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Lady-of-Literature wrote: ↑11 Apr 2019, 16:30 It will never cease to amaze me how someone can be religious and rely on that religion with nothing but faith, but somehow find it in themselves to question someones else's spirituality as if their faith is less than. It is not uncommon at all for people in peril to turn to faith for comfort. William's story was real to him (and in the official story itself) and I found it rude of the second mate to dismiss it like that. It makes him out to be an unlikable character (but still great story).


What do you guys think? What are your stances on William's faith and Richard's( I don't remember the second's mates name)?

I believe to each his own, no bias, no judgement.

B Creech wrote: ↑27 Apr 2019, 12:03 A person's religious beliefs are sacred to them and should be shown respect. In our society today that doesn't happen anymore. If you mention anything with a spiritual connotation you are "offending" someone! Maybe that is what the author was tryimg to portray between William and the first mate, the reality of today's society. Everyone's personal beliefs SHOULD be respected, but in life that is not always the case.

True. Everyone's belief should be respected just as anyone would like his or hers to be respected. The Golden Rule states that 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you'. It leaves room for no kind of disrespect for any person whatsoever.

Absolutely! We can disagree with other beliefs without disrespecting them! I just recently experienced the disrespect on social media from someone I don't even know. And his disrespect was blatant and fulgar! It is a shame we can't all co-exist peacefully and respect each other!

Some religions encourage sharing of their faith, but majority of those who are vocal about it are tactless when it comes to interacting with people from other faiths and cultural beliefs. Sometimes it is better to try understanding another's customs, they will then be open to attempt to understand a different way of thinking and doing things.

KitabuKizuri wrote: ↑29 Apr 2019, 22:39 Some religions encourage sharing of their faith, but majority of those who are vocal about it are tactless when it comes to interacting with people from other faiths and cultural beliefs. Sometimes it is better to try understanding another's customs, they will then be open to attempt to understand a different way of thinking and doing things.

I think the issue of tolerance and respect for other people's beliefs is normally easier said than done just like many other things. The real test comes when we have to apply what we know is right but at the same time feel as if what one holds to be true is more superior.

B Creech wrote: ↑29 Apr 2019, 12:57 Absolutely! We can disagree with other beliefs without disrespecting them! I just recently experienced the disrespect on social media from someone I don't even know. And his disrespect was blatant and fulgar! It is a shame we can't all co-exist peacefully and respect each other!

Nowadays, somethings that could be used to bring people together have been used to keep them apart. Religion has not been left aside as we witness intolerance turning into hatred and eventually leading to violence and devastating chaos.

Absolutely! It saddens me that it has come to this!

I really liked William's story. I found it offensive when Randall began to belittle William's faith. It happens though, I don't know why, but many people seem to find comfort in scorning other people's beliefs to make themselves feel more secure about their own beliefs. It's like a religious bullying really. Just another very realistic part in the book.

I'm glad you asked that. In fact, that part of the book was one which did not particularly please me. I believe we should always respect the religion beliefs of others. With that said, I must say I found their discussion a bit shallow and somewhat presumptuous.

Well, I guess it is only right to be respectful and open-minded about other religions. The second mate did not do this, yet he was also inspired by William's story of Sarah. Also, I guess Richard belonged to a more traditional set of mind.

While not an overly religious person myself, it would never be my place to dismiss someone elses faith if thats what they choose to believe in!

I thought a lot about this reading Adrift, it introduced me to real Native Indian culture and I really enjoyed that, i had learned years ago, that even if you don't agree with something it doesn't mean it is wrong. I am a Christian and from what i read about them praying, sometimes faith is all you have whether it be God or your ancestors or whatever you believe in.... because if you don't have faith in a higher power... well, what is the point of living? and it makes death especially scary... so of course everyone finds themselves doing their best to cope with the situation, whether that be praying or looking to themselves to get out of the situation... some people think that they are all there is to live and to them i say... I hope you enjoy this life...

Katherine Smith wrote: ↑12 Apr 2019, 16:49 I think that this interaction between William and the second mate reflects our society today. Many people feel as though their particular branch of religion is the only one or the "right one". At its best, this viewpoint can be seen as obnoxious or rude, but at worst, this can lead to violence or hatred of another group. I think that everyone has a right to their beliefs, but you also must be respectful of the beliefs of others.

I was thinking the same. But adding my two cents, I don't think people realize the monetary incentive to teach that your religion is the only right one. This is a message that starts from the top of the chain, whether that be religious leaders in one's local community or a large-scale, global figurehead, or a "preacher" who's reached notoriety. It ensures that nobody will be curious enough to even look at another religion, and therefore secures the people who profit off these religions (especially if there are any heavyweights in the industry which many religions do). It's one idea that really puts a sour taste in people's mouths, especially since most religions look down upon making money, even more so in the name of the religion. But that doesn't matter for the people who benefit from spreading this rhetoric. It's just a shame that because of it, we have this very hostile environment we're now discussing.

People ought to respect other people's religion and spirituality. I found the second mate's attitude repulsive.

I agree with the thought of appreciation and promotion of every religion, and also I think it is a good gesture of people to respect each religion and their rituals.