Thank you for the recognition. It is indeed true that I sat with your post for a few days mulling over just the concern that you've cited. In the end, though, I like you enough to have taken the chance, and it's really cool that your reply has justified my leap of faith (if you'll forgive the term).
"Of course we come to the issue of goals. I do not believe religious views are deserving of respectful treatment, so that is not a goal of mine."
The problem, though, is whether or not you believe that *people* are deserving of respectful treatment even when they hold views that are opposed to your own. Particularly when it comes to a subject that's as highly subjective as is religion (or politics, or etc...) This is something I've struggled with for years, and I find myself ashamed today of some of the knee-jerk rhetorical brutality I've been willing to resort to when addressing those who hold opinions that are in opposition to my own. John Stewart is increasingly becoming my role model in this regard. But that's another topic entirely.
I also know from hard experience how hard it is to maintain a respectful stance when our neurochemistry is doing the depression tango. The question becomes -- will you be able to maintain the same kind of silence on the topic that you will be asking from her? And will you be able to maintain respect for this person as a person if she "slips" from time to time? If not, don't put yourself or the little old lady through it.
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Re: Since you asked...
Date: 2010-11-12 09:20 pm (UTC)"Of course we come to the issue of goals. I do not believe religious views are deserving of respectful treatment, so that is not a goal of mine."
The problem, though, is whether or not you believe that *people* are deserving of respectful treatment even when they hold views that are opposed to your own. Particularly when it comes to a subject that's as highly subjective as is religion (or politics, or etc...) This is something I've struggled with for years, and I find myself ashamed today of some of the knee-jerk rhetorical brutality I've been willing to resort to when addressing those who hold opinions that are in opposition to my own. John Stewart is increasingly becoming my role model in this regard. But that's another topic entirely.
I also know from hard experience how hard it is to maintain a respectful stance when our neurochemistry is doing the depression tango. The question becomes -- will you be able to maintain the same kind of silence on the topic that you will be asking from her? And will you be able to maintain respect for this person as a person if she "slips" from time to time? If not, don't put yourself or the little old lady through it.