Far too many religious believers are either unable or unwilling to understand the simple truth that follows:
People deserve respect. It could even be argued that a person's basic right to his or her beliefs deserves some measure of respect. But the beliefs themselves? No. They deserve nothing. We are under no obligation whatsoever to respect anyone's beliefs.I will continue to respect religious people and their right to their beliefs; I will not respect their beliefs. I will not respect their efforts to prevent criticism of their beliefs, nor will I pretend that their "sacred" or "holy" objects are anything other than what they are. I will not ignore irrational beliefs or shirk my obligation to challenge false claims. I will remain intolerant of intolerance, regardless of whether religion is used to excuse or justify it. I will not participate in religious privilege, even if that means some will take offense at my words.
