Why does religion hit a nerve?

Because the idea of respecting someone's beliefs is not as easy as it sounds. What exactly does respect mean? What behaviour do people expect to have towards them?
In many ways, it is a very vague concept. Most definitions seem pretty identical. Here's one:

re·spect (rĭ-spĕkt')
tr.v., -spect·ed, -spect·ing, -spects.
To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem.
To avoid violation of or interference with: respect the speed limit.
To relate or refer to; concern.
n.
A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem. See synonyms at regard.
The state of being regarded with honor or esteem.
Willingness to show consideration or appreciation.
respects Polite expressions of consideration or deference: pay one's respects.
A particular aspect, feature, or detail: In many respects this is an important decision.
Usage Problem. Relation; reference. See Usage Note at regard.
[From Middle English, regard, from Old French, from Latin respectus, from past participle of respicere, to look back at, regard : re-, re- + specere, to look at.]

So, showing deferential regard for...This to me seems like the most accurate interpretation that they are going for. Deference is defined as submission or courteous yielding to the opinion, wishes, or judgment of another.

So if that's what they expect, then we have every right to challenge them wanting respect. If you don't agree with their viewpoints, you should not have to "yield" anything. This is putting their own selfish interests above others without any justification for it. If you can't question or challenge them, than you are simply putting them on a pedestal that is immune to criticism. Screw that.

Now to "avoid violation or interference with" I can see a very limited right of them being allowed to congregate, share ideas and beliefs and so forth. However, this is where a great deal of the battles start as ones who want to have society bend to their religious beliefs seem to mix this up as a right to express their "freedom" of religion.

"To relate or refer to; concern."
This is too vague as it doesn't imply an action.

"The state of being regarded with honor or esteem."
This is really another way of saying giving deferential regard to.

"Willingness to show consideration or appreciation."

Exactly how can people be considerate when you are dealing with secular society and in some cases, completely opposing viewpoints? They certainly aren't going to give them appreciation. Do they have a right to expect this from others?

The rest is just repetition of the same themes.

I think it's interesting to look at the root meaning of this word which is simply to "look at", as in regard, but with a leaning towards the past tense. I wonder how it grew into the shaded meaning of being exalted a bit? Could that be humanities tendency to glorify traditional ways? There are certainly a lot of people that love to use the Appeal to tradition fallacy as a reason for their opinions.

When you really look at the word respect, it really doesn't even seem to be a very fair concept in many ways.

Plain and simple answer here. Some sects just plainly don't allow the view of other religions to even be considered.
For example, Catholicism believes that if you don't believe in Jesus Christ as your savior, you're going automatically to hell. So, what about the huge section of the world that has not even HEARD the name Jesus Christ? Just because they have never been introduced to him means that they are going automatically to hell? I find this hard to agree with. It just cuts out way too many people; I doubt a perfect creator would instill such prejudiced upon his manifestation, unless he messed up, which, in itself, is a contradiction.

Jordan Stovall
IB Junior
www.progressiveu.org/blogs/chasing-bohemia

Religion is emotional and emotions are not rational. Many believe because of things they have felt. I used to be VERY Christian and I FELT Jesus touch me, comfort me in my times of need (one time in particular). But as I grew older and gained more real world knowledge -- science and history -- I came to the realization that my mind is a powerful persuader and can create physical feelings to cope with what is happening to you.

I still have many guilt issues. I go back and forth between agnostic and atheist. The older I get and the more life I spend without God the more I can accept what I know to be true.

The church's brainwashing and scare tactics are strong persuaders as well. Growing up it was impressed upon me that as a Christian it is my duty to spread God's word and try to convert those around me so we can all spend eternity in heaven together with God. This was a noble cause. I feel that this method of "sharing" religion creates many who push their views too hard on non-believers. But in their defense they are spreading what they believe to be the true word of God and his mercy can only be received if it is known and accepted.

I don't think that those participating in these tactics know that they are participating. I know that many religious persons mean well and I accept their beliefs on their behalf. That doesn't mean that I have to practice their beliefs.

I'm not really sure how those with religion and those without/with a different religion can come to any sort of mutual agreement. I know that tolerance plays a large role. I am very tolerant of all religions. I am respectful of their beliefs yet wish they would stop trying to "save" me from myself.

It seems that there is so much conflict amongst them because people always feel that thiers is right, as they should if they beleive in it. I think the problem is when people try to impose thier language when it is unwanted. I actually wrote a similar post recently. www.progressiveu.org/163828-religions-to-blame

does this post have anything to do with the Got Jesus post?

I will tell you why, because each religion believes that their way is the one right way, divinely approved from something "higher", and this will always lead to disrespect, discrimination, and disharmony against other religions claiming to have the one and only divine rightness. If you are interested, check out "My Atheist Prayer" to understand atheist beliefs better. Citizen Press Revolution