Does a person’s beliefs make them good or bad?

For instance, if someone’s religious or political beliefs don’t line up with your own, does that make them a bad person or a stupid person in your opinion??
Would that be the end of trying to understand the person, or would you continue to interact with them on other topics?

I would hope most people wouldn’t label someone so harshly simply because they have differing opinions/belief systems….but sadly, it seems to be a common practice…?

Especially online….?

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Burnley123 · 41-45, M

It's a really good question.

The 'right on' answer would be to say no and that it doesn't matter. Let's be honest though because it kind of does. Politics is about values and that is ultimately about ethics and what we see as right and wrong. It's hard to have a partner or close friend who had incomparable values.

It's even more important when your political beliefs are a significant part of who you are.

Just because someone has different values to you does not mean that they are evil. They don't have no values, they have different values and it's a good thing to try and understand them instead of name calling.

Also, though important, isn't everything. I've met people who have very similar politics to me that I thought were appalling people. Also people with very different politics who I respected and/or admired.

ImpeccablyImperfect · 51-55, F

@Burnley123 that’s kinda what I think too…there have been many in my life whom I have admired and loved, despite their political/religious ideals and even some core values which have been differing. 🤷‍♀️
They’re still some of my favourite people, even if they’re what I’d call ‘wrong’ hahaha