Reply #53: Respect for people

[JerseygirlCT]

Means having that conversation in a respectful way.

of course, you don't have to accept or even respect someone else's beliefs. But it would be good to respect their right to hold them - even when to you they seem strange - and to deal with them respectfully if you feel the need to challenge those beliefs.

I think the sort of respectful disagreement that can be had tends to lead toward more understanding - on both sides. The sort of name-calling, childish stuff - from either side - only leads toward people cementing themselves into safe havens of like-minded people, and closing themselves off from any not like them.

To put it shortly - I personally don't think it's the challenge, it's how the challenge is made. Thoughtfulness and respect is usually met with the same, and that's a good thing.