Hmmm...feeling brave & vocal?! LOL!?

Question

I asked a question, posted in the "religion" section...it had to do w/ the blatant hypocrisy that most "Christians" display.
I guess they didn't like me being there, cuz the replies stopped.
So, I'll turn it into a "poll/survey" question & see if I get any good answers here.
Have you ever been "put down", chastised, whatever for your beliefs? Or non-belief? How did you handle it?

Ummm...p.s.---I'm at 4 weeks of recovery, so save the alcoholic crap...

Answer 1

While an atheist at the time (I am a Spiritualist now) all I ever needed was simple logic. Rather than let my accusers have me disprove the existence of God, I had them do the work by reaching into my pocket and pulling out a coin and then saying to them "Prove to me that God exists the same way that this coin exists in my hand." As soon as they get to the point of using the word "faith", I stop them and point out that they have the answer. It's always about faith. No one knows one way or the other what God is - much less whether God exists at all. To put me down for my beliefs is the underlying problem about religion. Religion is the creation of Humankind, as long as it is around, humans will always put one religion or another down. That's what I find so attractive about Spirituality, the fact that it doesn't require any written text and your Higher Power can be anything as long as it is a loving and caring one.

Answer 2

I haven't been put down by my faith, and if I had it wouldn't matter. As a Christian, I do believe there is hypocrisy that no one wants to touch. Like this whole separation of church and state. I really can't get my head around how a lot of church organizations rationalize political activity. Because when I read the Bible, I see where Jesus rejected (what was considered) political activity in his day.

And since when did it become okay to chastise/berate gays and lesbians, telling them that they will burn in hell? I don't believe in homosexuality (that is my choice), but I also don't believe in gay-bashing or cursing them, either. How on Earth would you ever win someone over by yelling at them and telling them that they are going to "meet their maker?" I don't get it.

Whenever I get into a discussion about faith, I always cut it short when it turns into an argument. Because when people start yelling, they stop listening. I know A LOT of Christians who don't do that. They think that by yelling or praising Jesus during a discussion, they are doing something good. In fact, they are making our faith look all the more fanatical--like we don't have any sense of reason. Some people just don't have the ability to take criticism of their faith, and of all the people who should be able to take that criticism, Christians should be foremost.

Answer 3

I'm a Protestant, born in England, living in the middle of a very Catholic society, so YES!

I live in a small town in Spain, and it is a very religious place, and although I just said I was a Protestant, I don't practise my beliefs oe go to church or pray or anything, so I suppose I'm more atheist than anything else.

My problems have been with my boyfriend's family. They are very religious.

I have a son from a previous relationship, and he was born outside of marriage, that is one reason they rejected me. I don't go to church is another. I never did my holy communion (what with not being Catholic) and they don't understand that either.

Things have changed now, and most of the family accept me, but it has taken over a year for this to happen. It made our relationship very strained and difficult for a while, as he has a large family, and I felt I was being judged on my every move in town.

If we were to get married, I would have to convert to Catholicism. I love him, and I don't mind that, but I still don't understand why it should be that way. I don't understand the problem with mixed-religion marriages. Surely if you can work round this as a couple, if should not affect anything? And I believe that your children should have the right to choose their own religion, not be forced to be brought up in a strictly one-religion household.

Thats my story...

Answer 4

Ever since I was a small child I've believed in God & BELIEVE the BIBLE is his word.
U'd B surprised by the ridicule I've endured from just Believing in GOD!
I handle it by shrugging my shoulders & walking away from Folks so blinded by this world.
The Devil is a master Deceiver & has had years & years of practice!
I am but an Ant & have no influence on the World.

Answer 5

not personally. i saw a guy over in "religion & spirituality" insinuating (or rather saying outright) that "atheists = sin". i'm agnostic so i guess it counts...

i dealt with it by noticing that the guy was clearly high on something. either that or had just fallen down a long flight of stairs

Answer 6

anyone gt put downs from anyone, anywher no matter what there belief is! just human nature! just cant stop it! you need to move on with life! thats it! you got no choice! but to move on!

Answer 7

yes. i rationally argued my position. then, when i got drunker, i less than rationally argued my position. on a good night, we agreed to disagree.