OK. Now what if I said that because of you guys, I did not believe in God anymore? That I was converting to Atheism/Agnosticism? Would you be happy or would you make fun of me for not staying true to my faith? Keep in mind I'm not saying this, but just to put this scenario up.....
2006-09-02 16:55:33 · 28 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well the reason I ask this is because some people say "oh you convert so easily blah blah blah". They think that if you convert, you're a wuss for not standing up for whatever you believe in.
2006-09-02 17:00:05 · update #1
lol people not neccisarily on here....how about one of your friends?
2006-09-02 17:01:57 · update #2
BTW I'm not changing my beliefs....
2006-09-02 17:09:49 · update #3
I would neither be happy nor make fun of you. I just wouldn't care. Your beliefs are your business. If, after considering what agnostics and atheist say you came to the conclusion that you agreed, then, well, OK. As my father used to say, "whatever floats your boat."
2006-09-02 17:00:31 · answer #1 · answered by τεκνον θεου 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well, I would probably say good for you, but you really shouldn't base your beliefs on others' opinions. You have to make this choice for yourself, and see if it really is the right way for you.
After I renounced Christianity I was primarily an atheist, but I did look into other religions that interested me, but I ultimately decided that I was uncomfortable worshiping deities, and I really didn't feel they existed at all.
However an agnostic's road and subsequent opinion would of course be different since they are not ruling a god or goddess out.
Just to let you know: friends should not ridicule you for what you believe in, or if you decide to convert to another religion or become agnostic or an atheist. If they do, then they are really not your friends. Friends respect each others' beliefs even if they don't agree with them. Friends also do not try to get each other to change their beliefs in matters such as these, unless the party in question invites it.
2006-09-02 17:07:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't care. When I talk to people my goal isn't to convert them to atheism, it's to simply try and A) allow them to learn a little more about atheists and atheism and hopefully respect both us and our beliefs a little more and B) Open a closed mind at least a little crack. Also, I know that I just like debating about this stuff a lot. It's simply fun to me, whether or not they become atheists or not (and I have never had somebody become an atheist- not because I don't know enough about it but because I don't come out in full force unless provoked, and those who provoke don't listen to what I say so it would be a lost "cause")
2006-09-02 17:24:52 · answer #3 · answered by Joe Shmoe 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe that there may be a widespread confusion regarding the term "Agnostic". This term is often used in the company of Atheism, and is sometimes confused with it. It is simple in the extreme to "convert" to atheism in so far as, all that is needed is a solid rejection of the existence of any being of divine nature,
Agnosticism, on the other hand, is the self-admitted ignorance (used here in a technical vis derogatory form) of the nature or existence of a divine being. Most of the agnostics I know do, in fact believe in a higher power and divine spark in the universe, but they do not claim to know its nature or purpose.
Hope this helps
2006-09-02 17:13:08 · answer #4 · answered by morganmccaine 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you convert and not stand up for what you believe in, what does that make you? i cant understand why religon is such an issue. granted, your supposed to spread the word, but the gideons made sure every motel had a bible. only the people that cant read need to be informed. wars are fought, people dis their friends and family, bad things happen over something that cannot physically be proven. i hope every holy joe, no matter what their beliefs makes their point. then look back on everyone that has suffered because of it.
2006-09-02 17:17:00 · answer #5 · answered by chris l 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being an agnostic, it wouldn't make me happy or sad. You are free to choose and follow whatever path you want to. Make sure it is a logical and rational decision. I would be sad if you are doing it just because someone told you to convert. If you are happy with your religion then stay in it. There is no point converting and being unhappy because you feel you made the wrong choice..
2006-09-02 17:07:29 · answer #6 · answered by worldneverchanges 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think anyone really cares. It's not like we have meetings or anything; we're not trying to get converts.
Personally, I think it's kind of nice when people wake up and become atheists; there's a deep sigh of relief when they realize there's no invisible force looking over their shoulder, and that they are the only one responsible for their ultimate destiny. I would never expect such a decision to come out of arguing over religion, though. The realization that god is imaginary comes from introspection. If you still believe in the mythology, it is because you have suspended your rational faculties, and no amount of rhetoric will make you change your mind.
2006-09-02 16:59:01 · answer #7 · answered by abram.kelly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it's a matter of being a 'wuss' or not. Your philosophy and beliefs aren't - or shouldn't be - decided by some sort of combat, where one person must 'lose' so the other can 'win'. People are allowed to change their minds. Learning is a good thing, in general.
I wouldn't be happy or make fun of you; I'd probably be interested in hearing your story of why you changed your mind, if you wanted to tell it to me. That's all.
2006-09-02 17:08:35 · answer #8 · answered by Mark V 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Neither, i would think u where very easily influenced and that is nothing to be praised or ridiculed for. You should only convert if u truly believe in the thing u are converting to. And if one person alone can influence ur decision then ur faith was never that strong to begin with anyway.
2006-09-02 17:06:13 · answer #9 · answered by bobatemydog 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If there is nothing wrong with religious people trying to convert people there is nothing wrong with the opposite happening.
just be thankful that non believers dont gather in groups to walk the streets knocking on doors trying to convert religious people to science.
My concern with religion is that churches and organised religion are systems of power made by man not god.
Men tell you to have faith in a book written by men that they say is from a god.
People should seek the truth. whatever that may be!
2006-09-02 17:10:08 · answer #10 · answered by matthewoborne 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋