Rude/offensive blog?

[Audrey Quest]

He may not think his opinions are offensive or unwelcome...
 
It's all a matter of perspective.

I'll grant that.  However, reasonableness would seem to dictate that one would know that the statement, "Only an idiot believes in X" would be offensive to those who believe in X.  He may not be reasonable, though.

How many religious expression claim that you will be going to hell for one reason or another.  In their perspective, they are saving my soul.  In my perspective they are being delusional.  We are both entitled to our opinions.  I keep the peace by refraining from commenting.  It's not easy to do, but I feel it is the most polite thing to ignore inflammatory opportunities like that.  The more unreasonable the opinion the less likely the chance for common ground--so why waste your time?

[BettyDraper]

He may not think his opinions are offensive or unwelcome...
 
It's all a matter of perspective.

I'll grant that.  However, reasonableness would seem to dictate that one would know that the statement, "Only an idiot believes in X" would be offensive to those who believe in X.  He may not be reasonable, though.

How many religious expression claim that you will be going to hell for one reason or another.  In their perspective, they are saving my soul.  In my perspective they are being delusional.  We are both entitled to our opinions.  I keep the peace by refraining from commenting.  It's not easy to do, but I feel it is the most polite thing to ignore inflammatory opportunities like that.  The more unreasonable the opinion the less likely the chance for common ground--so why waste your time?

Good point.  The words sinner, infidel, heathen and so on didn't invent themselves, yet I don't suppose that believers want to be prevented from using them now.  I find them no less obnoxious than referring to believers as "gullible" or "delusional."  It's a two-way street but generally extra deference seems to be expected toward the faithful. 

Will bow out now before this thread is locked for addressing religion; I'm really just trying to stick to the way various camps use language and when it crosses from annoying to rude.   

[Fluffy Cat]

If he's personally insulting you, then that's rude. But as long as there is no direct and personal attack, I refuse to put these in the 'rude' category. I actually think it would be phenomenally stifling of useful thought and discussion in this world to categorically decrees boundary of rude expressions that aren't specifically directed at a particular person. I think that people should be able to say, in the right forum (and a personal blog is one) "I think XXX idea is totally asinine."

Otherwise, where precisely do you draw the line? If the phrase "People who believe in God are idiots" is rude, then what about "A belief in the supernatural requires an abandonment of rational thought, the very thing that makes us human, that makes us distinct from mere beasts". It is functionally the same sentiment (and if it isn't, then I'm sure we could come up with one that was more identical). What's the difference? That the first is more course? Less intellectual? The point is the same in both.

These are 'time and place' items - if you're in a zone where discussing the validity of religion, or a political ideology, or anything else is on the table, then it is on.the.table. Now, I think the first statement is immature and poorly reasoned and supported, and overall not a very useful addition to an idealogical discussion, but that's a different matter.

And I also disagree that we live in a binary world where things are either 'polite' or they are 'rude'. I think there is a whole universe of material in the world that is neither.

Most of the political spectrum, discussion, and analysis isn't particularly 'polite'. But I also think it's only rude when it stoops to personal attacks and direct mudslinging. "Polite conversation" usually can't even abide much discussion of politics, because it gets inherently outside the bounds of 'polite', but it doesn't always have to get 'rude'.

I agree with everything above, but I still would have warned my facebook friends what my blog was about.  I don't know if its rude not to, but I definately believe it would have been prudent and considerate to do so.