I have no problem respecting the beliefs of people who realize that it's not religious oppression when they aren't allowed to force their views on others.

What?

I have a good friend who just lost her fiance to an unexpected heart attack. I feel very bad for her and her 2 kids. Yesterday she disclosed to me that every once in a while she sees her fiance for brief moments and when she looks more directly he disappears. I don't know if ghosts are real, but in this case I'm glad she is experiencing him, as she finally stopped crying and after more than 36 hours of not sleeping I think she can finally sleep again. I don't know if there's a god anywhere, but this all is comforting my friend better than I could! I'm glad for her. I don't believe in any god/gods I've heard of;but, I sometimes wonder if there is something to the "spiritual"? Maybe something to do with the earth or biology or some as yet unpublished/studied aspect of brains observing.

I'm tolerant of good people who have succumbed to their indoctrinations. I can't say I respect beliefs that are harmful or make life difficult for others, though. They're free to believe what they want, but I'm free to call them on their hypocrisy. That's just me.

I appreciate you kind and thoughtful motion. This site could use more people like you

Nothing wrong with that at all.

it isn't necessarily religious if you don't consider it to be. An angel tchotchke could be considered a work of art or decoration. I can admire a Madonna sculpture for her maternity or the clean lines of a sculpture. If it makes you happy or gives you comfort go for it.

I would be one who precieves one giving me a religiously oriented gift as a form of imposition rather than as an actual gift personally-that they expect it to do something to me against my will. That's not a gift, that's just an imposition and a form of oppression. A gift as far as I'm concerned is either something you will personally identify with from someone else or it is a neutral thing. I also do not respect other people's beliefs, I only respect one's right to have them.

I have nowhere near a big enough ego to say I have all the answers.

I respect everyone's right to believe ANYTHING they choose to believe. I do NOT respect the nonsensical, harmful beliefs that they chose to believe. To borrow a religious phrase, Love the sinner, hate the sin.

I respect others beliefs as well. I draw the line when they try and shove those beliefs down my throat.

Nice of you to be respectful of the feelings of others