Hey atheists . . .?

Question

Have you guys ever had other people trying to convert you? Because when a friend asked about my religion and I told her "Atheist" everyone starts inviting me to church and giving me pamphlets. I've been to a service (for a girl scout thing- it was ok but not how I want 2 spend my sunday) and I've read the bible, just to make more sense of Christianity. But I think that their strongest arguements make no sense at all! All I have to trust is one book. That's it.

So am I alone in this thing or what? How did you guys deal with attempted convertion?

Answer 1

I just tell people that there is too much science and contradiction to back up MY beliefs. If they want to believe in the Bible, that is fine, let me believe in what I want to as well.

Answer 2

Yes, I have had people try to convert me. I agree with you Christianity/ religion is a difficult thing to jump into agreeing with. Unfortunately, atheism has a very negative connotation, and many religious people immediately jump to the conclusion that if you don't warship a god you must warship the devil, which is entirely untrue. Logically they should understand that if you don't believe in god you don't believe in the devil either, but that is a different subject.

Back to the real topic... No, you are not alone, and dealing with the people who want to change you can be a challenge at times. I typically remain cordial and say no thanks, or I am not interested. Usually, that is enough to make someone leave you alone. But if worse comes to worse you can always give them the beat down with that big ole bible.

Answer 3

When a "fellow" chased me down in the street a few weeks ago, I asked him if he believed that all good things need to be originating from the church. He said of course they do....blah, blah blah. I told him what I do (provide educational opportunities to children in 3rd world countries). Then I told him I'm an atheist, which proves that you don't need to be a member of a congregation worshiping a character out of a book to be a good person.

The problem is that Christians seem to think that everyone who doesn't share their opinion is wrong, which defeats even their own ideals (of free love and acceptance). When I said that to this person, he stopped talking and just walked away......seems that most of them are just mis-informed and narrow minded. Too bad, if some of them could step outside of their little boxes they just might do something meaningful with their lives, instead of chasing down people in the street and thinking they are better than everyone else.

I was raised Roman Catholic btw, and converted to Humanism in high school.

Answer 4

Okay so Iknow where your commin from I dont think im exactly atheist but i have no ambition to go to church, I dont like or understand what the bible says, I have different beliefs, and of course I dont like church! but I do have a good friend that is practically devoted it and she gets mad when i tell her i dont like it and tell her i have no intrest in going to church because i just dont liek it ya kno..But with that i tell her that she should be more open because not everyone is the same and is going to feel the same way i cant make me like religion and neither can she so i tell her accept me for me or dont...Well idont know how much i helped but hopefully a lil! JUST BE YOU!!! Dont let someone judge you or make u feel bad for something you are!!!

Answer 5

You're not alone, I've been there too (when I decided to "come out" as a freethinker/atheist after years of nominal Christianity). Honesty is the best policy--just tell them you've decided Christianity isn't for you, you're not really a fan of Biblical literalism, you don't feel like going to church, etc. Then tell them you still value their friendship, and suggest another activity you could enjoy together. Stick to your guns but also use understanding and hugs liberally--these are, after all, your friends. Good luck!

Answer 6

Where is the negativity in what your friends tried to do for you. They did not harm you, they were just introducing you to their beliefs. Look at the way you turn it around, their love for you into something else. The bible said because you have not allowed God in your heart the devour(devil) has entered your heart and blocked the meaning of the bible from growing in your heart. The bible teaches love, not hate. Well when the day comes, you cannot say you did not know God, because your friends did introduce you to him and you turned your back on him.

Answer 7

No you are not alone...MANY people have attempted to convert me. That doesn't bother me as much. What gets me is when I tell people I am an Atheist and they look at me like I said I have terminal cancer and only weeks to live...lol. Education is the best thing you can do. As long as you are educated in what you believe in you can be confident in your beliefs.

Answer 8

Summer:

Christianity and Islam are by design "Evangelical" religions. They are compelled by their belief system to convert others who are not of that belief. Its a part of who they are. Its not intentionally evil or malicious, but its in their code.

There are two ways to respond to even subtle attempts at evangelism, negative and positive.

The negative would be to take the: "Get away from me you religious freak" type attitude that I see in many people. This is not constructive or mature, and it wins us no friends.

The positive is to say something like: "I appreciate your offer, however, I am quite secure and happy with my belief system. If you want to discuss your feelings and beliefs with me sometime, lets do so over coffee, I just feel this is an inappropriate time."

The latter response has gotten me many things:

1. They back down

2. I often get invited for coffee.

Atheists need to reach out to believers in a positive way, even if what we view them as doing as irritating. Not to negate their belief system, but to build allies who at least respect our position if they do not believe it.

Answer 9

There are a lot of people trying to convert me here on Y!A. If they are genuine, I try to answer genuinely. After all, they are only doing what their Bible tells them to. If they are persistent, I may have to cut off contact with them.

The best thing to do is to take a higher road. Be gracious, but firm. Tell them 'thank you, but I am not interested'. And carry mace - just in case!

:)

Answer 10

I say you should get really educated on the reasons for atheism and try to convert them as well. That will get them to stop. Or it will at least show you how close minded and foolish they are when they keep ignoring all your strong arguments because the bible tells them to.

Answer 11

I just smile and say "that's interesting" and "thank you". But I never tell anyone that I'm an atheist except in here. If people ask I tell them the truth, that I was raised in a baptist church. Then, I leave it at that, and they leave me alone.