what do you do when people assume their beliefs are the same as yours (Muslim, bible)
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I live in the South and have been in this situation many times. For a long time I worked at a non-profit, and everyone assumed everyone was progressive and geared their conversation accordingly. They didn't want to hear anything different.
Gosh, I think you did the best you could under those circumstances. I usually avoid all political, religious or parenting discussions in public, at parties or school functions. I just smile and move on to another topic or group of people. I realize people have their own beliefs and I'm not looking for change myself, either are they I imagine.
I've had them assume I'm anything but atheists actually, whenever I set the record straight they don't bring it up anymore. But, I did get harassed at a job once by a group of religious co workers and finally quit. So, I usually just smile now, and have to go to the bathroom. lol
On occasion I'll run into a tolerant person and I thoroughly enjoy talking freely with them.
The shock of finding a real, live atheist sends most Christians into convert-mode. If you're a happy atheist it's even worse. A lot of Christians can't deal with a happy atheist. I'm on the live-and-let-live team but I've observed people who go nuts finding out there's a heathen within their midst.
Yep, see perfect example. Ive never had an issue with you despite our differences. You seem well balanced, and very tolerant of that which you dont see eye to eye on.
what do you do when people assume their beliefs are the same as yours
how stupid people that aren't Christians are,
anyways, how would you have reacted, and have you ever been in a similar situation?
Quote:
Originally Posted by TroutDude
Except here. All the Christians (and some of the Atheists) seemed to think I was an Atheist because I clashed with Fundamentalists.
Interesting. Especially the bolded part, above...
Real life encounters with those whose beliefs aren't in accord with one's own, yet their responses are different than on here....Can't help but make June ponder this, and the fact that she highly suspected that this is, in fact, the case in real life.
Makes one wonder why it's not the same here, in responding to other member's posts that clash with one's own beliefs. --Yet in real life, responses to the other person whose beliefs clash with one's own are so vastly different. No rudeness? No sarcasm or attacking? --And to think that sociologists have concluded that places like this are actually microcosms of real life. One can't help but wonder about this aspect.
An interesting dynamic, the anonymity that the internet holds. Yes, an interesting dynamic indeed! A moderator can't help but ponder such a vast difference in reactions and responses.
I actually find that I hate fundamentalist Christians, Muslims, and the more militant atheists about evenly. Well, I'd be okay with any one of them if they kept themselves to themselves (and individually they often do). But the more someone tries to convince me that their way is the right way, the more angry and defensive I get. I guess assuming my beliefs are different is almost as bad.
I think a big part of the issue today is that most do not know why they believe what they believe. Technology has made information available in a rapid manner... and unfortunately not all information is valid. Whether theist, atheist, agnostic, etc. people read a few paragraphs and then parade around as experts on the matter.
Really it depends on your audience. If they are dogmatic, narrowminded and proud people like you describe, I would not bother. On the other hand, if they seek honest and open discussion, you are more apt to get some good dialogue going.
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You seem well balanced, and very tolerant of that which you dont see eye to eye on.
