I am helping out at a church?

Question

I am an Atheist and I was asked to help out for a fundraiser they are holding for Homeless and drug addicted teens. I really want to help out since I was raised in a group home and I know how it feels not to have anywhere to go. The problem is one fellow has taken it upon himself to "save" me, He lectures me about Jesus Christ and God all day, I have told him that I'm fine with his religion I just do not believe in a higher power. He seems to become angry and frustrated with me and I end up being paired with someone else in the group. Everyone else is fine they are happy that I am helping, Even though he requested I be paired with someone else he still makes it clear to me that I should convert and convert NOW. I still want to help because I believe this is important, I stand out in the snow for 8-9 hours collecting money for these kids. I just need some insight as to what I may say or do to make him give me some space about the issue and physically. Thanks.

Answer 1

Good for you.

The Church should be happy to have you as a volunteer, instead they push it and instead of being grateful, try to convert you.

There are plenty of non denominational charities that you can help out, and your soul won't be in danger.

Answer 2

Unfortunately with some of this die hard so called christians miss the point of Christianity or being Christ like. First a good argument is that no where in the Bible does it indicate that Christ or his disciples used forced or high pressure to win converts.
Then I would consult with the leader/coordinator/pastor of the group. Explain your position and that this so called "Christian" is potentially robbing the group of a good worker to help with these teens.
When a person is drowning or sinking in quick sand and someone throws them a life line I guarantee you that the religious belief is the last thing on their mind. There is not a question asked of what religion are you or are you "Saved"
Really at that point it is unimportant. But as a result the large but quite act could (and often) result in that person reevaluation life and potential becoming a convert or more important another convert to the HUMANE side of humanity.
If that fails, either find another group (non-denominational) or even do what you can on a personal/individual basis. But don't give up on being a caring humane human being.
Please forgive my unseen tears and my offer of highest respect and please accept the Blessings the Higher Power will return to you for your compassion.

Answer 3

The good work you are doing in league with your neighbors of faith is far more important than this person's apparent need for all the world to think as he does. Stand by your guns and show these Christians how hard an atheist can work in a good cause. You can't make others act the way you want them to, but you can set a good example of how people should act. Don't let him get under your skin. Concentrate on what's important, and always answer him calmly, "There are many belief systems in this world. You have yours and I have mine. We both believe this is a good cause. We don't have to be exactly the same to work together in a worthy cause. Let's do some good."

Answer 4

First I must say , your question is written with so much kindness & even concern for the other person that is telling you about Christ, thank you! Most non-beliveres would be hateful & say very mean things if that happened to them. I am sorry if this has caused you any stress, it's sounds like he is alittle bit to forceful in his zeal to share his faith with you. Most Christians feel such a passion to win people to Christ that they don't know when to back off & just be your friend and then pray for you. Let this person know that you appreciate his wanting you to accept Jesus, but if and when you do, your just not ready , but if you have any questions, ask him if he would be available. It will make him feel he did what he could, and maybe he will tone it down a bit.

Answer 5

For some people, social work at churches is JUST another way of converting new followers. People like this guy do not give a damn about the social work you're doing. He thinks that's just a trap to catch unbelievers (both those who collaborate, and those who receive the help, in exchange for a conversion). I would simply rush away from that church. There are non-religious institutions that do the same kind of work, and they really do it FOR the help they're giving.

Answer 6

I'm really glad you are taking the time to help out with this cause, and sticking with it despite the harrassment of one insecure member. Good for you!

Your pestering co-worker is an insecure person. I would guess that by "winning you over" he thinks he will have "impressed" God somehow, as if that is supposed to be one of our goals as believers. He doesn't understand the difference between "sharing" and "haranguing". Metaphorically, it can be likened to offering somebody a piece of bread, or shoving it down their throat!

If he hasn't responded to your polite refusals to "convert" or listen to one of his lectures, you may have to become more direct, and in front of witnesses.

"NO. GO AWAY AND LEAVE ME ALONE!! YOU CANNOT FORCE ME TO BELIEVE AS YOU DO!! THE MORE YOU TRY TO SHOVE YOUR BELIEFS DOWN MY THROAT, THE MORE YOU PUSH ME AWAY FROM YOUR SO-CALLED GOD!! I CAME HERE TO HELP SOME KIDS, NOT TO HAVE YOU LECTURE ME ALL DAY!!"

Sad to say, some people just don't understand things until they are said like that. I'm sorry your experience with this "believer" has been so negative. I hope you know we aren't all like that.

Peace to you. I hope you find the real evidence of God someday.

Answer 7

I'm agnostic you can still do good for people even with the church . i like to see the church helping people . most preacher live in million dollar homes dive 50.000 dollar cars . while homeless are sleeping at the doors of the church . as for the guy preaching god to you preach back at him . the bible is false. best fiction i ever read . funny how all the prophets wrote they're own parts of the bible when they where all illiterate. funny how the bible says the earth is a certain age and we find all the dinosaur's

Answer 8

Since he cannot stop I suggest you find another group helping the same groups. A lot of churches have a special day of the month when they help. The Unitarians will not hassle you to convert. Neither will the Quakers.

Answer 9

Simple, but not easy. Tell him that your keeping an open mind and that if you choose to convert you'll let him know, but you need some space. Spirituality needs no religion. You are doing the right thing and you know it. Love and let live. People who feel the need to lecture others are only trying to convince themselves!

Answer 10

I am not trying to insult you at all, as even tho we are opposites (I love God, & u don't) you sound like a good doobie. But if I was u, there is a passage in the bible that says that fools won't listen to the truth. The same analogy pairs with don't cast good meat to dogs, but what is left. (i'm not trying to insult u but give u advice to get him to leave u alone), that words of wisdom shouldn't be wasted on fools. Then say, "I may not believe in God, but I DO believe in humanity, & helping those in need. NOW DO U WANT ME TO HELP OR NOT? Leave me alone, you know, how I leave your beliefs alone!"