My first casualty of atheism...

[KatieGal]

Originally Posted by moddestmike

A long time friend (or so I once thought) recently sent me an extremely long, pessimistic email in regards to my lack of faith and how surprised he was that I've never believed. The basic premise of the message was that he (who is Muslim) was always under the impression that I'd eventually convert to Islam. Admittedly, I've studied Islam (local Da' Wah center), but my intentions were never to study with the eventual goal of converting. The topic of religious fundamentalism intrigues me and I felt it necessary to educate myself for better countering when engaged in discourse.

A year or so had passed before I received his email, prior to this we maintained brief contact via txt or social networking. My engagements (work,having tons of fun, traveling) against his engagements (kids, 2 jobs, fundamentalist beliefs) are what essentially set us on two different paths.

So he has essentially propositioned me...better yet given me an ultimatum. Show up to his sons birthday (have never met the kid) or consider years of friendship lost. All because of my lack of belief.

Anyone been here before?

Completely beside the point, but... I have lost friends for various reasons. I once caught a friend stealing loose change off my coffee table. The ex-friend angrily tried to rationalize stealing seventy-five cents. It was not just the stealing that ended it. There was also the simply notion that I apparently did not know the person I thought I knew. On the philosophical side; we did enjoy each others company for several years. That is over now, but the enjoyment did exist. Eat a bowl of ice cream and the ice cream is no more. But just because the ice cream is gone doesn't mean it wasn't enjoyable.

[brightdoglover]

"after my son's suicide...one lady (an acquaintance) told me my lack of belief in jesus was what caused his death"

I wish I believed in hell so I could wish that ignorant b**ch was going there. That is too appalling for words. I'm so sorry that happened to you.

[mommabear2]

Originally Posted by MaggieZ

if religion gets in the way of acquaintances getting along, it tells a lot about tolerance and open mindedness and respect..the worst thing that happened to me was after my son's suicide...one lady (an acquaintance) told me my lack of belief in jesus was what caused his death....had I just gone to church regularly...I was too hurt at the time to even think straight and react to her foolishness but that type comment says more about them than you...
I would not even have further contact with anyone who sends me ultimatums like the OP got...

Some of the cruelest, meanest, and/or dumbest comments that I've ever heard have come from devout religious people. I have heard from my former minister (when I was a church secretary) of comments that his patrons would make at funerals to people who have lost a loved one. He would have to jump in and literally scoot them out of the church or redirect the conversation before things got ugly. A mother losing a child (or anyone losing a loved one), is a really, really, REALLY bad time to insert opinions. It's HIGHLY inappropriate. I'm sorry someone did that to you.

Back to the OP - Personally, if a friend (or anyone for that matter) gives you an ultimatum on how you should live your life, then you should really walk away from them. No one has the right to tell you what to do regardless of their reason or intention.

[Asheville Native]

Originally Posted by mommabear2

Some of the cruelest, meanest, and/or dumbest comments that I've ever heard have come from devout religious people. I have heard from my former minister (when I was a church secretary) of comments that his patrons would make at funerals to people who have lost a loved one. He would have to jump in and literally scoot them out of the church or redirect the conversation before things got ugly. A mother losing a child (or anyone losing a loved one), is a really, really, REALLY bad time to insert opinions. It's HIGHLY inappropriate. I'm sorry someone did that to you.

Back to the OP - Personally, if a friend (or anyone for that matter) gives you an ultimatum on how you should live your life, then you should really walk away from them. No one has the right to tell you what to do regardless of their reason or intention.

Weak small minded people will always take the opportunity to kick someone when they are already down, for deep down they are just hateful cowards.

If someone were to say something as deliberately mean to me, I guess I'd get to see what the local jail looks like, for I am going to deck their dumb ass, or give it one hell of a try.

[achickenchaser]

Kick him to the curb for the reasons already posted in this thread.

You'll be better for it.