Is there any respect for beliefs here?
 

I've noticed that very rarely does a discussion come up where both people involved come away from it respecting the other's beliefs.

The discussions usually devolve into belittling the other's beliefs and causing more contention.

Is this good or bad? I don't know.

Shut up you commie, puppy hating, moron, douchebag....

Your beliefs are stupid and you are dumb.

Excellent. :)

I think I respect someone's right to have a belief different than mine. If I disagree with their belief though, why would I respect the belief.

Are you being serious? This post is strange coming from somebody who is so adept at mocking others beliefs.

Did I say I was innocent of this?

I do all the time. Reespecting beliefs is not equivalent to agreeing with them.

We try. We should try harder.

On the contrary. While things get intense at times, I very much enjoy learning what others believe and why. I have found it to be quite rewarding. In my day-to-day life, I simply don't have an avenue for discussion like this with such a wide array of highly intelligent folks with such diverse experiences.

Your interactions with Tex are rewarding?

I'd have never known.