...how do you approach the non-believers (whether atheist/agnostic/Unitarian/Jewish/Muslim/Hindu/ Buddhist or other) in your life? How do you feel about evangelism (whether on TV/radio or face-to-face) in general?
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I'm an atheist, so I realize your question isn't directed to me. However, I find it a little odd to ask this unless trying to stir the pot (ETA: Especially since you're someone who doesn't identify as a Christian)....
As someone who could turn the tables and say that I worry about the sanity of anyone who believes, I would rather just say that I think it's important to let people believe what they believe and if they are a kind and loving person, that's good enough for me. Those are the people I want in my life, I don't care what they believe in.
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@.twist.: I prefer when people of all religions (or lack thereof) can get along harmoniously. I wasn't necessarily meaning to spark a debate and I really was trying you make my language as neutral as possible... I feel that one of the strengths of the 'Bee is that you can gather information from women from a wide range of different backgrounds and over a wide geography. I am an agnostic/Secular Humanist in a predominantly Christian part of the country...and while I am friends with a number of devout Christians, this is a tough thing to ask (and perhaps more importantly, to get an honest answer to) in person!
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@FliegepilzHut: If that is truly what you were looking for, I think you would get kinder responses (or any at all) if you mentioned some of what you just said in your original post. Just a thought.
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I am a Christian, but I have friends of all faiths and I totally respect their views. Life would be boring if all my friends thought like me
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@.twist.: Good point. I actually considered making this Gold...in which case I would've been a little more "personal" in my original post.
ETA: I've just changed the OP-- omitted the "live and let live" language.
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I'm a live and let live person.
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I'm a Christian and have several close friends that don't believe - either atheist or agnostic. They know what we believe and we don't hide it, but it doesn't change our friendship or love for each other - and that goes both ways!
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@Boheme: I like that approach. That's how I feel about my friends' beliefs (Christian or otherwise).
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@Leialou: @Tanjowen: That's where I think I am with my friends...
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As an atheist I will say that I am not a fan of evangelism. Evangelicals do nothing for me but reaffirm my non-belief.
Funny you started this thread as I just watched the documentary Jesus Camp yesterday.
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I try to be open about our values with close friends or family but I'm not pushy about religion. I feel like nobody can know another person's relationship with God and it's not my business. I occasionally will invite them to church if it seems appropriate, and I hope that if they ever have questions about what I believe they will ask.
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I am also a Christian and I felt like most of the options applied to me (besides the ones about feeling uncomfortable befriending those of different faiths.) Since I am a believer in the salvation through and only through Jesus Christ, I naturally see the utmost importance in believing in Him but, at the same time, it is absolutely not my place to judge. I am not God, which is why I need salvation in the first place.
In terms of evangelism, God calls us to be a "witness" not a lawyer in our faith...I can only share what God has brought me through and the love He has shown me. It is not my job to "save" someone or convince someone. I can only bear witness.
I can't and shouldn't judge others because it's not something I have earned. I in no way think that I am "better" than another person who does not believe-- it's a gift I have chosen to receive. God loves nonbelievers just as much as believers. One is not more important or more cherished in His eyes.
I will say that I tend to have more in common with other Christians but some of my best friends are non Christian and I am fascinated by what other cultures and religions believe on more of an educational standpoint. Even though I have my beliefs, I never want to be ignorant nor offensive.
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@simplyfelicity: i love the witness/lawyer/judge analogy. Ive never heard that before. I should be a witness by sharing how my faith has changed my life but i dont need to argue the case or judge anyone else.
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@simplyfelicity: Thank you for sharing! I found a lot of your points very compelling. I should clarify, I'm actually an agnostic...but some of my very best friends are Christians. I dream of a world where we can all exist with mutual respect and open hearts.
to you!!!
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As a Christian, I have friends of many faiths and it never occurs to me to try and convert/indoctrinate them into my faith. Evangelism really turns me off and I think living in a way that embodies your religious beliefs is the best way of promoting your faith. If a friend approached me and wanted to learn more about my religion, I would be really happy and I would love to be a "guide" for them. But that's only if they approach me.
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@Mrs. Lion: Here is a verse that explains it much better than I can.
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@meredithNYC: Yes, this!
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@FliegepilzHut: I tend to shy away from particularly deep or controversial topics on HB, so I was bit apprehensive about sharing but it happens to be a topic I have an opinion on. I am glad my thoughts were well received!
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@lawbee11: the first time i saw jesus camp, i cried and cried. it's really interesting and i own it now, but the first time i was totally overwhelmed.
i am not christian so the poll doesn't apply to me. i do not believe in a god, but i attend UU church. evangelism makes me very uncomfortable, if i'm being honest, especially in politics, i don't think your personal religious beliefs belong in your political agenda. i don't believe people who choose such a religion are bad people, i just believe that there are times where your fundamental beliefs are so opposed that it makes it hard to have a lot in common to base a positive relationship on. basically, i respect individual beliefs and ways of life, but once those beliefs start impacting others and their ability to live the way they see fit (providing no one is being harmed), that's where i draw a very hard line in the sand.
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@simplyfelicity: My thoughts align almost exactly with yours. You said it better than I could!
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@mrs. bird: I have never seen the movie before but I just read the synopsis and, even as a person who considers themselves a non-denominational/evangelical Christian, I am horrified. I went to plenty of camps, and that was not my experience. It was mostly about bible stories, songs, playing games, crafts, memorizing bible verses, watching skits etc. This sounds more like brainwashing young children with a political/social agenda under the guise of religion. I would consider them an absolute, absolute extremist "fundamentalist" (not sure what their fundamentals are based on) sect. I don't identify with their practices at all.
Eta: Maybe it's obvious in the movie that they are talking about a very extreme group, but I just wanted to share my experience with Christian camps if that was not the case. A camp like that would have scared the crap out of me. -
@mrs. bird: @simplyfelicity: @lawbee11: I'm thinking I need to see that documentary again... Was this the one with the Christian "haunted house" and on-site confessional???
ETA: Nope...that was "Hell House" and it was truly disturbing.
@mrs. bird: I agree that it should not be admissible for ANYONE's religious beliefs to enter into government in the US. My original question was more about relationships in the private/personal sphere, though.
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I identify with Christianity and evangelism pisses me of sooooo much sometimes. But I know a lot of pushy Christians who want to make sure you know you are wrong or going to Hell by consciously choosing to ignore the Truth they are bringing you.
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@blackbird: My DH was harassed by other kids in this way as a child...in his case, it really left a mark.
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@FliegepilzHut: I was harassed like this as a kid and I "hated" christians because of it. I didn't become a Christian until college and it still rubs me the wrong way when people act like this. I wish they understood that they are not helping anyone...
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@Mrs. Lion: Kids can be awfully cruel...and they don't seem to understand arguments that the law should be a "shield not a sword" or that the faithful are "witnesses not lawyer or judge"! I'm very much in the camp of "live and let live"...but I understand how much it hurts to be repeatedly condemned for your beliefs...
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@FliegepilzHut: yeah my father said it to me once. It was the tipping point for me. It's really jacked up
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I voted wrong! I meant to click the second option but actually clicked the first by mistake.
I really enjoy hearing about other people's beliefs...as long as there aren't any attacks, just support and understanding.
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It actually never occurs to me to even ask about religion when making friends... I'm catholic personally. DH is church of england and we have decided to bring up any kids as catholic but it is likely that they will go to a CofE school. Despite this, it never even occured to me to ask him to convert even though I could probably have persuaded him.
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Someone's religion has never and will never affect my friendships and relationships. It just doesn't matter to me. I have my beliefs and they have theirs. Whether said beliefs are similar or completely opposite really doesn't change the way we interact. In fact my husband and I have different religious beliefs but it doesn't cause any issues with us.
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To be completely honest, I voted #4. I will be your friend regardless of what it is you believe, but I am not afraid to let you know what I I believe. It is too important to me, and too much a part of my life to leave that whole aspect untouched. That said, if you have no desire to chat about religion whatsoever, I can certainly leave the subject alone. I really hope I don't come across as pushy!
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@Mrs. Oatmeal: I personally really like talking about religious beliefs, whether similar or different from mine, as long as those conversations take place in the context of mutual trust and respect.
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I'm an atheist, although I was raised Catholic, going to church every Sunday and Catholic schools my whole life. To be honest, I've never met someone or had someone I was friendly with whose life seemed to center so much on their religion that it was even a topic of discussion. I'd probably find it odd if it was something that was constantly brought up and I'd be VERY put off if anyone tried to teach me that their religion was the only "right" way to live or even if they assumed I'd really want to learn about it, unless I specifically asked.
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@Mrs. Oatmeal: I think there is a difference in having a conversation with someone about your faith and feeling like "it's my duty to share my faith".
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I am Christian and this is where I stand:
As far as I'm concerned, God loves everyone. I find using religion in politics distasteful.
@simplyfelicity: Beautiful response. I agree.
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@loveisstrange: I suppose that's true. But, I do feel that I'm responsible for letting people close to me know what I believe. So...it's sort of still true, I guess!
@FliegepilzHut: I really enjoy learning about other people's beliefs as well! It's really interesting. -
I'm a Christian and I will absolutely discuss my faith and share my heart for the Gospel with someone if they are curious or bring it up! But my friendships aren't negatively affected by my faith. I have friendships with those of all faiths, but we mutually respect and love each other.
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@Mrs. Oatmeal: I suppose I mean... it comes down to a difference in sharing your beliefs and actively trying to convince others to believe them too. I guess thats a more clear way to phrase it.
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@loveisstrange: I think you explained that very well. No one wants to feel like they are being preached at with the intent that they are being asked to personally change -- and that goes both directions and for all religions!
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