Can Christians and Atheists Get Along? (hell, Muslims, bible, quote)

[AQUEMINI331]

I'd like to think they can. I'm an atheist and I grew up in the Bible Belt. I have conservative Christian friends who are fully aware of my atheism and we're still close, though I do not live down there anymore.

Any atheists willing to extend the olive branch and befriend a Christian? An evangelical, even? Any Christians willing to admit that atheists are not fire-breathing demons and are actually decent people worthy of friendship? Or am I crazy?

[Tricky D]

Here in the Netherlands nobody cares whether you are religious or an atheist, so I guess that at least the Dutch Christians & atheists can get along.

[Jazzymom]

Originally Posted by AQUEMINI331

I'd like to think they can. I'm an atheist and I grew up in the Bible Belt. I have conservative Christian friends who are fully aware of my atheism and we're still close, though I do not live down there anymore.

Any atheists willing to extend the olive branch and befriend a Christian? An evangelical, even? Any Christians willing to admit that atheists are not fire-breathing demons and are actually decent people worthy of friendship? Or am I crazy?

I would like to think your not crazy. The bigger question is can Christians get along with non Christians. Be they Atheist or non Christian.

I think it falls to mutual toleration. It may be hard to have respect for those who think you are headed to hell. Do all Christians believe that? I don't know but it is a part of Christian doctrine.

[catman]

I have friends who are Christians, and it's a good thing I do, since that's about all there are around here. In general, though, I'd say the OP's question has the cart before the horse.

[AQUEMINI331]

Originally Posted by catman

I'd say the OP's question has the cart before the horse.

Elaborate.

[AQUEMINI331]

Originally Posted by Jazzymom

I would like your not crazy. The bigger question is can Christians get along with non Christians. Be they Atheist or non Christian.

I think it falls to mutual toleration. It may be hard to have respect for those who think you are headed to hell. Do all Christians believe that? I don't know but it is a part of Christian doctrine.

Some can, some can't. Just like any other group (Muslims, atheists, Republicans, Democrats, etc) you have extremist fringes and you have moderate majorities.

[Dewdrop93]

Although I suppose the majority of my closest friends are non religious to slightly religious - I do have some friends that are extremely religious. I think it really just depends upon the person. If we can laugh together and eat together - then we can be friends no matter what our beliefs are. If you don't have a sense of humor - probably isn't going to work for me - even if we have similar beliefs.

[tigetmax24]

Originally Posted by AQUEMINI331

I'd like to think they can. I'm an atheist and I grew up in the Bible Belt. I have conservative Christian friends who are fully aware of my atheism and we're still close, though I do not live down there anymore.

Any atheists willing to extend the olive branch and befriend a Christian? An evangelical, even? Any Christians willing to admit that atheists are not fire-breathing demons and are actually decent people worthy of friendship? Or am I crazy?

With regard to my discourse in this forum it's never anything personal, just business.

[TKramar]

I can tolerate anyone, as long as we don't discuss controversial topics. That should be simple to do.

[proudmommy]

Why have friends that don't make sense when you can have friends that make sense?