Quote:
Originally Posted by MarchHare
I didn't realize that treating others in the manner one would like to be treated was an attitude exclusive to the religious.
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It's not--but really, in this case isn't it the outcome that matters? If I treat people with respect because I'm a secular humanist, and others treat people with respect because of their religion--doesn't everyone win?
Religion has a checkered history--but it's only fair to recognize that it's done a lot of good as well as a lot of not-so-good things. In all probability that means that religion is in and of itself basically neutral, a vessel that is filled with whatever moral/ethical content we choose--and given the right moral/ethical content, what's wrong with allowing for a plurality of beliefs anyway?
For me--I'm an atheist, but have no objection to the occasional trip to church, or even to having my daughter christened at the request of our family. What's the harm? Religion may sometimes serve as a mask for hateful beliefs--but it doesn't always. Sometimes it just fulfills a very human need for ritual and togetherness, and that's a good thing IMO.