“How can I respect other people’s beliefs if I disagree with them?”

This is a great question and one that we are faced with more and more as our society grows in its diversity. Part of answering the question will actually come from rephrasing it. Instead of posing the question, “How do I respect other people’s beliefs?” it helps to frame it like this, “How do I respect a person who holds to different beliefs than me?” You see, respect is something that is demonstrated through actions and attitudes. We don’t demonstrate actions and attitudes towards a person’s beliefs instead we show respect to the person. The best guide for demonstrating respect for another person is what we often call the Golden Rule. Jesus declared very simple rule in Luke 6:31, “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.”  When it comes to something two people disagree upon you might phrase it this way, “Disagree in an agreeable way.” 

For example, let’s say I have a neighbor who is Muslim. As an evangelical Christian, I strongly disagree with the religious beliefs of my neighbor. How do I respect him and his beliefs? Our culture would tell me to simply leave him alone, let him believe what he wants to believe and don’t try to convert him. The problem is my faith teaches that if I leave this man to his beliefs he will suffer a horrendous fate for all eternity. Is it really respectful (or loving) for me to leave him to that demise? Of course not. So how should I proceed?

Let’s apply Jesus’ instruction from Luke 6:31. My neighbor is also devout to his faith and has determined that it is necessary for him to try and convert me to Islam. How would I want him to go about it? You may answer, “Not at all! I want him to leave me alone!” Since we have already ruled out that option what other options are averrable to us. I wouldn’t want him subversively sticking propaganda in my mail box, shouting hateful messages at me, or trying to convert my children against my wishes. However, I would be open to him inviting me into his home, asking me questions about my faith and engaging in a dialogue about our different faiths and how they differ from one another. I would also be open to him praying for me to change my beliefs in mutual agreement that I might do the same for him. When we discussed I would not appreciate it if he became upset and yelled at me, slandered me or my God, or told me what I believed. In other words, I would want my neighbor to be open, honest, kind, and loving to me in his behavior.

Applying what Jesus said, therefore, I should act this way toward my neighbor who believes differently than I do. I pray this answers your question. Please feel free to respond with follow up or clarifying questions.

God be with you.