All of these people are (or were, some are dead), either professed atheists or agnostics - would you read their books, see their movies, support their athleticism, listen to their songs, or watch their shows? George Carlin, Woody Allen, Katherine Hepburn, Jodie Foster, Lance Armstrong, Matt Groenig (Simpsons creator), James Taylor, Bill Gates (Microsoft - you use a computer, right?), Camille Paglia, Ron Reagan Jr., Ted WIlliams, Barry Manilow, HP Lovecraft, Issac Asimov, Mark Twain, Antonio Banderas, Andy Rooney, Dave Matthews, Joe Rogan (Fear Factor), Penn Jilette (Penn and Teller), John Malkovich, Jack Nicholson, Rodney Dangerfield, Diane Keaton, Billy Joel, Dick Cavett, Mike Nichols, Keanu Reeves? And countless others? Or does it make a difference to you what they believe? This is a serious question, and I am truly curious as to your views.
2006-10-10 11:33:08 · 22 answers · asked by ReeRee 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
This was NOT meant to be hateful! I really do want to know and I am genuinely interested!
2006-10-10 11:36:46 · update #1
The contribution a person makes to society has very little to do with their professed beliefs. I'm sure there are atheists who live a more "Christian" lifestyle than most Christians. And "greatness" doesn't even depend on your lifestyle.
The way I see it, we humans need all the help we can get in this world. It would be foolish to reject somebody's contributions to humanity just because you don't share the same beliefs - whatever we believe, we're all in the same boat.
2006-10-10 11:39:15 · answer #1 · answered by Pif 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I would feel free to accept whatever good an atheist has produced through the gifts God has given him/her, even if he/she remained ignorant of the source of those gifts. I would not choose a less experienced surgeon over a more experienced one because of his religious affiliation. I would want the best mechanic to work on my car, no matter where, or whether he went to church.I would not enjoy a magnificent work of art any less because the artist did not recognize the source of his talent. And I would thoroughly enjoy an outstanding meal in a classy restaurant, even if the chef didn't believe in God. Why would you think otherwise?
2006-10-10 18:40:37 · answer #2 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel that I can't be responsible for the beliefs of others. I can share my faith when asked and would be glad to do so. As illustrated by just the number of people you listed, we Christians would go nuts trying to decipher who is an isn't a believer--we'd have to interview our doctors, who owns our grocery store etc.
In the long run, if they do not believe and turn away from the teachings offered - it is their funeral so-to-speak--all the money, fame and goodies they have now will mean nothing at their death.
2006-10-10 18:39:15 · answer #3 · answered by chris 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have watched, seen, listened to, read some of these people and their work. I am, however, very careful about what goes into my ear and eye gates. We must all use wisdom and discernment to weed out what is damaging to us as individuals. What's okay for me, may not be okay for someone else, what causes me to stumble may be okay for someone else. I just don't care for the work of some of these people and choose to avoid it. If you look deeper into the work of some of the other people on your list, you could find plenty of material to write years worth of sermons.
"The Gospel According to The Simpsons: Leader's Guide for Group Study" is an actual book. All these people, just like you and I, have been and/or will be used by God, to glorify God. Some to their own dismay, some, hopefully, to their eternal salvation.
2006-10-10 18:46:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that you can listen to what non-believers say, but it doesn't mean you have to take it as truth. I have added a great philosopher to my amazon wishlist and he does not believe in God , yet some of the things that he said were valid. It doesn't matter that they are lost but that you know Him yourself and that you won't let nothing come between your relationship with Him. Now if you let listening to these ppl become your priority and that you are into it more than the Word, then you are being influenced.
2006-10-10 18:36:46 · answer #5 · answered by Lilaidi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I respect their achievements. There are many on the list that I don't care for, just because of what I know of them as people, religion doesn't factor in to it.
Now if they were as vocal about attacking Christianity as some of the people on this site, I would not support their endeavors.
2006-10-10 18:38:04 · answer #6 · answered by bobm709 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know Bill gates is married to a Catholic and has attended many a Catholic Mass. Who told you he was an Agnostic?
2006-10-10 18:55:18 · answer #7 · answered by Midge 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it makes one wonder what they all know that we don't, I believe there are many mysteries and religious secrets out there that we will never be told, so we just hope that what we believe as Christians to be true.
2006-10-10 18:41:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would watch based on the movie itself. I don't watch the Simpson's because of the content and how horrible it is. I care what others believe because if there is a chance that I can save them from an eternity in hell, I will do it. God Bless you!
2006-10-10 18:35:58 · answer #9 · answered by lilmama 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
all people can be respected for their accomplishments,it is a christian way to act, we all know not everyone believes the same so it is acceptance. i don't mind reading worldly material,music etc..... we live in this world and need to be productive and get along with other people despite what they believe or don't believe.
2006-10-10 18:37:43 · answer #10 · answered by fenian1916 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋