Followers of Liberal Religions – what is your attitude to Fundamentalists?
I can think of two opposing views of religious fundamentalists:
1) People from liberal religions should always speak against fundamentalist views. If they condemn others, claim others to be evil, etc. we should not let this view go unopposed.
2) Liberal religions should also be liberal to fundamentalists. To oppose or condemn their beliefs is illiberal even if they are condemning others, accusing them of being evil, etc.
What is the best attitude to have, or can we mix both according to circumstance?
Religious reactionaries should be opposed. If we refuse to assert our values in the face of them asserting theirs, they win because we refuse to stand up.
I support people who are attacked. Any condemnation of anyone is harsh and hurts and is most often very much founded on misconception.
I try to be careful and think of the feelings of people before I say anything that they might see as against their faith, because faith is important. But sometimes it seems to me that what some churches teach have nothing to do with faith. If that is the case, I try to respectfully debunk the wrong views, while supporting the good beliefs and acknowledging the worth of the individual.
I tried doing this once with a Fundie… pointing out many scriptures that pointed to Love and tolerance. But his mind was so warped, he basically said all I spoke was lies… when all I did was quote the Bible at him. All you can do, in cases like these, is express love and faith, then withdraw.
EDIT: When you value love and non-judgment, the only way you can really “stand up” for your beliefs, is to live them, no matter what (even when sorely tested by fundies). Show Love.