I've been agnostic for years, but I keep it to myself most of the time. I'm not fond of it, but it's a personal necessity for me to be this way-- blind faith and atheism both contradict my ideals and values.
Anyway, most of my friends are Christian, and we occasionally discuss religion. However, every time the subject comes up, they seem to agree with me a little more. Some of them have come completely around to my point of view.
The problem is, I like Christians. I may not always agree with them, but I'm very attracted to their faith and hope and morality. I know what a pain it is to be agnostic, and I wouldn't wish it on the people I love. Also, if Christianity is true, I'm more or less doing the Devil's work.
So what do I do? Just tell them that, actually, I don't have any good reason for being the way I am? That I'm trying to avoid heaven because there are certain people I don't want to bump into there?
2006-09-01 15:48:32 · 15 answers · asked by ? 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
How ironic, you seem to be more Christian than agnostic, yet you are converting your friends to agnosticism!
Sorry to inform you, but your friends you converted weren't really Christians in the 1st place, since one of the 3 Theological Virtues in Christianity is faith, which implies faithfulness, in this case meaning the habit of never giving up one's beliefs for any reason.
By the way, faith isn't blind in one's day to day life, but only in the most extreme, unpredictable, life-or-death situations.
For most decisions we make, faith is guided by reason, the same reason that found the necessity for that faith in the 1st place.
To answer your question, friends don't let friends lose something that is important to them or gain something that might be bad for them.
2006-09-01 15:58:47 · answer #1 · answered by STILL standing 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The same way I do with agnostics and even atheists, you just merely agree to disagree and avoid discussions that may cause someone to "lose faith". Agnosticism is not a religion so you cannot convert anyone to it. If they are swayed so easily they may not have a true salvation experience. After all the latest polls showed that 88% of Americans claim to be Christian, and obviously if that were true then there would much less immorality in the country. Christian is a word people use to describe themselves just because they live in the US or because their parents or grandparents claimed to be, but when one becomes a Christian there is a change of mind torward sin and their desires change also. I appreciate your concern and you seem sincere, I was once probably very close to agnostic myself until I recieved Christ. The truth is that there is much proof in this world pointing to a creator and designer, and the reason one must be saved is not difficult to understand either if put in laymans terms. I won't sit here and preach to you, but if you need to know WHY you need Christ, then I can show you very easily by asking you a few questions and having you answer them honestly. Peace.
2006-09-01 16:11:54 · answer #2 · answered by dooder 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cannot "convert" a true born again Christian to agnosticism. There is no way that anyone who has experienced Jesus Christ would turn away from Him. You are dealing with people who have, perhaps, the trappings of being Christian, but it hasn't sunk in very deep. The bible teaches that there are those who hear the word, but it has such shallow roots, that ravens come along and pluck up the seeds, which is basically what you're doing: you are the raven. The seeds never really took root.
Don't worry about it: God knows who are His. The bible says no one can snatch anyone out of His hands. Those that God has predestined to salvation will not be turned by you...or anyone.
When it comes to explaining why you believe what you do, simply tell the truth.
2006-09-01 15:51:22 · answer #3 · answered by christian_lady_2001 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
This is a great question. I tend to agree that anyone who comes round to your point of view, or technically lack thereof, might not be "saved" in the first place. On the other hand, maybe you're just testing their faith which, in the end will become stronger. I wouldn't be too concerned. Possibly, without realizing it, you are gradually coming around to their point of view. Dialogue is always good.
2006-09-01 15:58:27 · answer #4 · answered by Dr Know It All 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm, interesting dilemma. Your friends seem interested in learning your views and it would be dishonest to hide them from others. It's great you all have minds that are open enough to discuss your views without becoming angry with one another. I think that as your discussions continue you'll probably agree with them as much as they agree with you and you'll all learn much. Sometimes it is the doubt of one person that spurs another deeper into his faith. Sometimes it's just time for them to explore other paths. It's not doing the devil's work by questioning. You're being honest and not trying to pull them away from their beliefs so enjoy your time with your friends and let them enjoy your views and assimilate whatever feels right for them.
2006-09-01 15:56:33 · answer #5 · answered by CosmicKiss 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you considered maybe your are misperceiving that your Christian friends are "seeing your point of view" and not changing their ways?
I have a funny feeling you'd like things to be the other way around and them help convert you.
Strong faith, like a strong muscle, takes a long time to build.
2006-09-01 15:54:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know this is going to sound crazy, since you are agnostic, but what if instead of asking us for the answer you said a prayer and asked the Almighty for the answer.
You might be surprised by what happens...
On the other hand, you might not. But, you won't ever know until you try.
2006-09-01 16:10:19 · answer #7 · answered by georgemanty 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to believe in somebody else's gods to be spiritual. I know just what you mean. Religion and belief in superpowers are not required to be a good person, to find love, to help others through hard times, or simply to be happy.
Tell them you have your own concept of god, and that you don't want to talk about it right now. Then start slurring somebody else's politics to get the subject totally changed. Good luck!
2006-09-01 16:01:36 · answer #8 · answered by MaqAtak 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
my friend everyone has free will, you do what you choose but will you ruin your salvation based upon not wanting to see ppl you dont like? you wont even be thinking of that stuff when you are up there! you know that feeling you get when you are really happy? in your chest feeling? imagine that for ever! you talking to your friends like that...maybe itll make them eitehr stronger or weaker, but it is never u that brings them down, its their choice...its not like you are telling them not to beleive. but it would be easier for me to understand if me and u had a discussion sumtime,
2006-09-01 15:53:40 · answer #9 · answered by Follower Of Christ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm glad you have friends with open minds, who can reason.
People with blind faith get lead around by religous leaders, who tell them how & what to believe. ---I think that's such a shame.
2006-09-01 16:08:53 · answer #10 · answered by lilith 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋