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How do you keep from offending people when talking about religon

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I apologize for not seeing this (what I feel is a) very important question.

I'm speaking solely for myself and in regards to my own experience...

I think the key to not offending is RESPECT to the other person(s) regardless their beliefs or lack thereof...whatever they are. When I speak of my spirituality and religious beliefs, I'm ever mindful that not everyone believes the way that I do and I specifically ALWAYS use statements based on experience or personal belief...alot of "I statements"...as I did in my prior post.

When I speak of my belief system and spirituality, I've ever mindful to never put down another religion or belief in the process by using the I statements, but by also refraining from absolutes and generalizations (this also ties into my personal belief that everyone is led on an individual journey).

Whether or not I respect another's religion or belief, I maintain respect for them as a person and their freedom to believe and practice as they do.

Bottom line, I think I always try to show respect to *anyone* who might be reading. Once in a habit of considering all in a conversation, it's easily done really.

A good and generally safe way of not offending is to speak personally. I further personally believe that not offending is the LARGEST voice we have in bearing witness to our individual beliefs. If we walk around offending others, while claiming a specific belief, are we actually pushing those we're trying to reach further away from what we feel is true and right? In that respect, does that make our actions "true and right" and in accordance with our individual religion and beliefs?

I would never want someone to look at me and say, "Wow, she claims this religion/belief? I'm getting the heck outta Dodge." What would I have just done?

Love & respect,

KD