Hi all. I am a Catholic, just wondering about your views if we should shown more love towards our atheists friends instead of forcing them to believe our doctrines. As I myself too has a conversion experience that ultimately lead me to believe the existence and love of God and sometimes it doesn't come easy. It's God timing and wisdom isn't it?
2006-09-18 06:22:51 · 29 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
To all Christians (including myself): What Would Jesus do?
2006-09-18 06:29:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I agree. I think all religions should show more tolerance toward everyone, esp those who don't believe the same way they do. How will you convince them of a loving god if you don't show love yourselves? And how will they learn of god if they don't come here? I would bet most atheists aren't going to show up in church on Sundays on the off chance they learn something. Lead by example. Instead of condemning and mocking those with different beliefs, accept them and treat them with kindness instead of cruelty. The Bible says, a soft answer turns away wrath.
2006-09-18 13:29:40 · answer #2 · answered by Jensenfan 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I do not support atheistism, but I would never let that affect a friendship. I do missionary work when possible, but I don't just come out blankly and say something like, "you're wrong for being atheist!!" because I know that if they did the same to me I would not like it. I think that we show plenty of love towards them by simply be-friending them and treating them as normal people--because they are. I do not force them to believe our doctrines, however if they ask questions I answer them, and vice versa. But issues such as basically not even being able to even say the word "God" in a public school or other places like that drives me crazy. We are not forcing them to belive in God, they don't have to say that part of the pledge of allegiance if they don't want to. But just as we don't make them speak of God, they shouldn't make us NOT speak of God. When people belive in something, they don't just keep it to themselves even if others don't believe that. Everyone should accept that others believe differently, and tolerate it.
2006-09-18 13:38:04 · answer #3 · answered by <333 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I was once an atheist, but God got a hold of me many years ago. I think that most atheists who come to this religion and spirituality section of Yahoo answers are seeking someone to convince them to accept Jesus. So, yes, we should tolerate them to a point.
Some may be evangelizing, however. Atheism is a religion and atheists have a "gospel" to share as well. Deep down, though, they want a good excuse to believe, because they sense the peace that passes understanding in the brothers. It isn't rational to their analytical minds.
2006-09-18 13:30:15 · answer #4 · answered by Jay Z 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
They should be replied to in kind. If you speak to a Frenchman, shouldn't you speak French?
If they are reasonable, be reasonable. If they are fools, ignore them or report them. There are some very nice pagans, athiestsm Muslims, Christians, Wiccans, Buddhists and (insert the one I forgot here) on this forum. I appreciate their answers. I have zero tolerance for trolls.
Dialogue is a two way street.
2006-09-18 13:30:11 · answer #5 · answered by TubeDude 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
fireball226 --- What arrogance! The average atheist or agnostic knows more about Christianity than your average Christian. And are you going as far as saying non-believers have no right to be interested in theology?
To answer the question, this "talking down" to atheists and agnostics is exactly what pisses many of them off. Nobody needs your tolerance. Just don't try to turn your beliefs into laws, and everything is cool.
2006-09-18 13:28:37 · answer #6 · answered by Zombie 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Your intolerance tells many all they need to hear. Every time you make a statement, you are giving many different types of listeners information. That information is not always in the actual words you express. It would behoove most people to keep this in mind.
What kind of message have you expressed here?
2006-09-18 13:34:47 · answer #7 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should show tolerance and patience to everyone. Including homosexuals. Sadly, most of you don't.
Although, atheists are a good start. Once you've accepted us, you can move on to homosexuals.
2006-09-18 13:31:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Forcing them to believe our doctrines??? You wish.
And as for not belonging here, the category is not just religion, it's also spirituality, and I know many many people without religion who are spiritual. They are also at peace with themselves, don't go round 'forcing' their beliefs on anyone, and very accepting of most people they meet.
2006-09-18 13:29:01 · answer #9 · answered by Eden* 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes it IS God's timing and wisdom!
We should not only show more tolerance and patience to atheists, but to ALL.
As for the seducing spirits themselves, if we are so confident of THE God, why are we so fearful of and offended by so-called gods and named gods or proclamations of no gods? Where is THEIR power?
As for those who are partakers of the others, we should love them, SHOW them, tell them and leave them. We are seed-planters not Christ police (enforcers)!
God bless!
2006-09-18 13:30:15 · answer #10 · answered by ConcernedMom 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Only if they give the same tolerance, I'm tired of the atheists having the say as to how I can practice my religion. They get the say cuz they are the ones that complain "the squeaky wheel gets the oil".
2006-09-18 13:31:13 · answer #11 · answered by amish_renegade 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋