When our beliefs differ, and they often do, and especially when we clash over our beliefs, it’s good for you to know what I believe about what you believe.
I believe that you have the right to express what you believe.
I believe that you believe that what you’re telling me is good and true and right.
I don’t believe that your belief obligates me to believe the same thing.
I believe that I have the right to express what I believe.
I don’t believe that you must believe what I believe, even if I believe it’s good and true and right.
I believe that we should express our beliefs thoughtfully, respectfully, and politely.
I believe that we can converse, be acquainted, and maybe be friends, even if we believe different things.
But if you believe that I must believe what you believe, then I hope we can at least part on friendly terms.
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(Punctuation makes a difference, I think.)
I guess this post is my way of trying to take responsibility for my own beliefs. That’s hard enough without trying to take responsibilty for anyone else’s.
Respectfully submitted,
G