To Non-Christians?

Question

Any of you have fundamentalist Christian friends? What do they say about your beliefs? Do you enjoy having arguments with them or get pissed off?

Answer 1

Sure, I have Christian friends. Religion isn't an issue though. We each treat each other with the same respect that we want to be treated with. We don't debate who is "right". I encourage them to follow the beliefs that they feel is right and they do the same for me. Isn't that what friends are for?

Answer 2

I have close relatives who are fundamentalist Christians, and yes, in the recent past they have misbehaved around me because of their mistaken beliefs. It's a terribly difficult situation. I do not try to have arguments with them, but of course I'm not going to make believe that their beliefs are correct just to appease them. It seems to be best just to avoid the controversial subjects and wait it all out.

The relatively anonymous internet is an entirely different matter. These fora exist so that we can have discussions, and I think that it's good for everyone to be willing to express controversial positions here so that we can better understand each other. Sadly there seems to be very little sign of thoughtfulness or adult behavior among Christian fundamentalists on the internet, and I suspect it's partly because the ones who come to the net are the least adult of that group.

Early this year I read an eye-opening book by a Christian fundamentalist - former President Jimmy Carter. It was eye-opening because he expressed fully fundamentalist convictions, and referred to himself as a "fundamentalist", but demonstrated intelligence, insight, and of course consistently adult behavior even as he expressed his beliefs. I think that he is wrong about his beliefs, but he certainly demonstrated that having that particular set of false beliefs does not automatically turn a person into a narrow-minded and childish adult. Christian fundamentalists in general could learn a lot from him.

Answer 3

I can honestly say that you were never a Christian, people have their own ideas as to the word Christianity. NEVER has a born-\Again-Christian, some one who knows and loves the Lord, say that they have been driven away by Christianity. The very word Christian, means follower of Christ. You can only know that by having a real personal relationship with Jesus Christ, YOUR Saviour. I can understand why people think like they do, because I've been there, done that and got the T-Shirt.

There is no need to argue with someone like yourself, I will just pray for you to find God. You see God wants and loves you, but you have to make the step to give God a chance before dismissing Him as real or not. Anyone who mocks my faith, increases it more and I have had discussions with many people who are of different faiths. Also, you don't have to ram your faith down anyone's throat, because your very actions are a testimony to them.

It's the old saying, don't knock a thing until you try it. If you need guidance in any way, I will be only too happy to help you find what you're really looking for.

I am sorry to answer this question, because it is for the attention of Non-Christians. But I just had to let you know how real God truly is. I also have many friends who are not Christians, but with my knowledge of the Bible, they can't win an arguement, if it is leading to an arguement, then I defuse the situation, so it doesn't cause them insult or embarressment.

Answer 4

I have many Christian (Catholic) friends and family. None of them are fundamentalist though. I think if they were fundamentalist, we wouldn't get along because they'd be judgmental of my way of life. Religion doesn't come up too much with my friends, but if it does we usually respect each other's beliefs. My family was another matter--but what else is family for but to drive you crazy? It's cool now though because they respect my decision and know that they can't change it.

Answer 5

I have one friend who is a really hard-core fundamentalist Christian. He is actually going to school to become a pastor -- when we get together we tend to have a lot of spiritual/religious debate. The more I learn the better I can defend myself, etc. -- but he usually does end up saying something really offensive sooner or later, LOL. But I really feel that he learns a lot from our discussions. His studies have led him to very limited, and one-sided views of my spirituality/religion, so by talking to him about it personal I feel like I am relieving some of the stereotypes and misconceptions he comes across so frequently at school. I'm sure I haven't changed his mind, and I still get the "I will pray that you find Jesus,.." talk (which is actually mildly offensive because I used to be Christian and I know 'what I'm missing out on', I am an intelligent human being who is capable of making decisions about my own choice of religion, but whatever)

In any case -- I guess it's half and half, LOL. Some times I get pissed at him because he says something offensive- but sometimes not, depends on how we're both feeling.

Blessings and Light!

~RW

Answer 6

I am a pagan and have many christian friends. I have had lots of great philosophical discussions with them but never an argument for a person to argue about religion shows they are too narrow minded to see that other peoples views have merit also

Answer 7

I grew up in a Christian family, went to church three times a week, had the same beliefs, as alot of people on here does. Alot of people that have near death experiences start questioning their existence and purpose here after surviving something they know they should have died from. That's what happened to me. I realized that you have to search for the answers yourself, not take someone's word for it. You have to find the truths that resonate in your soul. Now, do my parents agree with my beliefs? No. I'm sure they think I'm going to hell. Do we argue about our beliefs? Sometimes, but there's no point. We are all on our own paths. We have to learn to accept each other for our differences and respect them. Wouldn't you want someone to do the same for you?

Answer 8

I am a Jew by choice and I do not have any fundamentalist Christian friends. I know some, but do not ''chum'' with them. Why bother? They cannot discuss anything with an open mind. It is their way or no way. I do have Christian friends, but none of these'' holier than thou'' types.

Answer 9

My arguments with them are more debates, normally in stalemate since the end of the world didnt happen during time of discussions.

Nope, I dont get pissed off, rather sympathetic to them and vice versa, after all, I am going to HELL and them to HEAVEN.

I just dont understand that if I can respect (not accept) their points, why cant they do the same for me?

Answer 10

I'm not Christian. I'm Agnostic. All of my Christian friends respect my beliefs, just like I respect theirs. My Mom was kinda upset about it when she first heard of my decision, but she's come to respect it too. I know some people who try to force religion on me, but I wouldn't call them friends.