Erin Krumm,

It is often said that one should refrain from talking about religion and politics, and generally that is sound advice. However, being an outspoken person myself, I cannot follow that rule. But, if you are going to argue about religion in general or religious beliefs, please make sure to use discretion.

I can sympathize with people’s qualms about the downfalls of organized religion and evangelizing people. Many people do not appreciate being told that if they do not accept a certain set of religious beliefs their soul is in peril and they are not capable of being moral and good people. In fact, I completely agree with those people. No one religion, or any religion, in my opinion, is the only way to have a fulfilling and good life. However, criticism of evangelizing or feeling marginalized and disrespected by someone else is not why I am writing this.

Lately, I have heard fellow classmates attack certain religious beliefs or religion in general in the classroom and on Facebook. Often, they have good arguments. Yes, many wars have been waged in the name of religion, and countless other terrible, senseless things, but that does not give you the excuse to completely disrespect something so sacred to so many people.

People may have beliefs that go against everything science dictates, but as long as they are not forcing you to agree with them, you need to accept that and respect their different beliefs. You absolutely have the right to have no religion, or a different religion and you should be respected and left alone for

that choice.

But others who do nothing to bother or convert you deserve to not be disparaged either. Throwing blanket generalizations on all religious people and/or religions is just as wrong as generalizations made about you for believing in something different and/or not having any religious beliefs. Agree to disagree and tolerate people with different beliefs, despite how absurd they are to you.