the fact that if someone made a flippant remark to say a different race, homosexual or some other minority, the majority of people would be up in arms about it. That person would be called racist, homophobic, etc etc.

But............ it's ok to be flippant to religions or religious people. It is one of the 'minorities' that it's ok to remark negatively about in the open.

I'm not just talking about this mb, I'm talking about it in life in general.


New employment legislation was introduced at the end of 2003 that makes it illegal in the workplace to discriminate or harass on the grounds of religion or belief. That pretty much aligns it with (in employment anyway) race, sex, marital status, sexual orientation and disability

Obviously that doesn't affect us here (unless SOMs for posting is remuneration :wink2: )

Gay. Vicar. Sorted.

No agruments.



Straight. Agnostic.

Slated.

Yes but the question I am asking, why is it ok to be flippant about some things and not others. Whether it be about any of the above minorities I have mentioned, it is still someone's lifestyle. I just want to know why there are rules for some but not for others.

Why is it ok to be flippant about somethings and not others? When they would still affect those involved in exactly the same way.

I like Floops answer and hadn't thought of it like that.

I wonder whether it is because the person being flippant has had some experience, perhaps unpleasant, relating to religion [christianity in particular]. Maybe they are/were brought into the world as Christians and therefore feel justified in being flippant, disrespectful about something they have some knowledge of because they have experienced it?

I don't know? As you know I am a Christian, heavily involved in my Church. I have, however, very unChristian thoughts relating the the Catholic religion, I said my peice way back when - they still exist but I choose not to go on about them. I suppose they could be classed as flippant, perhaps disrespectful - but as someone who has had awful experiences within that religion I felt justified and able to be that way towards them. I am a bit older now and hopefully more circumspect but ... there but for the grace of God go I!

New employment legislation was introduced at the end of 2003 that makes it illegal in the workplace to discriminate or harass on the grounds of religion or belief. That pretty much aligns it with (in employment anyway) race, sex, marital status, sexual orientation and disability

Obviously that doesn't affect us here (unless SOMs for posting is remuneration :wink2: )


It may not affect us here, we may not have legislation, but we still have what we would consider respect.:)

Try this link Bible Voice (http://www.biblevoice.co.uk)

That wouldnt be a link to your site would it Matt?

Try this link Bible Voice (http://www.biblevoice.co.uk)

I just did and found this. Is this an example of the respect Tigger was asking for:

Yes,in these politically-correct times we're told we must respect other faiths and beliefs,but personally speaking,that'll be the day!
I could be friendly and hospitable towards such people,but never deep down respect anyone who rejects Jesus.
My view is summed up by this verse:-
"..they make a noise like a dog..but thou O Lord shall laugh at them and hold the heathen in derision" (Psalm 59:6-8)

I just did and found this. Is this an example of the respect Tigger was asking for:

Yes,in these politically-correct times we're told we must respect other faiths and beliefs,but personally speaking,that'll be the day!
I could be friendly and hospitable towards such people,but never deep down respect anyone who rejects Jesus.
My view is summed up by this verse:-
"..they make a noise like a dog..but thou O Lord shall laugh at them and hold the heathen in derision" (Psalm 59:6-8)


I really hope not. How bizarre!

Which poster posted that then? That is a bit bizarre/

Which poster posted that then? That is a bit bizarre/


it's in a thread 'multi-faithism' under 'other religions and cults' and there's more where that came from.

yeah but who posted it?

Oh I don't know - it's your ruddy site, go look for yourself!

Stop spamming

Maybe I'm losing the plot here, but I don't think I should respect someone because they are a self proclaimed 'christian'.

True tiger...its how a person acts, christian or otherwise that you give them respect(or not) for IMHO


claire I love your siggy

Respect isn’t given it has to be earned

Respect isn’t given it has to be earned
yes but when they earn it you give it. :thumbsup:

yes but when they earn it you give it. :thumbsup:

You have earned it I will give it to you

thank you :blush:

thank you :blush:
My pleasure http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_3_16.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm22755GB)

True tiger...its how a person acts, christian or otherwise that you give them respect(or not) for IMHO


claire I love your siggy


I agree with your 1st point and thanks :bye:

I think many of you have either missed or chosen to completely misinterpret Tiggers intention for this thread.

As i see it Tigger is merely asking why people feel they should be able to sling mud/critcism at a person just for having a faith whereas if it's to do with homosexuality/ethnicticty we are very careful of being politically correct and in offensive, and yet Christains or those of other faiths are felt to be fair play for derision and offensive comments.

....maybe I'm way off beam Tigger, but I thought that's what you were getting at.

I respect people for what they are and how the behave not for what their lifestyle choices are or what their faith is. I know sometimes I use derogatory terms for homosexuals, but i would never consider myself homophobic, same as if I questions someones faith and their application of it in everyday life it doesn't mean I dont respect them as a person.

I'm a great believer in live and let live and that we should all be one happy family ... but then I'm one of the nicer people on this board! :laugh: :devil:

You're right as far as I can see it the media and people in general think it is fine to mock Christians, but totally out of order to mock any other minority at all.

I just find this strange, why are christians anymore deserving of insults than say a muslim, or a homosexual, or a transvestite?

Not more deserving Hugh - but I think easier, don't you? There is very little respect in some quarters for other people's opinions. But that's not say that someone deserves respect just cos they are Christain or that by asking questions about their faith and maybe disagreeing with the answers that they are disrespecting their faith.

Being a Christain doesn't necessarily make you a good person. And being a good person doesn't necessarily make you a Christain! :)

Hmm, the National Statistics Census of 2001 shows that 7 out of 10 UK residents are white christians.

I fail to see how they are a minority.

i expect many people put christian as opposed to nothing, i very much doubt that 70% of the population are really acting christians who honestly believe the Bible.

in fact i thought the stat that is more appropriate is that only 3% of britons attend church.

Im a very live and let live type of person, I do not beleive in the Christian God as most of you know......

it has been my experience that the type of person who preaches about the Christian God (and I mean the hell fire and damnation type of preaching - and its not usually the Clergy that do this) do so in a bigotted manner (there is only one God and thats my God anyone who doesnt beleive it isnt worth knowing and will burn in the fires of hell forever).......it all smacks of hypocricy and intollerance to me, and I often find that I (the NON Christian) conduct myself in a far more Christian manner than those that profess to be Christian (my family on paternal side immediately springs to mind)!

I think I understand where Tiggs is coming from, I wouldnt abuse anyone verbally who is different to me - I have been on the receiving end of bigottery in the past.....................

I would however call my mate Big Gay Al a raving, mincing, queen, but he KNOWS that I love him to bits regardless of his sexualty, and there is the fact that he IS a raving mincing queen :laugh: what the devil calls me isnt fit for a family forum :shock: :laugh: I WOULD however slaughter anyone (verbally) who insulted and upset Al in any way, shape or form, I find that sometimes people are "too familiar" and thats when I will take offence!

So the bottom line IS about resepct - I respect my friends and they respect me, therefore we RIP the pee out of each other ALL of the time.......its about boundaries isnt it!

If your a white, middle aged male, everyone can slate you without any repercussions.

Anything else, and you can't say a word against them, be it female/gay/ethnically different, you will be blasted for being intolerant.

i expect many people put christian as opposed to nothing, i very much doubt that 70% of the population are really acting christians who honestly believe the Bible.

You need to visit the Religion thread Hugh.........we have been debating this for months!!!

I beleive that many of the stories in the bible are true, it doesnt convince me that the Christian God exists though.....

I think many of you have either missed or chosen to completely misinterpret Tiggers intention for this thread.

As i see it Tigger is merely asking why people feel they should be able to sling mud/critcism at a person just for having a faith whereas if it's to do with homosexuality/ethnicticty we are very careful of being politically correct and in offensive, and yet Christains or those of other faiths are felt to be fair play for derision and offensive comments.

....maybe I'm way off beam Tigger, but I thought that's what you were getting at.

I respect people for what they are and how the behave not for what their lifestyle choices are or what their faith is. I know sometimes I use derogatory terms for homosexuals, but i would never consider myself homophobic, same as if I questions someones faith and their application of it in everyday life it doesn't mean I dont respect them as a person.

I'm a great believer in live and let live and that we should all be one happy family ... but then I'm one of the nicer people on this board! :laugh: :devil:


Dol thank you, that's exactly what I meant. And Andrea, you are so right. I have a couple of people who I am on my counselling course with, and when we read case studies, the words that come out of their mouths are 'typical men' and the like. They obviously have problems with men in their lives. To be honest, it bothers me to hear them say it.

As you all know I am a Christian, even though half the Christian community does not regard my particular religion as being 'Christian', and I don't agree with the hell, fire, damnation preaching either, just because you don't worship their God or whatever. Part of the basic fundamentals beliefs of my religion is let men worship how, where or what they may, and that's fine with me.

Part of the basic fundamentals beliefs of my religion is let men worship how, where or what they may, and that's fine with me.

Mine too - and quite honestly I would hope that all faiths have this as a fundemental belief - although in practice I don't think this is the case.

If your a white, middle aged male, everyone can slate you without any repercussions.

Anything else, and you can't say a word against them, be it female/gay/ethnically different, you will be blasted for being intolerant.
At this point I'd like to point out that I am a disabled black lesbian. Thank you.

Maybe I'm losing the plot here, but I don't think I should respect someone because they are a self proclaimed 'christian'.

Totally agree Tigereye!

It doesn't matter what the F*** you are, people will respect you, or otherwise, based on your actions. Not on what you believe!

Totally agree Tigereye!

It doesn't matter what the F*** you are, people will respect you, or otherwise, based on your actions. Not on what you believe!

Here!!! here!!! you cant DEMAND respect based on your beliefs, its based on you as a person and your actions.....

Maybe I'm losing the plot here, but I don't think I should respect someone because they are a self proclaimed 'christian'.


I agree...I don't respect people because of their beliefs but at the same time I do respect their beliefs by not telling them that their belief structure is a load of bull even if I may think it.........there are alot of people who have my utmost respect who have no interest in Christianty but at the same time I don't necesarily agree with some of their beliefs......I work with a White Witch and I respect her for what she has been through in life and how she stays so optimistic but I sure as heck don't agree with what she is into...but we get on well dispite that. I think this is more of what Tiggs was driving at (correct me if I'm wrong Tiggs).....

Coastie you are exactly right. :) That is exactly what I was trying to say.

This thread has probably already run its course, but I've only just noticed it.

I have to say that I get where Tigger is coming from, and I think she is right to a point. It does seem to be more socially acceptable to ridicule a person's faith, than it does to ridicule them on the basis of other cultural or physical differences. In some cases, though not all, it seems that it is okay to be actually insulting about a person on the basis of their faith (e.g. it is not acceptable to refer to a Jew as a "Yid", but it is OK to refer to a Born Again Christian or a Baptist as a "Bible Basher" or "Happy Clapper"). There does seem to be a lack of balance there. :wacko:

I don't think it is ridicule to question or challenge a person's faith if there is a genuine desire to be informed or debate though. Its all about how its done. Any suggestion that the person is stupid, gullible or weak for having their (highly personal) beliefs is just not on.

With regard to this forum, I don't normally take part in the reglious discussions that take place here, but I do read them sometimes. And for the most part I think they are handled respectfully and sensitively. This is not always the case (I have seen the odd sarky comment levelled about religious belief), but despite that, I really have't seen any evidence of religious predjudice here.

My feeling is that 'people of faith' leave themselves more open to comment, because a proportion of them are very quick to comment on others lack of faith.

What I mean is, for example, I quite often get doorsteppers trying to convince me that my only hope is to join their merry little band. I also get Christian newspapers through the door at regular intervals.

I have never had a local gay/lesbian group employing the same tactics, nor have I been offered a quick spray job by blacks or Asians.

But when it comes to faith, my views are not respected by the believers who seem to think they are doing me a favour by pestering me. So if they are prepared to name call me as a 'sinner', I have problems when they take objection to those who brand them.

Respect works both ways and no-one has the right to try and change anothers belief (or non-belief).

But when it comes to faith, my views are not respected by the believers who seem to think they are doing me a favour by pestering me. So if they are prepared to name call me as a 'sinner', I have problems when they take objection to those who brand them.


That is a very good point Fee, although I have to say that I'm not sure that people of all religions are quite so judgemental. Seems to me that - according to the tenets of most faiths - to be so judgemental is, in itself, actually sinful! Ironic really. :D