Christian friends who keep trying to convert you. Ever lost a friend due to religion? (judgmental, acquaintance)
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I am a Christian and I would love to see all my friends converted. However, I am not super fixated on a person beliefs or lack of. I am more concerned with how they treat other people.
And I don't suppose it occurs to you that those of us who hold certain religious beliefs believe that our God wishes us to act on those beliefs? But don't worry -- the days of the Inquisition are over. I won't be tying you down on a rack to force a profession of faith out of you.
I have had friends of various faiths/beliefs/denominations in my life--Christians (Catholics, Protestants, Jehova's Witnesses), Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Pagans, Atheists--and nobody imposed beliefs onto others that I can remember. If anyone would have, we wouldn't have been friends.
I don't respect the following religions: Christianity, Islam & Judaism ... but I regard religious beliefs as personal opinions as long as the individuals don't disrespectfully attempt to impose their beliefs onto me or others.
I try to treat people of differing political views the same way, but the problem with political views is that our government allows views to be imposed and affect everyone via voting and laws. Minority groups can unfairly be oppressed by the majority. The ban on polygamy, opposition to gay marriages, illegality of marijuana, a total ban of guns for everyone, for examples. I find it impossible for me to respect people who think they have a right to dictate how others should live in subjects that don't really have a direct effect on themselves.
I have a dear friend who is Christian. I'm Agnostic. I understand how much his faith means to him and gives him comfort, etc., and I respect that, which I've told him.
I've made it clear that I am an Agnostic and not Christian. Although, I read spiritual books as part of my morning meditation, etc., which I've told him.
We speak on the telephone at least once a week. Unfortunately, it seems that he's on a mission to convert me. I've told him many times that I respect how much his faith means to him, but that I don't share it.
I think it's time to tell him I don't want to discuss it any further and to please stop trying to "help me find my God," etc.
But, I worry it's going to be a friendship ender. Since he's convinced that his God is real and that I'd be happy if only I "knew Him," etc., I worry that he won't give me the same respect I've given him regarding his religion, with an equal respect of my lack of one.
I'm spiritual, but I don't like organized religion. I've told him this, but he seems intent on converting me.
My experience with organized religion has taught me that most are cult-ish. You are believers, or you are under the influence of the dark side. There doesn't seem to be much in the way of acceptance of non-believers.
Have any of you lost a friend over religion?
Not yet.
I was a little afraid to peek at this thread...so much anti-religious prejudice these days.
But I think I know what you mean. When Christ told His disciples go to a town (paraphrasing, of course), and if ever the message was not welcome, He said to 'shake the dust from your sandals' and move on.
He never said, 'Beat people over the head with the Gospel until they hate both God and man alike.'
I have had friends of various faiths/beliefs/denominations in my life--Christians (Catholics, Protestants, Jehova's Witnesses), Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Pagans, Atheists--and nobody imposed beliefs onto others that I can remember. If anyone would have, we wouldn't have been friends.
I don't respect the following religions: Christianity, Islam & Judaism ... but I regard religious beliefs as personal opinions as long as the individuals don't disrespectfully attempt to impose their beliefs onto me or others.
I try to treat people of differing political views the same way, but the problem with political views is that our government allows views to be imposed and affect everyone via voting and laws. Minority groups can unfairly be oppressed by the majority. The ban on polygamy, opposition to gay marriages, illegality of marijuana, a total ban of guns for everyone, for examples. I find it impossible for me to respect people who think they have a right to dictate how others should live in subjects that don't really have a direct effect on themselves.
How about non-religious Christians?
In other words being a Christian but not following and or believing in any religion (Bible based only) that could also fall as Being a Born Again Christian.
I had forgotten about this thread, and saw it pop up on my list again. I thought I'd give an update. My friend has been great. He will joke a little about me saying "I'll be thinking of you" regarding a problem he's having where he lives, and that he would consider that prayer, even if I don't - that kind of thing. But, he's really backed down. I didn't say anything new. He just apparently got the message that I was getting frustrated at the same time I started this thread.
So, unless he goes through a new phase, he's being respectful. I don't think he's giving up hope entirely to convert me, but he's stopped trying to convert me so overtly, anyway. He's a great friend, so I'm glad we've kind of come to a truce on the religion stuff.
A third option is Agnostic, someone who doubts the existence of God.
And then there are people who are simply indifferent to religion, not caring if God exists or not.
Exactly. I consider myself agnostic. I believe there's some force in the universe, but I don't like the idea of any organized religions and their ideas of what/who God is, which are all man-made. Any man-made organization is going to be full of ego and man-made problems. IMHO.
I like the bible story where Jesus got frustrated and told the Golden Rule, which is something I can buy. He basically said, "Look all of you trying to make this complicated - Just treat other people the way you want to be treated, and we'll be good."
But, they couldn't and still can't. That's just way too simple.
One converted at a late age now goes about with a bible clutched in his hand telling the others how to speak, behave, marry etc.
I have 0 time for him, have never met his kids, he told me once I'll burn in Hell and I told him I wont be lonely.
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