Hypothetical question for non-believers...?

Question

Would your attitudes toward Christians be changed if all Christians that you knew were non-judgmental, and treated everyone equally, with kindness and respect, even if they didn't share your opinion, and they didn't try to "shove their belief down your throat". Everyone still has the right to share their opinions, Christians included, but everyone would respect the opinions of others.

For Steven S: I'm with you all the way, but I would just like to see more people do it with a little more kindness and respect.. the thing is, if I had the cure for cancer, I couldn't force anyone to take it, even though I might believe it's the best thing for them. It still has to be their choice. All I can do is inform them to the advantages to taking it.

Answer 1

Well, yeah. I treat people the way they treat me. Spew venom at me, and I'll spew it right back. Tell me my beliefs are wrong, and I'll tell you why I think yours are wrong. But treat me with respect, and I'll return that respect.

Answer 2

My attitude towards christians will change when the u.s government and religion seperate.

I know, I know, this country was founded by mostly christians.
Our christian forefathers understood the importance of the ideal of keeping church and state seperate. This is why it's in the bill of rights.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

They were forced here because of religious persecution that they faced at home in the first place. Their ideal of keeping church and state seperate is why this is in the first amendment. Modern day christians have lost sight of that fact and have used a loophole that says they can endorse a generic god, which according to them was not endorsing religion.

Bull$hit, it's the same thing. Government should remain completely neutral on matters of theism and atheism.

Now I have the "generic god", which is the christian god in disguise, on my atheist cash, in my atheist pledge, and invading some government property and monuments. Then, of course, there is evangelical christian George Bush's faith based initiative which funnels my atheist taxes into church programs. Since atheism is not recognized as a religion by the U.S. government it does not qualify for this program, nor would I want it to be.

After all we are not faith based, we are fact based.

Have a nice day!

Answer 3

I don't have a blanket opinion about the whole group....it's just that the proportion of Christians I have a positive attitude about (already fairly high) would increase since I wouldn't be encountering rude, judgmental folks. The same would be true if all atheists would do the same. I spend as much time arguing with other atheists who insist on being rude and judgmental as I do rude, judgmental Christians.

Answer 4

As a Catholics (who has been condemned by Christians for not being a Christian), I would love it.

I have no problem with anyone's faith.

We all believe (or not believe) in different ways.

I will never slam you up against the wall and call you an infidel.

I will not try to kill you because my God said it was a good thing to do.

I will not foist my beliefs on you, because I feel mine is the one, true religion and yours is crap.

You have the right to express an opinion, as long as it doesn't demean or denigrate. No overweening arrogance or argumentative behavior.

Hypothetical. If only it wasn't.

Answer 5

I actually would lose respect for Christians if they stopped trying to spread their religion. If you honestly believed that you knew the only way to heaven, you should feel morally obligated to try your best to convince everyone. If I could cure cancer, I would feel obligated to share that cure with the world.

So, nope, there's no way around it, as long as religion is around, it will be a virus that all rational people should work to eradicate.

Answer 6

Yes, my attitude toward Christians would become more positive. BUT, my attitude toward religion in general, and my (dis)belief in God and the divinity of Jesus would not change.

A person either believes or she doesn't. And I don't.

Answer 7

Like Gandhi said:
"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

However, my attitude toward Christians isn't really negative..it's more about individuals.

Just as muslim terrorists aren't practicing true Islam, so many Christians don't practice true Christianity. There's nothing wrong with Christians per se, there's something wrong with the behavior of many who call themselves Christian. Unfortunately, they're not alone in this.

Answer 8

I don't have a general view on all Christians like that. I know many who do that very thing, simply share their thoughts and allow me to do the same without it turning into some huge, stupid argument.

Answer 9

Yes, I would be more respectful to them. But, I would still have the same questions. And, I would still feel that it is a mistake to believe in a "god" that no one can prove exists.

Answer 10

As a fellow Christian, I love your question. I hope you get some good answers here, because I would like to know the same thing!

Answer 11

Isn't it hard honestly to respect some opinions? In a free country shouldn't we allow people to be honest and say what they think? Isn't it human nature to give respect to those one feels have earned it?