Doesn't this give me the right to fight religions...? (please read on)?

Question

I've just closed this question, where many believers claimed they have a right not to respect me as an unbeliever:

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AkU8mmDTyA687Uy88cmwU0MgBgx.?qid=20060803123946AAZjWBG

Don't most of these answers entitle me to work as hard as I can, to defeat religions, since they're trying so hard to convert unbelievers? Why? Why not?

In case I wasn't clear, and I think I wasn't. Believers are fighting to make everyone believe. Can't unbelievers fight as hard to make everyone not believe? What do you think about that?

I think I'm helping you, too, by setting you free from religions... It's still the same, you see?

My question was "Will you NOT pray for me?"

Answer 1

you have every right in the world to fight against religions. Can I ask you a question? How do you fight a relationship? Many of us profess to be Christians and we have a relationship not a religion. Can you tell me how you fight against that? We aren't trying to convert you. We are SHARING with you. Why do you keep coming into this area knowing that we are going to try to "convert you" as you say. Why don't you just go to another section if we are offensive to you. It is not our intent to offend anyone. But, if someone asks, we are going to share what we believe.

Answer 2

You can fight it as hard as you'd like. But when you post on a forum called "Religion /Spirituality" I would think you'd expect to hear from both sides as well as a few from the middle ground.

There is an old saying that conversation is great but stay away from politics, sex & religion. The reason is because they are all flashpoints for strong opinions. Whenever one discusses any of these one should expect to have extreme, sometimes even violent opinions displayed. In walking into this forum one tacitly accepts the risk for that.

If I understand the real question, though, is a perceived lack of respect for your views by having others pray for you even after you ask them not to. What I will say is that as Christians we are taught to pray and this is a ministry to me personally. However, I don’t have to pray for you. And even if I do I don’t have to tell you that I am. So I agree that if you ask for someone not to pray for you and they feel compelled to do so anyway, they should certainly keep that action between themselves and God. I admit to some bias since I am a Christian, but it is a display of love and unlike your puppy nipping your toes, I don’t see how it hurts you. I mean, if you don’t believe in I, what’s the difference? Perhaps both sides should lighten up a bit. Not pointing a finger – just saying that we all have responsibility for our interactions with others.

Answer 3

Wouldn't bother the Zealots and Fanatics out there aren't going to hear you regardless of how you justify your position as an unbleliver. I am also very anti-religion but leave a bit of room for the possiblity of there being a force beyond my comprehension that unseen "God (if there is one)"...just a label. I too justify and bug those that buy into the dogma and viciousness that is religion...I rant and rave all for naught. I respect those with different beliefs, but they don't respect the unbelievers at all it seems. So we'll continue preaching our cause and maybe, just maybe someone will actually get the idea and join our ranks. PEACE!

Answer 4

okay, your question and you logic is dizzying. It is as simple as this- you believe what you choose to believe and act accordingly and deal with the consequences of your actions - good or bad. And I will believe what I know to be true and I will act accordingly , since God says that we should pray for unbelievers then that is what I am going to do. Now , here is the great part. IF , I am wrong- which you know I am not, then no matter what I think, pray, say , do, nothing will change you and no harm no foul. If I am right, which you know I am, and you finally decide to lay down your foolish rebellion and really allow the opportunity for God to reveal Himself to you, then you can begin to experience truth, blessings for this life and blessing for eternity. The way I see it, either way , you come out ahead! Either we are proven wrong (which we won't be) or you will enjoy a rich , fulfilled , and blessed existence - we are the ones who have to do all the work.
So, I will keep doing what my God has led me to do and you can either respond by being even more rebellious, which makes no sense if you REALLY believed there was no one to be accountable to then there would be no cause for a rebellious attitude, or you can just go on with your merry life and see what happens. In the meantime, my prayers for you are not about you - they are about my obedience to the Lord and in line with His will that all would come to the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus!

PS; you have the right to do whatever you want to do- free will- but you also have the right to deal with the consequences- good or bad that come from those actions. God's truth WILL prevail no matter waht you do to try to squash it- it has come through victorious through much worse then you could dish out in your entire lifetime. I pray that you will really see and understand that one day.

Answer 5

You should do as they should do. Just turn the other cheek and live your own f-ing life, since all the wars that ever mattered were over people's differences in religion.
I am a believer, different from most, but I do not seek to make anyone believe anything- case in point. I am Wiccan, and we follow "and it harm NONE, do what ye will." But my brother-in-law is a haphazard pagan with dark roots. I won't tell him what not to do, because he has his own lessons to learn and I choose not to dirty my own karma by getting involved. If I try to make him change his mind, and he does, then maybe he didn't learn all he could have. Now my karma is dirty. If he doesn't change his mind, then I have made it part of my business and now I am conscious of whatever darkness he chooses to work. Now my karma is dirty. Had I left him alone, I wouldn't be obligated to do anything. This is what I choose. So my answer to you is to quit fighting believers, get your own life under control, and don't associate with those who would try to 'convert' you. They should be doing the same exact thing.
Blessed be.

Answer 6

I'm a Christian, I prayed for you. And yet I believe that you have every right to promote your belief. If you want to try and convert me, that's fine. I welcome the dialogue. I believe Atheism is a religion also, and therefore should receive the same protection and treatment as other religions. I believe 100% that atheist are misinformed, misguided and just plain wrong. But they still should be able to voice their opinions. In fact, I'll be right up front, that is the best way to convert atheist to Christianity. What I don't like is when anyone atheist or otherwise attempt to silence us. I'm not talking about vulgarity, just expressing opinions.

Answer 7

We are supposed to live in a democracy and being forced to believe in anything is the antithesis of democracy. What I object to is other people thinking they have a monopoly on "truth", whether its religious or political. Yes, you do have a right to fight religious beliefs that are being forced upon you - especially when those beliefs are part of a political agenda which may undermine what little democracy we have.

Answer 8

As a Christian, I am commanded by my God to "go forth and preach the Gospel" Shoving my beliefs are not what God meant for me to do,but to share the message of His love and that He is the One true and living God. Over-zealous Christians sometimes want to beat non-believers over the head with the Bible instead of opening it and sharing the true messages of love,living a victorious life and salvation. I'm sorry you've had negative experiences in the past,but Religion and God are two separate issues. If you do not serve Life you serve Death; you only have to choose which side,not rail against someone who does not believe what you believe.

Answer 9

Man, those people were a bunch of asshats!

oph_chad, this is a religious/spiritual section, not a christian section. There are other beleifs beside your own that belong in this section. We should be able to post in this secton without the constant harassment of being "converted" or "prayed for"

Answer 10

If you want to bring up incosistancies without antimosity this site is fair game.
If you are a total unbeliever without any desire for more light in your life,best to get out and go someplace else, like pick your favorite sin and go to that site there are plenty of choices in Yahoo

Answer 11

i agree with you,i was in town the other day and there were about 5 jesus people,anad one was shouting at the top of his voice.i walked past them later and they all had thier heads down,i thought they were looking at something,then i realised that they were praying in the street! my bf went upto one and sed "prayings not going to do you any good",in which the guy started to shout gospel sh*t at him.i really wanted to spout some crap back at him.can u imagine if i set up something like a satanist or pagan thing like that?i bet they wouldnt let us alone if we did.asif it would be accepted like they are! id rather belive in a fairy story.