Do you think that Atheists, Agnostics, Muslims,Jews, Catholics, and other Christians can be friends?

Question

Do you think that all of these can be friends without compromising their personal faith and or beliefs?

Answer 1

Absolutely, all men were created equal, they should act that way.

Answer 2

Yes, they can be friends. However, they can never meet on the same level and be as close as those with the same beliefs. To do that would literally compromise or bend a real belief in those religions. The best way for them to meet is to openly hold true to what the believe, all the way, without compromise. If they try to cover the things they don't believe to be the same, or compromise the things that are "almost" the same, an issue WILL eventually surface on which they CANNOT bend their opinion without changing religion. As a result a disagreement will ensue, angry words will be said, and the acquaintance will never be a friend.

I have many friends that believe other things than protestant Christianity - and they all know that I believe they are wrong. I don't rub it in their face all the time, but they don't expect me to change. If they ever have questions I am more than happy to answer, and if the time comes, I may initiate a conversation about beliefs. But for now I live what I believe and love my friends without ridicule.

Answer 3

Absolutely. The reason people on here are so hostile with their comments/answers is because there isn't a real sense of consequence for anyone's actions. I have a friend that is from Bangladesh. I think it is Ganesh that he believes in. We don't ever talk about our personal beliefs. We just haven't ever gone there but if he were to ask me what my beliefs were I wouldn't hesitate telling him what my beliefs are and I would explain as much as he would be willing to listen to. But I would do it in a way as to not criticize his own beliefs because afterall he would be wanting to know what my beliefs are and not what my criticisms of his beliefs are. If I started by saying how stupid I thought his beliefs were it probably wouldn't be very productive. So there are consequences in conversation in the real world but not so much on here. That is good and bad. It is good that we have a forum for discussion where people can express their views openly but it is also bad because of the hostility that results from it. Internet discussion with compassion might be a difficult thing for a lot of people to do. And maybe we shouldn't expect it. I guess it's important that we not let all this stuff generate hate in our own hearts. We don't have control over what people say on here but we do have the capacity to not let hate into our own hearts. Somewhere in the Bible it says that It's not what goes in that defiles a man but what comes out.

Answer 4

I'm sorry Debra, it was not meant to be. Since the world began man has endured Mans inhumanity to man. I'm sure most of us would like that. There is a minority that will never allow it until their death.

I'm sure it seems possible to those with love in their hearts but that's not the way it is. nor is it the prophesy of Revelation with the two (2 Number of the believers) slain bodies of the saints shall lie in the streets of the city where our lord was crucified. ( Rev 11 vs 3-8)

No denomination holds entirely true to Bible but they all posses some truth. The Muslims are right about one thing. The last war will be a holy war

Answer 5

Absolutely, but people often want to push their beliefs into someone's else's face, as if it is a duty to talk about their own beliefs and then criticize the other person's shortcomings. If people would just "live and let live" and respect other people for who and what they are, then things would be better. For those who that, sure, there are lots of people who have friends from a mix of religions and backgrounds. But not so for those who are prejudiced in any way, because it will usually find its way back to that which affects a person's beliefs and background.

Answer 6

I don't see any reason why not. Otherwise how can anyone live harmony. Each and everyone's religion should be respected regardless. Even though we are free to express our views and beliefs; we should know where to draw the line as well. Friendly banter can be enriching; after all each and everyday we are learning something new. Imagine if people of different religions can't be friends how would the world turn out?

Answer 7

Of course, I am Agnostic and most of my friends are Christians and a couple are Jews. I have never had the chance to become friends with a Muslim, but the ones that come in to my work occationaly are very nice.

Answer 8

I'm atheist. My wife is agnostic. Her mother is Sunni Muslim. My aunt is Catholic. My paternal grandmother was United Church of Canada. My mother is Baptist. My maternal granfather was Church of England. That's just a small group of people who would, for example, come together for a turkey dinner at Thanksgiving. I love all of them dearly.

Just off the top of my head, I have good friends who are Jewish, Sufi, Pagan, Zoroastrian, Hindu, Alevi, Deist, Buddhist, a dozen different types of Christian and a large number whose religious beliefs I don't know because I've never asked.

All people are of equal value. Could you imagine, for example, choosing your friends from among only those people who prefer mashed potatoes to French Fries?

Answer 9

Most definitely. As long as every conversation doesn't delve into the subject of religion, and as long as one's friend doesn't claim his/her beliefs to be the "correct" way of life. If a religious individual and a non-religious individual are friends, I think the discussion of religion is bound to surface at some point. It's ok to listen to a person's views, but it's not ok for those views to be forced upon someone else....if that's the case, they should not be friends.

Answer 10

As long as none of them push their beliefs on their friends or claim that their religion is the only true one and respect the beliefs of the friends, then it would work out. Problem is, those three things are very easy to do, only no one ever wants to do them. Blessed be.

Answer 11

Of course. I'm Agnostic, but have friends of different religions. So long as you respect each others beliefs and don't try to convert them, it can be done. Friends should be based on their personality and character.
~Take Care~