grim, i would say its less an issue of kid gloves and more an issue of respect. and i think respect is due to those of every race, every sexual orientation, and every religion. and of course to those with disabilities.
Ah, but this is one of the things I'm talking about... race, sexual orientation, disabilities and the like are part of the human condition despite the wishes of the person who has those traits, whereas religiosity is a choice... I'm not about to make a case saying it's ok to be disrespectful to the religious, as that would just be an asshole thing to do, but I would argue that the only way to respect
religion (at least the flavors of Christianity that I come across) would be by partaking in the faith. I mean, according to a large swath of Christianity, by not believing in God or Jesus, then I'm doomed to an eternity of damnation... a notion that I find not only absurd, but fairy tail-ish. But by saying that, some religious folks might say I'm disrespecting
them, which I'm not. I simply don't respect the religion. I respect people, including religious people, but I don't have any respect for religion that would refer to me as a sheep in a flock, or in my case, attempt to dictate that I'm a sinner on Lucifer's earth, destined for an eternity in either a lake of fire or in seclusion from a God that made everything.
I'm not saying that rosaries should be outlawed among non-catholics, I'm just saying I find it disrespectful.
If someone was fucking with
your rosary, I could see getting a bit offended... but who is really getting disrespected if they're doing something with one of their own? I mean, to some people, it's just a necklace. Yours is a device for prayer. If it's upsetting to God, he'll handle that shit, right?
with your analogy, a main point to consider would be the fact that those people who kick you out are more often than not doing what they have to do. you're pursuing leisure, they're working. while they may disagree with you and even disrespect you, their reason for opposing you is because they have to survive. like you said, its a stretch. but i see your point. i can only respond by saying that religions, simply for the fact that they mean so much to certain people, should not be mocked, trivialized, or insulted. It's consideration. Ever said the word "regular" around someone who has a disabled sibling? I can guarantee you they'll find it offensive. It's because they have a personal relationship with that sibling. And those who consider themselves religious will tell you they have a personal relationship with God. thats all it comes down to, just being considerate. someone said earlier "kindness is my religion" well that's this is about.
I can dig a lot of what you're saying, but I have to ask this... if someone has a religious dictate that states "1+1=3", do I have to respect that just because that's something they're convinced is the truth?
Please don't get me wrong on what I'm saying... I'm not ragging on you at all, I respect the fact that you have a religious belief system... I just have no respect for religion itself. Since religion is mostly a set of instructions and rules, the only way to respect them would be to abide by them, in the same way we can selectively respect or not respect the law.
/tipsy