In all of the crazy back and forth about religion, I have yet to see anyone try to define this term which seems to be at the center of the debate.
Yes, the back and forth is crazy. That one infamous comment in this diary now has 104 recs and 82 hides. In seven years I don't remember seeing anything like that on this site.
Take a leap of faith or non-faith over the squiggle with me for some thoughts on what respect does and does not mean.
Respect means:
Making a minimal effort to understand someone else's beliefs (whether this belief is that there is a god, that there is not a god, or that it is impossible to know one way or the other) before criticizing them.
Not calling people names because of their beliefs.
Recognizing that there is huge variety within all of the catergories of people constructed by this debate.
Doing as much as possible to keep the discussion of an emotional topic like this civil.
Acknowledging the the limitations of one's own understanding.
Advocating for public policy grounded in your beliefs only when that policy contributes to the common good, without providing advantages to those within your group.
Respect does not mean:
Agreeing with another person's beliefs.
Not criticizing someone else's beliefs.
Saying somebody has a right to their beliefs, but they must be must be mentally ill to hold them.
There is more that could be added in both categories, so feel free to add below.